Wilderness Safaris contributes over N$3m to conservation in 2025

Wilderness Safaris has announced its highest-ever annual contribution to governments and local communities – a remarkable N$302.5 million in the 2025 financial year.This marks a 21% increase from the previous year and a milestone in the company’s 42-year history of nature-based tourism. In just the last decade, Wilderness and its guests have injected nearly N$1.7 billion into conservation and rural development across the continent.These funds directly support wildlife protection and upliftment initiatives in seven African countries: Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The payments, made to governments and local communities, are at the heart of Wilderness Safaris’ mission to ensure that Africa’s wild places deliver value to those living closest to them.“Every dollar we and our guests pay to governments and communities contributes to the conservation economy,” said Vince Shacks, Wilderness’ Group Head of Impact. “These payments give economic value to wildlife, support rural livelihoods, and help make conservation a viable, long-term solution – while allowing us to share some of the most extraordinary places on Earth with our guests.”Wilderness Safaris currently operates across 2.3 million hectares of protected wilderness. Its impact model is built around three key pillars: Educate, Empower and Protect, reflecting a deep commitment to positive, lasting change that extends far beyond tourism alone.'Privilege'“The privilege of operating in some of the world’s most pristine wilderness areas is one we don’t take lightly,” Shacks added. “But it’s the ripple effect of our work, across communities, conservation and education, that truly adds up and creates lasting value.”Beyond financial contributions, Wilderness has rolled out a range of community-focused programmes. Since launching its Children in the Wilderness initiative, the company has hosted over 8 500 children at its conservation camps, giving young people a chance to learn, grow and connect with nature.In Zimbabwe, the Ngamo Livestock Farm and Vocational Centre is a standout project, providing practical skills and economic opportunities to local people. Meanwhile in Namibia, Wilderness’ efforts have helped reduce black rhino poaching by up to 80% in the Palmwag Protected Area – a powerful example of tourism supporting real conservation outcomes.“These figures aren’t just numbers, they represent the tangible impact of a conservation tourism model that works for people and nature alike,” said Shacks. “We’re only able to make these payments and pursue these initiatives because of the incredible support from our guests, trade partners, and stakeholders. By choosing Wilderness, they contribute to something much greater: the preservation of our natural world.”Looking ahead, Wilderness Safaris is aiming to double the land it helps protect by 2030. It’s an ambitious goal, but one that aligns with the company’s wider vision – expanding Africa’s conservation economy, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and protecting wild places for generations to come.For more on Wilderness Safaris and its work across Africa, visit wildernessdestinations.com.

Wilderness Safaris contributes over N$3m to conservation in 2025

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-08

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Wilderness Safaris contributes over N$3m to conservation in 2025

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Namibian Sun 2025-08-08

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