31 Oct 2019

Wilderness Safaris Namibia – Pioneering Community Partnerships Since 1996

Wilderness Safaris Namibia Serra Cafema.jpg

As a founding partner in Namibia’s globally lauded conservancy movement, Wilderness Safaris Namibia has been dedicated to sustainability since the launch of Damaraland Camp, its first, in 1996. Through its successful joint ventures with surrounding communities, and its support and initiation of numerous conservation projects, Wilderness Safaris has contributed immensely towards Namibia’s ecotourism economy, while simultaneously improving the much-needed protection of biodiversity in the country’s remote regions.

Here is how Wilderness Safaris Namibia has positively contributed to the country, its people and its wildlife since 1996:

  • The company owns and runs seven world-renowned safari camps, which help to conserve 1 552 900 hectares of wilderness and protect 12 Vulnerable and Endangered IUCN species.
  • 463 staff employed, with 6.61 dependents each – impacting 3 000 people.
  • It was the first safari operator to create an equity joint venture with a rural Namibian community, which resulted in increased employment and wildlife.  Through this model, the company has successfully maintained partnerships with four Conservancies: the “Big 3” Conservancies – Anabeb, Sesfontein and Torra (as the custodian of the Palmwag Concession; Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp and Desert Rhino Camp), Torra Conservancy (Damaraland Camp), Doro !Nawas Conservancy (Doro Nawas Camp) and the Marienfluss Conservancy (Serra Cafema Camp).
    • Wilderness Safaris pays USD600 000 in annual lease fees to the four Conservancies, in addition to USD1 300 000 in annual salaries in the Conservancy areas.
    • Desert Rhino Camp, launched in 2003, is the result of a partnership with Wilderness Safaris, the “Big 3” Conservancies and Save the Rhino Trust (SRT). This pioneering conservation coalition has enabled the growth of north-west Namibia’s black rhino population and range across a swathe of community conservancies. Wilderness Safaris pays USD24 000 to the SRT each year, helping them increase their operating range and continue conserving black rhino. 
  • Wilderness Safaris Namibia pays USD50 000 in park fees each year.

Watch the latest Wilderness Safaris Namibia video here and click here for more details.