Responsible tourism in Africa through Philanthropy Plus
The Explorations Company has set up its charitable foundation, called Philanthropy Plus, whereby our clients, for a donation, can then visit these regions and see the direct impact their contribution has made. For us, this really is the most rewarding of all travel experiences.
This is for committed philanthropists that want to witness their investments at work in real-life situations. Donor travel is deeply moving, can upset idealism but ultimately brings people closer to the issues and communities that they care about. It also deepens sustainable investment and strengthens the connection between travellers and community organizations.
Why have The Explorations Company set it up? Nicola Shepherd, founder of TEC started her company 30 years ago with the overwhelming desire to put back funds into initially Africa and then to other third world continents in which the company operates. Although born in India, she was raised in Africa and these two continents have long held a great passion and interest for her and by being a conduit, she can direct meaningful assistance to the preservation of wildlife on these continents for future generations to enjoy.
How has Zakouma in Chad become a 'sustainable travel' success story?
For the experienced, adventurous traveller, always on the lookout for something new, here is the perfect journey incorporating the finest wildlife in a pristine environment with nomadic tribes of the Sahara, geological wonders, vast desert dunes and monoliths, all experienced in total exclusivity and privacy, guided by a professional photographer!
Find out more >
How is the Mara Elephant Project protecting elephants in Kenya?
The Mara Elephant Project, situated in the world-renowned Maasai Mara Game reserve in southern Kenya, is a charity very close to my heart. I highly recommend supporting them, particularly if you are taking a safari to Kenya yourself.
The Maasai Mara is world-renowned as one of the finest safari destinations in East Africa and is home to one of the greatest wildlife phenomena on the African continent – the wildebeest migration. Two million animals migrate between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya, in search of water and the short grass plains for sweeter grazing.
Find out more >
The AGOHELMA Orphanage is supporting orphaned children and vulnerable communities
The AGOHELMA Orphanage in Addis Ababa is the most inspiring place and I am always humbled by the amazing care and support given by them, not just to the children who live there but to the entire community.
The AGOHELMA (Abebech Gobena Yehetsanat Kebekabena Limat Mahber) Orphanage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is an inspiring place for all. I first visited this orphanage in Addis a few years ago and was quickly astounded by the projects they run and the support they give to so many people.
Find out more >
How does Uthando change disadvantaged lives in Cape Town?
Uthando is the most inspirational upliftment programme based in Khayelitsha which supports disadvantaged people living in the various townships around Cape Town.
We at the Explorations Company have long supported Uthando (which means ‘love’), both directly with contributions and indirectly by encouraging every client who visits Cape Town to spend at least a day visiting the projects it supports.
Find out more >
How are Excellent Development's sand dams saving lives in rural Africa?
Lack of accessible water is a major problem for much of the developing world. Excellent Development support rural dryland communities to build sand dams, with long-term positive effects for communities - and wildlife.
Excellent Development is a wonderful charity that exists to give practical, direct, effective, help. The Explorations Company have supported Excellent for many years as they put simple concepts to far reaching positive effect for both humanity and wildlife.
Find out more >
The Explorations Company becomes a stakeholder of the Lion Recovery Fund operating in Namibia
Life for any desert adapted species in Namibia is harsh due to the relentless, barren terrain. But for an apex predator such as a lion, this is increasingly difficult as they reside in harsh, low prey areas with little water.
A desert dwelling lioness in Namibia who has a litter of cubs can travel 60 kms to find her nearest prey. It can take her five days to find the prey and return to her cubs, by which time they may have been killed or starved to death. Incorporate an additional factor such as human wildlife conflict when through desperation, the lion might kill a domestic livestock and one starts to feel more than just a little sorry for these majestic beasts.
Find out more >
Collaring Lion and Elephant in Tanzania’s Saadani National Park
The lion population in Africa overall has declined by 43% in the last twenty years. The good news is that 50% of the lion population in Africa occurs in Tanzania!
Saadani National Park in Tanzania offers a fabulous, immersive opportunity for anyone who has wanted to get deeply involved in conservation whilst being on a safari. Here one has the unique experience and can spend time in a national park, commensurately assisting with funding to introduce zebra, to increase the lion population (through translocation of species as well as strengthening the gene pool) and to assist in funding the collaring of the present small lion and elephant populations.
Find out more >
What can you do on International Cheetah Day?
Every year on December 4th we focus on ‘International Cheetah Day’ which highlights the struggle that Africa’s most endangered big cat faces to survive.
We have come up with two places where one can get really close up to cheetah, spending time with them, in Namibia and in South Africa. Here you can witness first hand the fantastic conservation work that is being done to help cheetah. Other fabulous places to see cheetah in the wild include the Masai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti in Tanzania.
Find out more >
Why was the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference so important for conservation?
The illegal wildlife trade is the fourth largest criminal activity in the world, whose actions impact not only the natural resources of each individual country but also the direct livelihood of local communities. Nearly 7000 species, and therefore their fragile ecosystems, are affected by wildlife crime; their survival hangs in the balance.
I was honoured to be invited to attend the much-anticipated Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference in London on 11th and 12th October. This conference is the largest of its kind that has ever been held with over one thousand delegates in attendance.
Find out more >
Where in Africa can you go on a wildlife conservation rhino darting safari?
You really should move heaven and earth to see the remarkable rhinos in the wild before it's too late! The rhino population unhappily declines by three every single day.
Did you know that rhino horn is made up from the same substance as your fingernails but nonetheless people pay thousands for the horn? This sadly means that thousands of rhinos die every year, and people die too trying to protect them.
Find out more >
The Explorations Company, where no two journeys have ever been the same
Take the first step on your extraordinary journey into Africa
The Explorations Company
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour and catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore – Dream – Discover - Mark Twain - You can view clips of some of our own favourite discoveries here.
100% Tailor Made
- Utterly designed and tailored around you and your requirements
- Totally unique every time you travel with us
- The very best hand picked guides which can make the difference between a good and an outstanding holiday
Priceless Knowledge
- Established over 30 years ago we have been around longer than most
- Our specialists come from, have lived in or travelled extensively in the regions we cover
- Unparalleled knowledge provides you with the best possible experience
Making a difference
- Philanthropy is our philosophy
- Our founding principle is to always ‘put something back’
- An amount from each holiday is donated to our selected conservation and humanitarian charities
Explore with The Explorations Company
By Marcela Kunova - 20th April 2017
Nicola Shepherd, founder and CEO of The Exploration Company, organises unusual trips for HNW and UHNW clients ranging from birthday parties at an Indian Maharajah's palace to reliving Sir Vivian Fuchs's 1950s expedition to the South Pole. Citywealth caught ...
View
Our Guarantees To You
Premium service from one of the world's most knowledgeable travel companies
24/7 contact number
Your holiday is fully protected by the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018
Flight-Inclusive Bonding: We are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and hold ATOL Number 7159
Flight-Exclusive bonding: Your holiday is further protected by our membership of ABTOT Membership Number 5197