Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
WILDeconomy Masterclass
With African Leadership University
In partnership with African Leadership University
Welcome to your journey
We can't wait to share this experience with you!
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
From Joss Kent
&Beyond’s Executive Chairman & CEO
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.
Ecotourism
What is the role of ecotourism in the post-COVID world?
Wildlife ranching
Should we be valuing wildlife, and why?
Hunting
To hunt or not to hunt: is that the question we should ask?
Forest products
What and where do these fit into the wildlife economy and conservation?
Carbon market
Is carbon THE solution? And if so, what is the problem?
&Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
Serengeti National Park
&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp
Masai Mara National Reserve
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.
You will be travelling in vehicles and aircraft with limited space
Luggage is required to be packed in a soft bag weighing a maximum of 15KG (33 LBS) which includes hand luggage and camera equipment
Type of luggage & dimensions
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 Economy defined
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.
Hosted by
Dr Susan Snyman
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.
Your journey at a glance
This East Africa adventure sets out with the aim to unpack how your wildlife safari ultimately fits into the bigger wildlife economy picture and specifically sustainable tourism.
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
Read More
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:
- What is the role and contribution of the wildlife economy in Africa?
- What are the main wildlife economy activities and how can they work together to build resilience?
- What is needed to build sustainable wildlife economies and to further unlock the potential of the wildlife economy in Africa?
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.
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1
Serengeti National Park
- Today, we welcome you to the Serengeti in beautiful Tanzania
- Upon your arrival at &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, you will be met by one of our friendly lodge staff members who will show you to your room while providing you with all the necessary information for your stay over the next three nights
- Once settled in, sit down to a delectable lunch at the lodge prepared by our talented chefs, where you’ll also be able to meet the rest of your group
- After lunch, head out on an afternoon with your fellow masterclass members, getting to know each other as you begin to unpack what the next couple days will entail
- Take in the magnificent expanse as you share a sundowner in the bush
- Enjoy a dinner and briefing with your host, Dr Snyman (Director of Research at the ALU’s School of Wildlife Conservation)
- Understand the next day’s topics and discussions working through the masterclass workbook and relevant questions
The day’s topics and discussions
Introduction to ecotourism and wildlife ranching
- Ecotourism includes non-consumptive tourism related to nature and wildlife. Relevant questions include:
- What is the role of ecotourism in the post-COVID world?
- How do we build greater resilience in the ecotourism sector going forward?
- Where does your safari fit into the bigger picture and what else is important?
- Is ecotourism non-consumptive?
- Where does regenerative tourism fit into the wildlife economy?
- Wildlife ranching includes the breeding of wild and indigenous animals for hunting, game meat, products and other uses. Relevant questions include:
- Should we be valuing wildlife? And if so, why?
- Could wildlife ranching help to address the illegal bush-meat crisis in Africa
Day 2
Serengeti National Park
- After a relaxing night’s rest, tuck into a delicious breakfast before heading out on your day-visit to Lake Victoria, enjoying a safari game drive en route to the exit gate of the Serengeti
- Situated 50 km from &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge, along the eastern shore of Lake Victoria, is the Lukungu community. It is here you will spend your day learning more about the remote fishing village’s way of life as well as the work of Africa Foundation, &Beyond’s long-standing community and conservation development partner in the area.
- Interact with the local villagers, engage with the village fishermen understanding the importance of fishing, learn how to forage for native ingredients, and visit a traditional doctor to understand more about medicinal plants and remedies in the region
- Enjoy a traditional lunch in the community made from local produce
- Back at the lodge, spend your afternoon debriefing from your day’s adventure going through your masterclass notes and workbook while chatting to fellow masterclass members
- Enjoy sundowners on the lodge’s incredible deck overlooking hippo pods in the river before another delicious al fresco dinner
The day’s topics and discussions
Introduction to hunting
- Hunting includes trophy hunting, game meat hunting, as well as some aspects of fishing, such as artisanal, small-scale and recreational fishing. Relevant questions include:
- To hunt or not to hunt: is that the question we should be asking?
- Who should decide on whether a country allows hunting or not?
- What are the different types of hunting and how do they differ in terms of economic, social and conservation impact?
Day 3
Serengeti National Park
- Start your day with an early-morning safari game drive followed by a delightful bush breakfast and discussion session
- Return to the lodge in the late morning to spend time decompressing; thinking about the last two days’ events and wildlife economy content
- Following afternoon tea at the lodge, choose between heading out for an afternoon guided nature walk (at an additional cost) or game drive where you’ll come to understand more of your natural surrounds, the ecosystem of the Serengeti, and that everything is interconnected
- Back at the lodge after a quick freshen up, settle down to a cocktail before dinner with your fellow masterclass members to continue your coursework discussions around Grumeti’s mesmerising firepit
The day’s topics and discussions
Introduction to forest products
- Forest products includes other consumptive uses including forest products used commercially and for subsistence purposes. Relevant questions include:
- What are forest products and where do they fit in to the wildlife economy and conservation in Africa?
- Is it important to see the wood for the trees?
Day 4
Masai Mara National Reserve
- Following breakfast today, leave Tanzania’s Serengeti and depart for &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp in Kenya
- Welcome to the awe-inspiring Masai Mara National Reserve – home to some of the richest Big Five sightings on the planet
- After a scrumptious lunch, head out for an afternoon safari game drive
- That evening, back at the lodge, take some time to discuss with your fellow masterclass members the various policies and differences between Tanzania and Kenya while enjoying dinner together
The day’s topics and discussions
Introduction to the carbon market
- The carbon market includes income-generating, carbon reduction frameworks such as REDD+, and other mechanisms that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve/preserve natural systems of carbon. Relevant questions include:
- Is carbon THE solution? And if so, what is the problem?
Day 5
Masai Mara National Reserve
- After a wholesome Kenyan breakfast, it’s time to head out for the day
- Explore the magical Nyekweri Forest for the morning, visiting a Maasai manyatta (a Maasai settlement) en route
- The Nyekweri Forest is a unique sub-ecosystem that helps to support the Masai Mara ecosystem and beyond
- While you tuck into a packed lunch in the forest masterclass discussions will continue amongst the group before heading back to the lodge to enjoy your last evening together
- After a full day of wildlife economy debates and immersions, enjoy a memorable farewell dinner at the lodge, complete with a unforgettable performance by traditional Maasai warriors
The day’s topics and discussions
The wildlife economy
- Today’s discussion takes a look at the wildlife economy as a whole, reflecting on all that you have learnt and debated over the last couple days. Is there anything else you’d like discuss? Do you have any other questions you’d like to unpack?
- How do we unlock Africa’s wildlife economy?
Day 6
Masai Mara National Reserve
- Enjoy a final early-morning safari game drive
- Following breakfast, you have the option of a short bush walk before your departure.
- Time to wave a fond farewell to Kenya and your fellow Masterclass members
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