Eco-Lodges and Conservation Stays

P2A
Jan 15
2 min read

By Passport to Africa

These lodges are situated in stunning locations not just by chance, but as a result of their surroundings. Each property featured here actively contributes to the conservation of land, wildlife, and local communities, employing tourism as a means for enduring preservation rather than short-term profit. We have prioritized properties that:

Fund or operate wildlife protection programs
Support community ownership or long-term partnerships
Maintain low guest density and minimal environmental footprint
Demonstrate transparency in how tourism revenue is used

Featured Conservation-Driven Properties

Wolwedans

Wolwedans, located in the heart of NamibRand Nature Reserve, is more than a collection of camps. It is a benchmark for desert conservation tourism. Wolwedans played a key role in creating the 200,000-hectare NamibRand Nature Reserve and functions completely off-grid. The income generated is used for land restoration, scientific research, and a foundation dedicated to sustainable livelihoods in one of the oldest deserts on the planet.

Conservation focus: Desert ecosystems and land rehabilitation

What makes it distinct: Tourism-driven private reserve creation

Borana Lodge

Located on a 32,000-acre conservancy owned by the local community, Borana Lodge plays a key role in one of Kenya's most successful black rhino recovery programs. Revenue from tourism supports anti-poaching units, ranger training, and community education initiatives.

Conservation focus: Rhino protection and community conservancy model

What makes it distinct: Community-owned land with shared tourism revenue

Wilderness Bisate

Rwanda's acclaimed eco-chic rainforest lodge is set in a stunning volcanic landscape. Every guest contributes to Bisate’s efforts in biodiversity conservation and community projects, significantly impacting the iconic endangered mountain gorilla. Bisate directs substantial funding towards habitat restoration and community initiatives around Volcanoes National Park. Its reforestation efforts have successfully restored extensive areas of degraded land.

Conservation focus: Gorilla protection, forest regeneration

What makes it distinct: High-value tourism supporting large-scale conservation

Tswalu Tarkuni

Situated within South Africa’s largest private reserve, Tswalu, beneath the Korannaberg mountains, Tarkuni is a private homestead available for exclusive use. Tswalu is primarily a conservation initiative with goals aimed at the past, present, and future of the southern Kalahari. These include restoring the natural environment, reestablishing and protecting biodiversity, and preserving the Kalahari’s unique ecological processes. Visitor numbers are strictly limited to minimize ecological impact across the reserve.

Conservation focus: Habitat restoration, species research

What makes it distinct: Ultra-low density tourism across a vast landscape

Nimali Serengeti

Nimali functions within protected wilderness areas and supports local education, healthcare, and conservation training through its foundation. Nimali is designed to be eco-friendly, minimizing its negative impact on the surrounding ecosystems. They operate entirely on solar energy, enforce a strict no-plastic policy, and use filtered water in refillable bottles. They prioritize recycling, transporting waste from the lodges to an innovative recycling program in Arusha.

Conservation focus: Wildlife protection, community development

What makes it distinct: Strong balance between guest experience and local impact