Giving Back - Gavin Opie Safaris

Community

The South Luangwa National Park is one of the world’s most magical wilderness areas. We want our grandchildren’s children (and their children!) to be able to enjoy it as much as we do today, so we are committed to sustainable tourism, ethical safari guiding and wildlife conservation. Even as a small company, we know we can make a big difference by doing things right.

For every guest who stays with us at Nkonzi Camp, we donate USD 15.00 per night to three wonderful local organisations.

The first, Chipembele Education Trust, provides sponsorship for local children to attend school as well as running after-school conservation clubs to foster a love of Zambia’s rich natural resources.

Our second recipient is Conservation South Luangwa, an incredible organisation working on the front line of wildlife conservation.

Each year CSL rescues hundreds of animals from illegal snares, works with local communities to limit wildlife-human conflict, and leads numerous vital anti-poaching patrols.

CSL also works with local communities to grow sustainable cash crops like chilli and lemon grass, which crop raiding elephants will leave alone – nobody wants chilli up their nose after all!

Finally, the Zambian Carnivore Project supports international research into many of Zambia’s predator species, generating insights that feed directly into conservation efforts around the country.

ZCP also trains the next generation of Zambian conservationists, supporting them through international degree programmes which enable them to continue critical research and conservation efforts throughout Zambia.

We’re very proud to be supporting these three incredible NGOs, whose work is helping to ensure that the South Luangwa’s wildlife is protected and benefits local communities into the future.

Environment

Nkonzi Camp is a certified climate neutral camp. Our carbon footprint is assessed yearly by Biocarbon Partners, an award winning organisation based in Zambia which works with local communities to prevent deforestation and protect biodiversity across the country.

We prioritise environmental protection at Nkonzi Camp, working entirely off solar power without petrol generators, building with sustainable local materials, buying local produce wherever possible and recycling all the waste that we can. We know there is always more to do and we strive to make positive change every year.

Spreading the Word

Each year when Nkonzi Camp is closed, Gavin uses his time to personally raise money for Chipembele Education Trust, a cause close to his heart. He does this by giving popular talks to community groups across the UK about conservation in action and how to choose sustainable safari holidays, with some stories of his life as a safari guide thrown in too!

If you would like to book Gavin for your event, please do drop us an email.

Sustainability Practices

Nkonzi Camp is powered by solar energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The use of solar panels not only provides the necessary electricity for the camp but also demonstrates an effective model for sustainable energy that minimises reliance on fossil fuels. This eco-friendly approach ensures that the camp operates in harmony with its surroundings while offering guests a comfortable experience We are committed to operating as a carbon-neutral camp.

This involves careful management of resources, minimising waste, and actively offsetting any unavoidable carbon emissions, through our partnership with Bio Carbon Partners, (BCP), an organisation committed to conserving forests and enhancing climate resilience through innovative carbon finance solutions. Based in Lusaka, Zambia, BCP focuses on creating sustainable land management practices that benefit both local communities and the environment. By hiring local staff from the Mfuwe area, you can be confident that your stay with us directly supports the local communities. We prioritize sourcing locally grown produce for our menus, providing refillable water bottles, minimising waste, and recycling whenever possible. These efforts are integral to our commitment to sustainability.

Ethics

Ethical safari guiding is one of the principles on which Nkonzi Camp is founded. We are dedicated to upholding the ethics and regulations of South Luangwa National Park, but also to going further and upholding our own high ethical standards. Our goal is always to observe wildlife, behaving naturally in natural habitats while causing as little disruption to the animals and birdlife as possible. Our in-depth knowledge of the South Luangwa allows us to do this by exploring quieter and remoter areas that are often even more rewarding than the busy main gate section. We commit to never overcrowding wildlife sightings or undertaking illegal off-road driving that damages fragile habitats. Above all, we aspire to stand as a model for ethical and sustainable tourism in Zambia, demonstrating that conservation and tourism can, and should, go hand in hand.

Ready to begin your sustainable safari adventure and be part of the solution?

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