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Wilderness, doing good

As you know, we like the investment theme of travel. We are seeing a change where people are far more interested in investing in experiences and memories than materials and objects. Thanks to the internet, social media and easy access, more and more curious people are travelling. Unfortunately, that also means that many of the popular destinations around the world have become crowded and hectic. In today's world, we are seeing a trend where many of these travellers are seeking solitude and true wilderness, which is few and far between.

I recently got back from a four day stay in the Okavango Delta with Wilderness Safaris. This company, one that I have mentioned before, is a great example of a profit-seeking entity that has created so many positive side effects. Their behind the scenes operation in a small dusty town in Botswana called Maun, was truly a sight to see.

In the middle of nowhere was an airport bustling with foreign tourists all ready to experience one of the last truly wild places left on the planet. You could see hundreds of locally employed people, ushering the tourists and their bags from the airport and into their fleet of small planes, that fly you into the camps of the Delta. Some of the pilots of the bush planes were also locals, which was nice to see. These are quality jobs that now sustain this small desert town. Tourism is, of course, Botswana's second biggest industry after diamonds.

The camp we stayed at employed over 60 people, who all grew up in the area. They were full of smiles, proud and professional. The company trains and employs the locals, educating them about conservation and providing them with skills they will keep for life. The concession used to be a hunting area but because of the recent law changes in Botswana, the only shooting done now is with cameras. And the game in the area is doing incredibly well. We saw wild dog, cheetah and lion within 24 hours. The animals are clearly thriving under the new protection of Wilderness who are directly funded by the tourists.



This again is an investment theme I like to keep an eye on. Companies that make the world a better place are often supported by governments and private 'do gooders' a like. I have written about this before when Wilderness picked up a big private investment from the Rise Fund.

The idea of doing good is great for business in general. Tourists love to know that the money they spend is going to a good cause. To link this with exclusive game viewing and a luxury stay is their winning combination. When at the camp, one of the conservation managers was giving a talk about the area to a group of 12 American tourists and they were fascinated. This again gives me hope that Africa, for all its problems, has something the rest of the world wants to experience time and time again. Many of those staying were repeat guests.

As I am sure you can tell, I am passionate about wildlife. But I am also passionate about capitalism and all the problems it solves. Companies like Wilderness combined these 2 passions of mine (hence the blatant promotion). And hey, as South Africans you can go there at good discounts! Many people don't know that. Now you do, and a good portion of your money will go back to conservation. It's a win win. Check it out! Wilderness Safaris


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