When you hear the word ‘conservation’, what do you think? Sustainably-built lodges and the protection of endangered wildlife, perhaps? Or maybe schools being built in rural communities and the provision of education programs?
Conservation is all of those things – and more. It’s an enormous topic and there are hundreds of fascinating initiatives across the world that we could talk about for hours. But where should you go if you want to get involved, impact-fully and sensitively?
Take a look at some of our favourite, conservation-focused lodges across the world and make your next trip make a difference…
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
Eastern Cape, South Africa
A vast stretch of grasslands in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve has a deeply-rooted passion for conservation and community improvement. A portion of your stay at any of their lodges is split between the two, and there are myriad ways to get involved. Help plant spekboom (one of the top carbon-storing plants on the planet), lend your skills at the homework club in the local community, or step right into the action with a day of rhino notching — the majority of South Africa’s black rhino are found in Kwandwe.
Cardamom Tented Camp
Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia
Nestled in the lush landscape of Cambodia’s mountains, Cardamom Tented Camp quite literally began in order to help protect the area from poaching and unsustainable logging. Whilst there, you’ll have the chance to help collate images from camera traps (spot and record everything from clouded leopards to the Sunda pangolin), visit the Preak Tachan Patrol Station and assist the rangers on patrol, and in the replanting of indigenous trees.
Estancia Rincón Chico
Peninsula Valdes, Argentine Patagonia
Right on the edge of a world-renowned marine conservation area, the Estancia Rincón Chico is steadfastly dedicated to protecting this spectacular corner of the world. Managed by the Conservación Península Valdés Foundation, the lodge shines a light on their work, which includes monitoring whales, GPS collaring of seals and re-wilding projects. All experiences are dedicated to showing guests firsthand how these initiatives work — and much of the exploring is done on foot, bicycle or horseback for top-notch sustainability credentials.
KAMBA Ngaga Camp
Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of the Congo
Entirely devoted to the protection of wild spaces in Odzala-Kokoua, KAMBA (previously known as the Congo Conservation Company) has a trio of sustainably-built lodges, which play a major role in this goal. Here, communities, conservation and tourism meet, and tracking Western lowland gorillas is as much about enjoying spending time with the magnificent creatures as it is supporting the world-class research. Kamba also plays a crucial role in assisting the local communities, providing education and job opportunities for the 80,000 inhabitants in this remote area.
The Manta Resort
Pemba Island, Tanzania
After years of overfishing off Pemba Island, the Kwanini Marine Conservation Area was formed to ensure sustainable practice and protect the delicate ecosystem. A portion of your stay at the Manta Resort (and more if you choose to snorkel) goes to the Conservation Committee to support their ongoing efforts. Choose to stay in the surreal Underwater Room — quite literally a glass box beneath the waves — and you’ll get a front row seat to its success. This just happens to be one of the best scuba diving destinations in the world!
