Serengeti National Park, Tanzania | Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
WILDeconomy Masterclass – East Africa
With African Leadership University
In partnership with African Leadership University
Uncover how your safari fits into the big picture on this interactive and engaging 7-day educational journey.
How can wildlife contribute just as much as other resources – like human capital, oil and gas – to Africa’s economy? And, consequently, to the protection and conservation of its natural assets?
This collaborative itinerary has been created to answer these fundamental questions, and to showcase African Leadership University’s new thought leadership that holds the promise of solutions.
Masterclass topics
Amongst other topics, this WILDeconomy Masterclass will ultimately unpack the role and contribution of the wildlife economy in Africa. Tapping into research conducted by African Leadership University, this immersive itinerary will revolve around five key economic activities:
Ecotourism
Read more
What is the role of ecotourism in the post-COVID world?
This topic includes non-consumptive tourism related to nature and wildlife
Wildlife ranching
Read more
Should we be valuing wildlife, and why?
This topic includes the breeding of wild and indigenous animals for hunting, game meat, products and other uses
Hunting
Read more
To hunt or not to hunt: is that the question we should asking?
This topic includes trophy hunting, game meat hunting, as well as some aspects of fishing, such as artisanal, small-scale and recreational fishing
Forest products
Read more
What are forest products and where do they fit in to the wildlife economy and conservation in Africa?
This topic includes other consumptive uses including forest products used commercially and for subsistence purposes
Carbon market
Read more
Is carbon THE solution? And if so, what is the problem?
This topic 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
Hosted by
Richard Vigne
Kenya-born Richard Vigne, Executive Director of African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation, is a conservation practitioner and land-use consultant with over 20 years experience in Africa.
Richard founded and developed the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya: East Africa’s largest sanctuary for black rhinos, with close to 1 000 employees. This Conservancy pioneered the successful integration of a profitable livestock operation with conservation, community development and tourism.
Richard’s UK university qualifications include a Masters in Management for Agriculture (Cranfield), and a first degree in Zoology (Newcastle). He’s a keen fisherman and scuba diver, and is fluent in Swahili.
The Wildlife Economy defined
‘Wildlife’ includes indigenous, undomesticated terrestrial, freshwater, and marine animals, plants, and other life forms.
The wildlife economy uses wildlife, 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.
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.
Led by Richard Vigne and his team, 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.
1 night Arusha | 3 nights Serengeti National Park | 2 nights Masai Mara National Reserve
*A seat on this journey includes a donation contribution of USD 150 per person to the ALU Internship Fund. Each student is required to complete at least 3 months of internship each year as part of the ALU ‘learning by doing’ model.
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.
TAILORMAKE YOUR STAY
Talk to one of our travel specialists to tailormake your stay to any of our destinations
A taste of what to expect…
Day 1
Arusha
- Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a member of the andBeyond team who will transfer you by road to Arusha Coffee Lodge
- The aptly named Arusha Coffee Lodge lies hidden amongst the sprawling grounds of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation, set below the rugged peaks of Mt Meru
- The charming town of Arusha is renowned as the safari capital of Tanzania and offers a plethora of attractions and adventures
- Take a stroll through one of the oldest coffee plantations in Tanzania – a wonderful experience
- Enjoy a dinner and briefing with your host, Richard Vigne (Executive Director of African Leadership University’s School of Wildlife Conservation)
Day 2
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
- 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 3
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 4
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 5
Masai Mara National Reserve
- Today is your last day in Tanzania’s Serengeti
- You have the option of joining one last early-morning safari game drive before enjoying your final &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge breakfast and departing 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 taking in the incredible Oloololo escarpment and sweeping plains
- 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 6
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 7
Depart Masai Mara National Reserve
- Today is your final morning
- Enjoy your last breakfast at the lodge before waving a fond farewell to Kenya and your fellow masterclass members
Rates
What's included
- *A USD 150 per person donation to the ALU Internship Fund. Each student is required to complete at least 3 months of internship each year as part of the ALU ‘learning by doing’ model.
- Accommodation inclusions as per itinerary above
- Dinner at The Bistro or The Grill Room while staying at Arusha Coffee Lodge hosted by Richard Vigne
- Meals as specified
- Soft drinks, house wine, local brand spirits, local beer, teas and coffees (premium brands to own account) at andBeyond Lodges
- Laundry at &Beyond Lodges
- All scheduled road transfers:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport / Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Arusha Coffee Lodge / Arusha Airport
- Wilson Airport / Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
- All scheduled air transfers:
- Arusha Airport / &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
- &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge / Kilimanjaro International Airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport / Wilson Airport
- Wilson Airport / Masai Mara (&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp)
- Masai Mara (&Beyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp ) / Wilson
- Park fees and concession fees
- Tanzania Tourism Development Levy
- Lake Victoria Day Trip at &Beyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge
- Masai Village Visit at &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Masai Mara Tented Camp
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- Administration fee
What's not included
- Meals, drinks and laundry not specified in the itinerary or as outlined in the Includes
- Premium brand drinks, champagne, cognacs, cellar wines, cigars and cigarettes
- Gratuities and any items of a personal nature
- Flights and transfers not specified
- National parks and concession fees not specified
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees (please be sure to check if visas are required)
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners
Conditions
- Rates are quoted on a per person sharing basis
- Accommodation for overnight in Arusha might change due to availability of Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Cost is based on minimum of 6 guests and with a maximum of 18 guests
- The departure is subject to a minimum of 6 guests booked by 1 March 2024
- Single traveller supplement and child rates will be quoted on request
- Due to the nature of the itinerary, the minimum age for children allowed will be 16 years
- Flight rates are subject to change
- andBeyond may need to pass on cancellation/amendment costs once bookings including the flight offer have been confirmed
- Validity periods are as specified above
- The rates quoted are subject to change without prior warning if there are any increases in park fees, ROE, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in the countries featured in this quote
- Flights may be subject to minimum guest requirements to confirm flight operation. Where applicable these will be advised and package rate will be recalculated
- Flights between Kenya and Tanzania may be routed via Tarime and Migori and will be confirmed at time of booking
- &Beyond Trading Terms apply
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