Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Those last pre-travel checks can be a spin, so please use this page to see where you’ll be staying, some guidelines on what to pack, useful luggage restriction detail, and a quick overview of some key topics that you’ll be exploring in the days to come.
Any queries or questions? Please reach out to Valeri on Valeri.Mouton@andbeyond.com
For more than 30 years, &Beyond’s business model has been based on the premise that, in order for conservation to be successful and sustainable, it has to benefit the communities that surround Africa’s wildlife reserves.
What became blatantly obvious at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, is that the resilience of conservation is compromised when we rely on a single activity, such as tourism, to drive economic benefits for communities and governments. There are in fact far more activities than simply tourism that need to be understood in order to create a successful and balanced Wildlife Economy*.
In this context, African Leadership University (ALU) School of Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Economy research, in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme Wildlife Division, has developed a set of five key focus activities for successful diversification. And it is their insights that you will explore as a participant in this curated itinerary of ALU-led participative discussions, on-the-ground experiences, and fundamental learnings.
As an organisation deeply rooted in Africa, we feel that it is our responsibility to draw awareness to this new thought leadership. With international travellers growing increasingly more concerned about sustainable travel and the economic development of the destinations that they travel to, the time is right to create the opportunity for our guests to explore the broader context of how wildlife can contribute just as much as other resources – such as human capital, oil and gas – to Africa’s economy and, by consequence, to the protection and conservation of its natural assets.
We don’t claim to have all, or even most of, the answers to the questions that this Masterclass will pose; however, it is our hope that, by stimulating discussion of these topics, we can come to a greater understanding of the economic potential of Africa’s wild places, and how the wild economy can sustainably conserve and protect these places for generations to come.
And how you, in your own sphere of influence, can become an advocate for the world of new potential within Africa’s Wildlife Economy.
Take what you need and no more. It’s a motto we live by and, when it comes to luggage, it’s even more apt. After all, you will be travelling in vehicles and aircraft with limited space and the last thing you’ll want to worry about is your onerous baggage. We’re here to help you decide what to take with you – and what to leave at home.
Luggage requirements will vary slightly between airlines – some will allow rigid frames or wheels. We recommend soft bags (with the above dimensions) but can provide specific and up-to-date luggage rules (which are often updated without notice) on request, nearer to your departure.
1. Warm ‘moisture-wicking’ clothes, including a fleece or light wool sweater and long-sleeved shirt (even in summer as protection from the sun, mosquitoes and tsetse flies)
2. Short-sleeved shirts
3. Shorts or a light skirt
4. Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
5. Lightweight water-proof jacket
6. Gloves to grip vegetation (gardening gloves work well)
7. Swim and beachwear
8. Comfortable walking shoes
9. Long and lightweight wool socks
10. Eco-friendly Sunscreen
11. Sunglasses
12. Hat for sun protection
13. Moisturiser and lip-salve are essential
14. Strong insect repellent like Mozzie Guard
15. Binoculars
16. Torch
17. Camera equipment
18. Small backpack to carry water and a packed lunch
Wildlife’ includes indigenous, undomesticated terrestrial and marine animals, plants, and other life forms.
The wildlife economy uses wildlife, indigenous plants and animals (marine and terrestrial), as an economic asset to create value that aligns with conservation objectives and delivers sustainable growth and economic development. The wildlife economy includes the sustainable utilisation of indigenous wildlife to support economic development, while still contributing to conservation. Activities within the wildlife economy may be consumptive, or non-consumptive.
Director of Research at the ALU’s School of Wildlife Conservation, Dr Susan Snyman is currently channelling her passion for the natural world and beyond by looking at the wildlife economy across Africa. Investigating ways to unlock its potential in different countries, Dr Snyman uses policy-and practice-relevant research to support her findings and decision-making. Her overall research focuses on promoting sustainable, diversified wildlife economies in Africa and encouraging investment in conservation and the related wildlife economy activities.
Previously, Dr Snyman worked as the Group Sustainability Manager for Wilderness Safaris, a private sector ecotourism operator. She is vice-chair of the IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist (TAPAS) Group and coordinator of the Communities and Heritage Working Group within TAPAS. She also recently managed the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Programme for IUCN in 24 African countries.
Get ready to dive a little deeper into the importance of the wildlife economy through a combination of interesting resources, respectful debates, and hands-on application. Learn more about the topic in relation to you and our planet as a whole.
The WILDeconomy Masterclass itinerary is perfect for wildlife-loving academics, adventure seekers and those who want to immerse themselves in real-world discussions and impactful solutions that help to leave our world a better place.
3 nights Serengeti National Park | 2 nights Masai Mara National Reserve
Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were calls for greater diversification in the wildlife economy to reduce a heavy reliance on ecotourism and to build greater resilience for local communities living in and around protected areas, government and the private sector.
This 7-day, WILDeconomy Masterclass will tackle, amongst other topics, the following key questions:
Through a series of thoughtful discussions and interactive activities, you will come to understand that conservation and development are not mutually exclusive. By unlocking and diversifying Africa’s wildlife economy, it provides benefits at a local, national and regional levels ensuring that wildlife (fauna and flora, marine and terrestrial) is seen as a key strategic asset that should be invested in.
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake you stay to any of our destinations