Travel with us to the ‘Green Safari’ properties and directly power the work to protect and nurture Africa’s pristine ecosystems, wildlife, and communities.
Sustainability in Zambia is our goal and to make it economically viable for pristine wild spaces. As well as the captivating wildlife within them and to remain all protected. This is made possible by you, but also by the communities. True conservation is only possible if you focus on empowering people as much as you do on directly protecting wildlife.
Green Safaris Conservation Foundation has committed to founding and supporting a multitude of projects and focuses. With an equal emphasis on Education, Sustainability, Conservation, and sustainable Community Development.
We then invite all of the guests to get their hands in the dirt beside us. To share in our promise and to nurture positive change in Africa from the ground up.
If you like to know more, here you can have a look into their annual report.
The Philosophy
Green Safaris was born out of a deep connection with Africa’s untouched wild spaces and the wildlife and communities that call them home.
This passion drives the commitment to conservation, empowerment and sustainability in every aspect of Green Safaris. We see the properties in Zambia and Malawi as a means to that end. Allowing us to offer an authentic experience for you and those you meet along the way. Each property supports at least one conservation or environment initiative and one community project.
Sustainability
From building the new camps to the first project initiated when they join existing properties, they continually seek to operate in more sustainable ways. Green Safaris is the only company in Zambia that offers Silent Safaris. Which we champion through green technology like electric boats, bikes and game drive vehicles.
Silent Safaris
Southern Africa is fortunate to enjoy plentiful sunshine throughout the year. And, it is this infinite natural resource that allows to run the Silent Safaris, which channel sunshine power through ‘green’ technology.
After developing the very first electric game drive vehicle in Zambia (the e-Cruiser), Ila Safari Lodge became the first lodge in Zambia to run silent solar-powered safaris on both land and water. Still they are the only operator in Zambia to do so.
Electric mountain bikes are used to explore the Busanga Plains from Chisa Busanga Camp. As well as at Kaya Mawa on Likoma Island. On Likoma Island, even the quad-bikes will soon harness the sun’s energy for a quiet adventure. At Shawa Luangwa Camp, they bring the signature e-Cruiser and Silent Safari experience to the South Luangwa National Park for the first time.
Most excitingly, Tongabezi Lodge has just launched the first ever electric Dhow in the world. A great option for Silent Safari cruising on the Zambezi in a hand-crafted wooden boat.
Eco Operations
Sindabezi Island Camp, Ila, Chisa Busanga and Shawa Luangwa all run completely off-grid. In fact, Sindabezi Island is on Fodor’s list of top 10 eco-lodges in Africa. On remote Likoma Island, Kaya Mawa was Malawi’s first lodge to use solar for its total electricity needs.
Sindabezi Island operates a grey-water system to minimise water wastage. Water is bottled at the lodge in metal flasks instead of plastic bottles. Wood for building and burning is sustainably sourced. And any leftover organic food is used to make nutrient-rich compost.
The gardens at Sindabezi Island’s sister lodge, Tongabezi, are glorious. The harvested fruit, vegetable and herbs are used in most meals created in our kitchen. It gets better – they are entirely organic as they make a natural insecticide and recycle leftover food into compost.
Green Building
The cornerstone of Green Safaris’ philosophy has been to develop lodges and camps in areas where eco-tourism is most needed to preserve them. All properties have been designed and built in the most sustainable way. This is to ensure they blend seamlessly into their specific habitat.
Green Safaris’ first property, Ila Safari Lodge, was built using the environmentally-friendly sandbag method. It results in longevity and natural insulation. The earth excavated during levelling was reused in the actual construction. The only cement used at the camp is in the lime render for plastering.
These building principles were used again during construction of Shawa Luangwa and Chisa Busanga. Each camp’s clever design maximising natural airflow, sunlight and shade. Like Ila, the tents are mounted on wooden decks built from locally sourced timber and fitted around existing trees in order to minimise environmental impact.
Education
It takes a community to provide good education and in our Green Safaris communities in Malawi and Zambia, everyone plays a part. From student and teacher sponsorships to school infrastructure and teacher housing development, we are building a holistic learning environment that benefits students, teachers and the broader community.
Giving children an opportunity to learn and develop holistically is a core part of the Green Safaris ethos. The education initiatives cultivate curiosity and confidence. All within a supportive environment that makes learning accessible to children from under-resourced communities. And it is local teachers that help create bright futures for their students.
Programs for education
- Sponsor an Island Child
- Schools Upliftment
- Tongabezi Trust School
- Lukanga Community School
- Mukuni Teacher Housing
Conservation
We are so fortunate to share some of the most pristine natural environments with a diverse collection of wild residents. Africa’s wildlife deserves our protection! Which is why Green Safaris dedicates energy, skills and resources towards initiating and supporting conservation projects in the areas where they operate.
The dedication to preserving the ecosystems of Africa’s wild spaces and the creatures that call them home, strongly motivates to build and advance conservation projects in Africa.
They started a wide variety of environmental management and wildlife conservation initiatives. All situated in the areas where the camps and lodges are based.
In order to have greater impact, we also work with well-established conservation groups. With those that work in close partnership with government departments and neighbouring communities.
Conservation Programs
- Likoma Reforestation
- Clean Up Likoma
- Tongabezi Reforestation Project
- Panthera Zambia
- Zambian Carnivore Program
- Litterbug Campaign
- Conservation South Luangwa
- Conservation Education Club
- Hack The Poacher
Conservation Foundation
The Green Safaris Conservation Foundation supports community and conservation projects where we operate. The Foundation forms part of the journey you join us on when you stay at one of the properties. This then enables them to continue and expand their mission of eco-tourism in Africa.
Community Development
The Green Safaris family reaches far beyond their properties. Their responsibility extends from the employees through to neighbouring communities. Actively involved in building sustainable livelihoods that enable people to thrive. As a guest, you are invited to get involved in these empowerment initiatives during your stay.
Katundu Workshop
The Katundu Workshop is a socially conscious organisation that provides a sustainable income for the local community. Particularly women, through artisanal training using locally sourced, up-cycled materials to create stunning interior décor.
Healthcare
Likoma Conservation Foundation has funded the renovation of the hospital pharmacy and five staff houses. Construction of a new patient shelter, and procurement of necessary medications and medical equipment. Several existing staff members have been further educated at university-level. A new nurse joined the team to improve medical treatment and care provided by the hospital.
Community Garden
The Likoma Conservation Foundation has supported five women in establishing a community-run garden. This garden supplies Kaya Mawa and the surrounding villages with fresh produce and poultry. This initiative promotes good nutrition within the broader island community. It encourages alternative agriculture and chemical free farming and local women are empowered through sustainable livelihoods.
Other Programs
- Young Mothers Program
- Ila Community Farm
- Hiv/Aids Awareness
Last but not least, the Chicken Coop
Around 250 to 500 chickens are to be housed in a large coop built by the Tongabezi Team using the environmentally-friendly sandbag method.
