Our origin story

Our journey began in 1999. The same year the European Union introduced the Euro and Nelson Mandela’s presidency of South Africa came to an end. Meanwhile, our founders, Rob and Marion, were busy helping their son and his school friends find a way to spend their gap year helping out in a wildlife reserve in South Africa.

Having been keen supporters of conservation work in South Africa for many years, they soon found one of their contacts who was happy to welcome a group of young wildlife enthusiasts in exchange for some financial support. This gave Rob and Marion an idea: perhaps they could generate a constant stream of financial and practical assistance for conservation projects and facilitate amazing experiences for animal lovers. African Conservation Experience was born.

Since that first pioneering trip, we have organised thousands more for conservation travellers of all ages from all over the world. While our scope has grown considerably, our focus and ethos has not changed. We are still proudly wildlife conservation specialists. We continue to sustain the natural world by supporting ethical and ecologically important initiatives. And we retain close partnerships with a range of leading wildlife conservation projects and professionals across Southern and Eastern Africa.

Looking to the future

Conservation travel is becoming a vital force in the global sustainability movement. As travellers, many of us are becoming more aware of our environmental footprints and we’re seeking ways to spend our time and money more responsibly. At the same time, we’re looking to go beyond the role of "passive observer" and participate in vitally important activities. 

As a conservation travel organisation, we and others like us fulfil this desire by combining ecotourism with real conservation work. On an individual level, it offers travellers more purposeful experiences. But the real impact will be seen at the global level. By connecting millions more people with the natural world, conservation travel is raising action, awareness and funding to protect biodiversity.

At its very best, conservation travel will be based on powerful partnerships between local communities, conservationists and travellers. Relationships that foster long-term stewardship of the natural world and deliver positive outcomes for species, habitats and local people alike - no matter how much time and funding travellers can give.