Conservation tourism: Why it's needed more than ever
Conservation is humanity caring for the future
Habitats are constantly evolving, but while Earth’s ecosystems can withstand natural change, human interferences – including when on holiday – often leave a devastating or irreversible impact on the environment. Linking conservation and tourism is key for sustainability.
Embracing a conscientious approach towards travel will help make safaris possible for decades to come.
At least one rhino is killed every day for poaching
Source: International Rhino Foundation, 2023
Why we need conservation tourism more than ever
Over the years, mass tourism has done damage. People approach the planet’s wonders as heavy-footed visitors and inconsiderate spectators, overwhelming nature in our numbers.
Over 1.4 billion tourists are arriving at their destination every year. That’s 45 arrivals every second, putting strain on local water resources, animals and the environment, and encouraging the displacement of locals.
In countries like South Africa, safari rangers sometimes feel so pressured to ensure their guests see ‘the big five’ (lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and African buffalos) that they will intrude deeper into the natural bush than permitted, unsettling the animals and habitat as they do so.
Often photographers, eager for the perfect shot, will encroach on an animal’s space or tread over natural landscape, leaving irreversible damage behind, or use calls to lure animals out of their safe habitats only to be more visible to prey – the opposite of what we consider ethical photography.
Let’s remember that humans form part of the natural world. We’ve always co-existed with animals and the wilderness, and we have a right to seek reconnection with nature. However, this must be done in a considered and ethical manner.
Aperture Travel’s ethical safari experiences facilitate a reconnection with nature that will invigorate the soul, inspire imagination and leave a positive impact.
Our safaris contribute to conservation and communities
Aperture Travel’s safari experiences are created with respect for wildlife and local communities, and a portion of every sale goes to urgent conservation efforts in South Africa.
Our guests have the opportunity to actively contribute toward conservation efforts by engaging in a conservation activity on their trip. Proceeds go to veterinarians, environmentalists, and/or local community organizations.
Activity examples
Rhino horn trimming to prevent poaching
Turtle nesting and breeding projects
Pangolin research experiences
Tree planting
Animal relocation to restore ecosystems
Ear notching and tracking
Catch-and-release fishing
By adding a conservation experience to your safari, you’ll experience something different to a commercial tour. Something special. And you’ll go home knowing you’ve helped make positive change.
That’s something to be proud of.
Learn more about our
conservation experiences and conservation-focused luxury safaris.
Pangolins remain the world's most trafficked mammal as of 2023
Source: University of Oxford, 2023
Using tourism
to raise funds for good
We ensure that much-needed funds get into the hands of the organisations who need it. We have a built-in donation from every trip that is shared with our conservation partners.
When you book with Aperture Travel, you help contribute to a brighter future for people, wildlife and planet through conservation and impact-focused travel.
We need conservation champions like you.
Discover one of our passion projects: saving pangolins!
Between 2014 and 2021, an estimated 8.5 million pangolins were removed from the wild in West and Central Africa, primarily for illegal trade, according to the University of Oxford.
Watch Tayla McCurdy, one of our founders, in an episode of Brave Wilderness that focuses on saving the most trafficked animal in the world: the pangolin.
