5 Ways a Safari with Explorest Travel Supports Conservation in East Africa
Where Luxury Meets Lasting Impact
A safari is more than a journey through the wild—it’s a chance to give back to the very landscapes and wildlife that take your breath away. At Explorest Travel, we believe that travel should leave a positive legacy. That’s why every safari we curate supports vital conservation and community development efforts across East Africa. From the moment you book with us, your journey helps protect endangered species, empower local communities, and preserve the ecosystems that make this part of the world so extraordinary.
Here are five ways your safari with Explorest Travel actively contributes to meaningful change:
1. Your Booking Directly Supports Conservation Partners
At Explorest Travel, we don’t just talk about sustainability—we invest in it. A portion of every safari booking is donated to our conservation partners, including the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya and Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Samburu.
These incredible organizations are on the front lines of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and release. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is world-renowned for its orphaned elephant rescue and anti-poaching initiatives, while Reteti is the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa, focused on creating harmony between humans and wildlife.
When you travel with Explorest, your trip contributes directly to the care of orphaned elephants, the protection of critical habitats, and the education of local communities in conservation practices. This isn’t an added perk—it’s built into our business model, because we believe travel should always give back.
2. Visit Conservation Projects and See the Impact Firsthand
We don’t just send funds to our partners—we give you the opportunity to visit them in person and witness their work up close. Whether it’s feeding a baby elephant at the Sheldrick Nursery in Nairobi or watching rescued elephants thrive at Reteti, these moments aren’t just unforgettable—they’re deeply moving.
Our safaris often include thoughtfully curated visits to these sites, where travelers can:
- Learn about elephant rescue and reintegration efforts
- Meet the dedicated conservationists behind the scenes
- Understand the complexities of human-wildlife conflict and how it’s being addressed
- See firsthand how your journey is part of a much bigger story of protection and renewal
These experiences are not only educational—they create lifelong ambassadors for conservation.
3. Stay in Eco-Conscious Lodges That Give Back
Sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing luxury. Our hand-selected lodges and tented camps are proof that you can enjoy five-star comfort while supporting eco-friendly practices and community development.
Take, for example, Tarangire Elephant Springs Lodge in Tanzania. Nestled in the heart of a wildlife corridor, this stunning lodge was designed with minimal environmental impact and maximum community benefit. Locals were involved in the construction and continue to be employed in operations. The lodge uses solar energy, sources fresh ingredients from local farmers, and helps fund anti-poaching efforts in the surrounding region.
Across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, we partner with properties that prioritize:
- Renewable energy and water conservation
- Waste reduction and plastic-free policies
- Support for local artisans, guides, and suppliers
- Investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure for nearby communities
So, every night you spend under the stars is also a contribution to a brighter, greener future.
4. Support Communities That Live Alongside Wildlife
At Explorest Travel, we understand that conservation cannot succeed without community support. That’s why we prioritize experiences that directly benefit the people who call East Africa home.
Our safaris include opportunities to engage with local tribes and communities in a respectful, culturally sensitive way. Whether it’s a visit to a Maasai village in Kenya, a community-run women’s cooperative in Tanzania, or a local school supported by tourism revenue, these moments create authentic connections that enrich your travel experience and empower local people.
Many of the guides, chefs, and camp staff you'll meet on safari are from nearby towns and villages—many have trained through local empowerment programs supported by tourism. This is intentional. When communities benefit from wildlife tourism, they become active partners in protecting it.
By choosing Explorest, you help create a virtuous cycle: one where responsible tourism funds education, opportunity, and stewardship for future generations.
5. Travel with a Company That Prioritizes Purpose Over Profit
Our mission at Explorest Travel goes far beyond creating bespoke safari itineraries. We are building a model of luxury travel that is regenerative, thoughtful, and purpose-driven. For us, sustainability is not a marketing term—it’s a guiding principle.
This commitment is reflected in:
- The destinations we choose (prioritizing less-trafficked parks and private conservancies)
- The partners we support (those with measurable impact in wildlife protection and community development)
- The way we operate (transparent giving, carbon-conscious itineraries, and long-term commitments to sustainability initiatives)
We’re not perfect, and there is always more work to do. But we hold ourselves accountable and continually seek out ways to improve—to ensure that every safari we offer leaves East Africa a little better than we found it.
Your Journey Can Be a Force for Good
Travel has the power to transform—not just the traveler, but the places we visit. When you book a safari with Explorest Travel, you become part of a movement to protect Africa’s wildlife, uplift its people, and safeguard its wild places for generations to come.
So whether you're marveling at a lioness in the golden light of dawn, sharing stories around the campfire, or watching rescued elephants take their first steps toward freedom, know this: your journey matters.
Because when you travel with intention, every footprint counts.
Ready to make your safari count for more?
Let Explorest Travel curate a wildly luxurious, conservation-minded adventure tailored just for you. Reach out today to begin planning a journey that transforms both traveler and terrain.