Munywana Conservancy, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
WILDeconomy Masterclass – South 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 5-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
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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 & fishing
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 incorporates 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
Dr Sue Snyman
Director of Research at the ALU’s School of Wildlife Conservation, Dr Sue 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 was vice-chair of the IUCN WCPA Tourism and Protected Areas Specialist (TAPAS) Group and coordinator of the Communities and Heritage Working Group within TAPAS for eight years. She also recently managed the Biodiversity and Protected Areas Management Programme for IUCN in 24 African countries.
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 adventure in South Africa 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 Dr Snyman and her 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.
5 days, 4 nights | &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge | Munywana Conservancy, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
*A seat on this journey includes a donation contribution of ZAR 3 000 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 5-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 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 | 02 March 2025
Arrival &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
- Upon arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, an &Beyond representative will assist you onto your flight to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve via Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport
- At the Phinda airstrip, you will be met by your hosts and &Beyond team members; your 45-minute transfer to the lodge will take you through the pristine surrounds of the reserve
- Following a warm welcome at the lodge, and some time to settle in, enjoy your first afternoon game drive with your Masterclass group
- Your evening will include an introduction and briefing by Dr Sue Snyman, Director of Research at the ALU’s School of Wildlife Conservation, and Joss Kent, &Beyond Executive Chairman & CEO
- Savour your first dinner amidst the lodge’s picturesque surrounds
Day 2 | 03 March 2025
Local communities & Munywana Conservancy
- Tuck into a delicious breakfast before heading out for a day visit to the local communities
- This insightful and privately-guided excursion will include both current and historic community-led projects
- Visit a community site where endangered pepper-bark saplings Warburgia salutaris, widely used in traditional medicine, showcase the power of this shared-value conservation and community programme
- Enjoy a packed lunch enroute, before some quiet time back at the lodge
- A member of the andBeyond Conservation Team will join you on your late-afternoon game drive to give you a first-hand view of the tracking devices used to actively monitor and protect the reserve’s endangered species
The day’s topics and discussions
The role of Ecotourism, and an introduction to Forest products
- Ecotourism includes non-consumptive tourism related to nature and wildlife.
Some relevant questions:
-
- 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?
- Forest products – which include, amongst others, edible insects, edible plants, medicinal plants and apiculture products – are largely not included in official reporting, due their trade being informal and often unregulated.
Day 3 | 04 March 2025
Sand Forest, Munywana Conservancy
- After breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity of a morning e-bike ride through the rare Sand Forest
- Look out for the elusive narina trogon and tree-orchid species found within the forest’s shaded canopy
- Discover a hidden world of medicinal plants, and their intrinsic value to the Wildlife Economy
- On your afternoon game drive, explore the conservation strategies of translocations and range expansion, and their relation to Wildlife ranching
- The rare option of an afternoon rhino dehorning / notching conservation experience is available at an additional cost; pre-booking required by end December 2024
- In the evening, infra-red camera technology will take your after-dark safari experience to another level of engagement. This “Night Eye Safari” is a joint business venture with local communities
The day’s topics and discussions
Forest products, and an introduction to Wildlife ranching
- Forest products incorporates other consumptive uses including forest products used commercially and for subsistence purposes.
Some relevant questions:
- 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?
- Wildlife ranching includes the breeding of wild and indigenous animals for hunting, game meat, products and other uses.
Some relevant questions:
- Should we be valuing wildlife? And if so, why?
- Could wildlife ranching help to address the illegal bush-meat crisis in Africa
Day 4 | 05 March 2025
Munywana Conservancy
- Discover what criteria would be applied to a section of habitat to assess its carbon potential and ecological status; and what best-management practices are needed to maintain its optimal condition
- On your last evening game drive, enjoy time on the Munywana floodplain: an expansive area highlighting the connectivity with the greater ecosystem of the iSimangaliso Wetlands
- A member of our Conservation Team will join you; share new insights on what is needed to actively manage a protected reserve like the Munywana Conservancy
- Dinner will be a special occasion to celebrate your Masterclass journey
The day’s topics and discussions
The Carbon market, and an exploratory discussion around Hunting & fishing
- 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?
- Hunting & fishing includes trophy hunting, game meat hunting, as well as some aspects of fishing, such as artisanal, small-scale and recreational fishing.
Some relevant questions:
-
- 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 5 | 06 March 2025
Departure &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge
- Savour your last (for now) &Beyond Phinda Forest Lodge breakfast, before bidding everyone farewell
- Make sure you have your personal Masterclass workbook which will now be filled with your journal entries; every page will be a rich reminder of your journey
- Keep a look out for wildlife sightings as you are transferred to the airstrip for your return flight to OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg
Rates
Per person sharing for 4 nights and 5 days
Our treat! Discount on return flights from OR Tambo International Airport to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve.
What's included
- Welcome and assistance service at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg
- All scheduled flights:
- OR Tambo International Airport to &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve and vice versa
- All road transfers: Phinda airstrip to lodge Lodge to Phinda airstrip
- Twin / single accommodation
- Meals as specified above
- Soft drinks, house wine, local brand spirits, local beer, teas and coffees (premium brands to own account)
- Laundry
- Game viewing activities as offered by the lodges
- Munywana Conservation fee
- Airport taxes and fuel surcharge
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance
- *A seat on this journey includes a donation contribution of ZAR 3 000 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.
- Administration fee
What's not included
- Travel Insurance - should you be interested we can introduce you to our recommended partners
Conditions
- Rates are quoted on a per person sharing basis, based on a minimum 6 guests travelling. Additional supplements will apply if less than 6 guests travel.
- Single Supplement: Phinda Forest Lodge 11 Jan - 30 Apr: A single supplement of 50% is only charged from the third single room per booking.
- Fly Me to Phinda Offer: Stay for 3 nights at Phinda Forest and we’ll offer a discount to fly you there & back on Airlink flights Does not apply to groups of 12 or more guests Minimum of 2 guests Excludes the Family Suite Only valid for full-paying adult guests and may not be combined with other offers. However, additional nights may be added by using our applicable long-stay rates.
- Single traveller supplement and child rates will be quoted on request.
- Only valid for full-paying adult guests and may not be combined with other offers. However, additional nights may be added by using our applicable long-stay rates.
- Flight rates are subject to change.
- All flights route through Nelspruit.
- &Beyond may need to pass on cancellation/amendment costs once bookings including the flight offer have been confirmed
- Validity periods are as specified above; should a booking fall over two rate periods the rate will change and we reserve the right to re-quote.
- The rates quoted are subject to change without warning if there are any increases in bed levies, park fees, fuel, sales tax or VAT, third-party services or any other circumstances beyond our control in South Africa. &Beyond trading terms apply.
Stay here on this journey
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