At Original Travel, we often have the ‘conservation conversation’ about how tourism and conservation are inextricably linked. Sadly, we’re all too familiar with the impact of climate change on animal extinction. We know that it can be tricky to know where to begin when travelling responsibly and that 'doing our bit' can look different to different people. So, if you’re wondering how to support wildlife conservation on your next holiday, we’ve compiled a few of our favourite ways to contribute, in places where you can make a real impact and help make animal extinction, well, extinct.
27th September 2024 - Conservation
Deep in Kenya’s Namunyak Conservancy is where you’ll find the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Founded in 2017, the Samburu community-owned sanctuary has quickly established itself as a widely recognised and expanding grassroots movement with plenty of success stories. Our Africa specialist, Jamie, had the opportunity to witness their work first-hand and came back so impressed that she believes every trip to the northern reaches of Kenya should feature a visit to Reteti from now on.
12th June 2024 - Kenya Conservation
At Original Travel, we spend a lot of time discussing our part in the great sustainability and tourismdebate, particularly regarding conservation. As champions of responsible travel, we go beyond providing exceptional experiences to actively promote a positive balance between human interests and the preservation of the natural world. Here's a quick summary of our current thinking... The Big Idea Local heroes Sustainable Tourism Original Travel and Sustainable Tourism The Bottom Line The Big Idea Conservation should,
14th February 2024 - Conservation
Beks Ndlovu was a safari guide in Zimbabwe before starting African Bush Camps in 2006. Fast forward to today and the company has 18 luxury tented camps and lodges in Botswana, Zimbabwe and Zambia, all with a strong focus on conservation. The company’s Foundation has spearheaded 72 community projects across southern Africa, and by staying in their camps, you make an active contribution. 1. How did you get into guiding?
9th February 2024 - Conservation
The African savannah’s big beasts have obvious appeal, but the continent is also a birder’s paradise, home to avian species – resident, endemic and migratory - ranging from the rangy (the ostrich) to the downright bizarre (the shoebill stork) and every shape, size and colour in between. Rise with the sun for honey-hued sightings of lilac-breasted rollers in the Okavango Delta and listen to the chorus of carmine bee-eaters and yellow-billed kites as you walk through Namibia’s Caprivi Strip.
12th December 2022 - Conservation
The silence is deafening as you sit aboard a little boat with an expert naturalist in Gal Oya Valley National Park. Drifting quietly between the towering rigor mortis-like limbs of petrified trees, all eyes are trained on the dense forest that surrounds the lake and all ears listen out for the splash of a distant trunk disturbing the reservoir’s calm waters. And then you hear it. The silence is shattered by an outburst of trumpeting from the undergrowth, followed by the thundering of feet as a herd of Sri Lankan elephants appear for their morning dip.
3rd November 2022 - Sri Lanka Conservation
If sun-kissed beaches, mobs of lounging kangaroos and views that are nothing short of jaw-dropping are what draws you to Australia, then this list is for you. After two Covid-filled years, the Land Down Under has fully re-opened its borders and is welcoming travellers with open arms. With 685 national parks filling Australia’s wild and wonderful landscape, it is tricky to choose a favourite. From the spellbinding Great Barrier Reef and immense desert Outback to crystal-clear waterholes and lush rainforests,
25th April 2022 - Australia Conservation
As areas of outstanding beauty, staggering biodiversity and intriguing cultural heritage, national parks have become cornerstones for wildlife conservation, sustainability and community well-being. There are now as many as 113,000 national parks and protected areas dotted across the globe, covering a staggering 58 million square miles. Here we celebrate ten of the best national parks in the world, according to the Original Travel team.
18th April 2022 - Conservation
There is nothing more spectacular than driving over the brow of a hill or venturing around a headland and coming across a view so eye-catching that you forget to take a breath, something that happens regularly in California’s national parks. These adventure wonderlands are full to the brim with cinematic dreamscapes and endless natural diversity. Californian national parks are known and loved worldwide, making them hotspots for tourists, but with the help of our expert guides and in-country Concierges, you’ll find that there are still plenty of little hidden gems along the way.
23rd February 2022 - USA Conservation
Europe is best known for its enchanting cities, stellar sunsets and captivating culture, but did you know that the continent is also home to over 500 national parks? While you can thank us later for this handy nugget of pub quiz knowledge, Europe’s offering of isolated islets, whimsical waterfalls and proud peaks are what you should begin swotting up on. From the glassy glacial lakes and cavernous canyons of Durmitor National Park, to the sprouting pillars and conical cliffs that form Turkey’s Göreme National Park, Europe knows a thing or two about dramatic topography.
16th February 2022 - Conservation
Nothing gets your adrenaline pumping like the sound of hippos honking in a nearby river or the roar of a distant lion as you wake up with the sun flooding into camp. The national parks of Kenya are full to the brim with cinematic landscapes and endlessly fascinating wildlife. Rest your head in stunning safari lodges within the golden grasslands of the Maasai Mara, or venture to the coast for a magical marine safari in Malindi and witness dolphins dashing around in the wake of your boat.
26th January 2022 - Kenya Conservation
Sick of endless Black Friday emails, ads and pop-ups? Ticked off as to why the UK has even picked up this Thanksgiving-specific consumer culture from our American friends in the first place? Us too. That's why we're boycotting Black Friday and celebrating Green Friday instead. In short, Green Friday is an alternative date for the diary for those wanting to ditch the consumerism and, instead, focus on how we can protect our planet.
25th November 2021 - Conservation
The emotional impact the African landscape has on visitors is second to none. Fly to some of the best national parks in Tanzania to see the vast landscapes, abundant wildlife and diverse colours for yourself. The Serengeti Ngorongoro Crater Lake Manyara Tarangire National Park Arusha National Park Kilimanjaro National Park The Selous Game Reserve Ruaha National Park 1 The Serengeti Unmissable: endless Savannah, four million wild animals.
30th June 2021 - Tanzania Conservation
Last year, one of our Africa experts, Matt Shock, was lucky enough to escape the UK and get away to the wilds of Zimbabwe for an exciting adventure exploring the vast wilderness of Hwange National Park in the west of the country. During the trip, he enjoyed an unforgettable adventure with Imvelo Safaris, whose aim is to support the area's local communities, land and wildlife. Read on to find out more about his trip and gain an insight into the importance of sustainable tourism in Africa.
28th June 2021 - Conservation
Sometimes we need to take a step back and just remember we have no greater right to be here than any other animal - David Attenborough. No truer words, David. No truer words. And while the whole planet could benefit from subscribing to that school of thought, Africa particularly springs to mind when thinking about the need to conserve precious wildlife and ecologies. And to celebrate their achievements, here are five of our favourite wildlife conservation projects that you can get involved with during your African safari.
28th June 2021 - Conservation
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
