Written by Nina van Zyl

From the mysterious coast of Namibia, to the exotic wilderness of the Zambezi and the wildlife-filled plains of Botswana to South Africa's laid-back beaches, Natural Selection is a collection of exclusive stays in some of southern Africa's most unforgettable natural environments. Together, they are working towards creating change throughout the region with initiatives making a difference for nature and its communities.

A Foundation of Care

Natural Selection was founded with the mission of committing to the environment’s conservation and the protection of Africa’s wildlife areas. The aim is, essentially, that wilderness areas be seen as having economic value when they are left in their “pristine” state. This means protecting the fragile ecosystems and biodiversity in a time when human encroachment is causing more and more pressure on the environment and its limited resources. A way that this can be done is through sustainable tourism and this is where the Natural Selection group shines!

The group has managed to invest in tourism properties located in areas where they are able to provide refuge to wildlife and protect the natural surroundings. Each of these properties has helped in establishing ‘wildlife corridors’, which allows animals like elephants to continue on their ancient migrations across lands and over borders.

The Human Side of Conservation

Another important role that these properties play is that of a buffer between wildlife and rural land use. In other words, to protect wildlife by keeping conflict between animals and humans as low as possible. This can be done by educating the local population about the benefits of tourism, conservation, and wildlife. 

The most important factor that comes into the success of what Natural Selection aims to achieve is that it incorporates locals wherever it can. Working with communities means employment at its lodges. It means ensuring teachers are paid consistently. Farmers are given support against damage by animals. Children from the community learn about the value of animals and how to use natural resources in a sustainable way.

Giving Back Wherever Possible

The company uses 1.5% of revenue from every guest’s stay in its lodges for conservation. These funds are managed by a board made up of experienced conservation scientists. Not only that, but every one of its lodges has its conservation and community outreach project, which they self-fund. Since 2016, Natural Selection, along with its operational partners, committed USD 920.000 to about 45 projects across Namibia, Botswana and South Africa.

Natural Selection Stays that We Love

In Namibia

Shipwreck Lodge on the Skeleton Coast support predator monitoring systems. These systems alert locals when the area’s free-roaming lions are nearby. The result is that communities can better prepare themselves against the lions, ensuring a decrease in the loss of livestock or lives. Essentially, this comes down to fewer cases of human-lion conflict, thereby protecting both the lions and the humans that live alongside them. 

In Botswana

Jack’s Camp is an iconic luxury tented camp situated on Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. This camp is involved in extensive waterhole repair in the Makgadikgadi National Park, community upliftment and protecting the unique meerkat colony in the area.

In South Africa

Lekkerwater Beach Lodge is nestled in De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa. This luxury lodge has made great strides in clearing alien plant species in the area. Thus, preserving the indigenous flora and fauna. 

In the end, the goal is not only ensuring the protection of wildlife and natural wilderness, but also the improvement of the livelihood of the people living alongside these animals. 

Interested in using travel to do good? Find out how your next trip of a lifetime can have a meaningful impact by travelling with Viatu.