What is the value of a visitor? Across Africa the simple presence of people in safari destinations deters illegal activity and almost every antipoaching effort is funded either directly or indirectly by tourism. Safari operators bring clinics and schools to underserviced regions as well as employment. In communities where as many as 10 people are dependent on one salaried family member, tourism is a life blood.

The global lockdown has ceased all tourism activity. Camps are empty, game viewing vehicles sit motionless and the majority of staff have been sent home. Our operators are continuing to pay their crews where they can but financial reserves will not last indefinitely and there is no government assistance.

The removal of tourism and its associated employment creates a perfect storm of impoverished communities and vulnerable wildlife. Within weeks forests will be felled for firewood; cultivation and grazing will spill into protected areas; antipoaching teams will stand down and desperate people will turn to bushmeat to feed their families. This is not poaching on a commercial scale, it is survival.

We’re sorry to bring you these tales of woe but we felt it was important to share the reality of a continent suffering at the hands of a pandemic which has barely touched its shores.

‘How can we help?’ we hear you cry.

Firstly, if you have a trip planned, please postpone, don’t cancel. Secondly, we’ve identified a handful of schemes and projects which are making a huge difference and if you feel you would like to help, any assistance would be gratefully received by the teams on the ground. Remember that in these regions a little goes a very long way.

Thank you for your kindness.

Take care and stay safe.

Safari destinations are battling the perfect storm.

Here’s how you can help…