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Living Conservation

This has never been just about business.
It’s about using travel as a force for good—promoting ethical tourism, raising awareness, and playing a small part in protecting our wildlife and preserving the landscapes that shape our future.

A Commitment to Conservation

There has always been one species that has held my heart—lions.
From as early as I can remember, I have been drawn to them. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours in their presence, quietly observing—their power, their complexity, their undeniable presence. It is a connection that has never faded.

Safari Creators was built on a foundation of responsible, ethical travel. But over time, I felt a growing need to contribute more meaningfully—to move beyond simply sharing these wild spaces, and to actively support their protection.

Finding the right conservation partner was not something I wanted to rush. There are many remarkable initiatives doing important work, and I knew the decision had to feel deeply aligned.

That clarity came during a recent time spent in Northern Kruger, where I had the privilege of joining a lion conservationist in the field. Experiencing this work firsthand—seeing both the challenges and the dedication behind protecting these animals—left a lasting impression. In that moment, the path forward felt certain.

Safari Creators is proud to support Endangered Wildlife Trust and their vital work protecting lions from targeted poaching within the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.

For every journey booked, a contribution of $21 (R400) is made directly towards this initiative. Clients are also invited, should they wish, to contribute further—becoming part of a collective effort to ensure the future of this extraordinary species.

This is, and always will be, at the heart of what Safari Creators stands for: not only experiencing Africa’s wild places, but helping to protect them.

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The reality is undeniable—lion populations are in decline.

 

Over the past 50 years, the African lion’s historic range has reduced by nearly 75%. In just the last two decades, their population has declined by an estimated 42%. Even more concerning, only a small proportion of lions in Southern Africa remain truly free-roaming, with the majority now confined to captive environments.

Southern Africa is home to approximately 35% of the global lion population, much of which exists within protected areas such as Kruger National Park. The most recent estimates placed South Africa’s lion population at just over 9,000 individuals—a number that underscores how vulnerable this iconic species has become.

As pressures on other big cats, such as tigers, have increased, demand has shifted toward African lions. Today, they are increasingly targeted by illegal wildlife trade for bones, skins, claws, and teeth. One of the most devastating methods used is poisoning—an approach that not only kills lions, but has far-reaching consequences across entire ecosystems.

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When a poisoned carcass is left in the wild, it becomes a lethal chain reaction. Scavengers and predators including vultures, hyenas, leopards, and jackals—are often killed in large numbers. A single incident can decimate entire ecological networks. These events are increasing across the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, a critical conservation landscape spanning South Africa and Mozambique.

Urgent, coordinated action is essential.

Through its work on the ground, the Endangered Wildlife Trust is actively addressing these threats—developing rapid poison response strategies, supporting anti-poaching initiatives, strengthening law enforcement, and working to dismantle the illegal trade networks driving this crisis.

Their work is both vital and deeply inspiring—driven by a shared commitment to protect Africa’s wildlife and preserve its ecosystems for future generations.

Every journey booked through Safari Creators contributes directly to this effort.

 

Yours in travel,

Dani x

 

And for those who wish to be part of something more, there is the opportunity to support further—because meaningful travel should leave a lasting, positive impact.

Facts supplied by The Endangered Wildlife Trust: NPO Number: 015-502, PBO number: 930 001 777, Member of IUCN - The International Union for Conservation of Nature

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I have taken the 'Born to Live Wild' tourism pledge, as a personal commitment to protecting the wildlife and wild places that mean so much to me.

I pledge to:

  1. To not knowingly book or otherwise support any breeder or operator that contributes to the cycle of breeding, exploitation and senseless killing of predators. This includes all petting and ‘walking with lion’ facilities.

  2. To continue our support and promotion of the formal conservation community in their endeavours to secure the survival of Africa’s predators in the wild. Without wild lions and the rest of the predator guild extant in functioning ecosystems, there will be no African tourism industry; a calamitous situation for many economies. 

  3. To continue in our own endeavours towards wildlife conservation and economic development wherever we operate across Africa.

  4. To continue supporting an ethical and responsible interaction with Africa’s wilderness and wild animals.

  5. To continue promoting Africa as an authentic, wild and rewarding tourism destination. 

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A personal favourite
Rhino Tears Wine—where indulgence meets impact.

Sundowners at Hippo Pools, marking the end of an extraordinary day on the Mokhohlolo conservation experience within Kruger National Park.

Mokhohlolo is a conservation-focused initiative led by the SANParks Honorary Rangers, designed to raise critical funds and awareness for the protection of this iconic landscape.

An evening shared with the Rhino Tears team—where purpose and place come together beautifully.

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Conservation Journal

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