Why Diversity Matters

We all love the word “exclusive”.  It conjures up images of access to special places, beautiful objects and a sense of being part of something special.  Unfortunately, it’s darker meaning is that of preventing others from enjoying the same access to those wonderful experiences.  The history of nature conservation is no exception.  I grew up in South Africa where only a privileged few had access to the game parks and other natural wonders of the country.  In addition, many of the people who had traditionally lived in harmony with the natural world were forced out of areas designated as game or nature “reserves”.  The very word “reserve” implies exclusion.

Evolving Diversity and Inclusion

Due to the foresight of early conservationists in South Africa in the 1950s that world slowly started to change.  Local communities were included as stake holders in conservation decision making and their extraordinary depth of understanding of the natural environment was finally recognized.  Slowly, the faces of the guides and trackers literally changed to reflect those communities.  Today, that racial diversity is expanding to management levels as well.

Sadly, the legacy of exclusion is still reflected in the faces of visitors to many safari areas and even in the industry’s marketing campaigns.  There is still a long way to go.  We are committed to being part of that change.

Accessibility

A journey into safari areas is inherently more challenging, physically, than most other travel, and especially so for people with disabilities.  Rough terrain, inaccessible camp accommodations, a lack of wheelchair ramps and safari vehicles that require the agility of a vervet monkey to clamber up to are just some of the obstacles to be surmounted.  In addition, many travel operators specifically exclude people due to age, physical disabilities or other medical conditions.  

We respectfully disagree. 

We are fortunate to partner with destinations that specialize in welcoming people with disabilities and we love to open that world to all our guests, regardless of age, disability or activity preferences.  Wheel chair accessible vehicles, hands-on sensory bush walks with trained guides and the ability to accommodate many medical devices are just some of the ways we take care of our guests.

The Big Five – Senses

See, smell, taste, touch and hear what Africa is all about. Nothing welcomes you more than when all your senses come alive the minute you arrive at your camp. From the scent of the bush, to the laugh of a hyena, the flash of color from a Lilac breasted roller, the feel of the earth beneath your feet and the taste of that welcoming, ice cold drink, Africa welcomes you home. Join Us!