15 Nov 2017

Wilderness Safaris remains dedicated to its on-site status for both Botswana and Namibia. 

A press release from the company says as a proud and longstanding partner of Virtuoso, it is particularly exciting for the company as it looks forward for expansion in Botswana with the imminent opening of Qorokwe Camp in December 2017 and the new Mombo re-opening at the end of February 2018 – as well as Serra Cafema Camp reopening in Namibia mid-2018. 

According to the release, Wilderness Safaris Business Unit Manager, Mr Craig Glatthaar said the company has been a committed partner of Virtuoso for many years and he reassured all their partners that they remain dedicated to their on-site status for both Botswana and Namibia. 

He said although they have not renewed their on-site status for South Africa, the company still offers full DMC services in South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The release further says Wilderness Safaris’ growth in Africa now sees them operating in eight countries, not only in southern Africa, but also in Rwanda with the recent exciting opening of Bisate Lodge near Volcanoes National Park in June 2017.  

Wilderness Safaris now operates and markets lodges and ground-handling services in Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“As we near our 35th birthday, we are also extremely proud to remain committed to our core vision and purpose: being dedicated to conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife by creating life-changing journeys and inspiring positive action”, Mr Glatthaar is quoted as saying.

The release furthermore says the company is constantly looking for ways to build further sustainable conservation economies in Africa and could not do so without the support of its partners.  

It further says the company is therefore looking forward to continue working closely with Virtuoso to ensure that they can collectively make the most impactful and sustainable difference to the continent of Africa.

The release notes that in the financial year 2017, the Wilderness Group spent P10 million directly on biodiversity conservation and participated in 52 active research and conservation projects across seven countries in partnership with the Wilderness Wildlife Trust.

It continues to say together with Children in the Wilderness (CITW), 2 706 children were supported in Eco-Clubs and 427 children were hosted on 17 annual CITW camps.

Furthermore, the company also continues to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, further investing in solar energy with 11 Wilderness Safaris camps now operating 100 per cent on solar power. BOPA