40 YEARS OF…

Our Story

What started with a passionate pair of Botswana guides in 1983 is now a world-leading conservation and hospitality company, responsible for protecting and sharing over 5.6 million acres (2.3 million hectares) of wilderness across our planet. We focus on conservation, community development and making our own operations more sustainable.

THE HISTORY OF WILDERNESS

Four decades of Wilderness

1983

Wilderness founded

Formed in 1983, Wilderness commences an exciting journey of discovery and learning. 

1985

First camps

We open our first permanent camps in Botswana (Xigera and Xaro).

1991

Sefofane

Acquisition of Sefofane Air Charters (now known as Wilderness Air).

1993

Expanding our operation

We extend our operations into Namibia and South Africa, including the first Wilderness-led community partnership at Rocktail Bay, South Africa.

1994 to 2000

Adding more regions

•    1994 Expansion into Malawi (Mvuu Camp) (exited 2014).
•    1995 Expansion into Zimbabwe (Nduna Lodge).
•    1996 Opening of first permanent camp in Namibia (Damaraland Camp).
•    1997 Expansion into Seychelles (North Island) (exited 2016).
•    2000 Expansion into Zambia with Shumba Camp in Kafue National Park.

1999

Wilderness Mombo

We renew Mombo lease, developing Wilderness’ first high-end safari camp.

2001

Children in the Wilderness

Game-changing meeting with Paul Newman, learning about Hole in the Wall Gang model; first annual Conservation Camps in Botswana.
Through education and leadership development of children in Africa, CITW is now operational in 9 African countries, nurturing and developing young conservationists who are passionate about helping protect their natural heritage.

2003

Wilderness Trust

Born from a need to do more, Wilderness launches a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising and disbursing funds for conservation and development in Africa.

2007 to 2011

Wilderness Impact

•    2007 First above-ground sewage treatment plant at Vumbura Plains.
•    2008 Phasing-out of bottled water use in Botswana commences.
•    2009 First 100% solar camp at Kalahari Plains.
•    2011 Established Group Environmental Minimum Standards; target of 80% compliance achieved  by 2016

2016

Expansion beyond Southern Africa

Wilderness moves into Rwanda; opens award-winning Bisate Lodge in 2017.

2020

Conservation Heroes

Wilderness Conservation Heroes’ COVID-19 Relief Programme positively impacts some 100,000 people with 20,000 food hampers

2023

Wilderness turns 40

We celebrate our 40-year anniversary by looking back to a time when we first forged our way in some of Africa's most untamed wilds.

Conservation and hospitality

Deeply intertwined. For four decades, the focus of our impact has never changed: to restore and help conserve invaluable wilderness and wildlife through high-end conservation tourism. We aim to empower and uplift local communities living in or near these iconic wild places. It’s a collective purpose, shared with our guests, our partners, donors, governments, local communities and researchers.

The male lion is the king of the Wilderness

Let’s plan your next journey

Ready?

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.