Scientific evidence suggests human evolution began three million years ago in Africa. But even before our species arrived on the scene, the continent was thriving with life. Some of the wildest places on Earth can be found within this region, yet sadly many are under threat.
More than a decade ago, the seed for YellowWood Adventures was planted in Africa after our founder Sam McManus spent three months trekking through the highlands of Ethiopia. As the company has flourished, our portfolio has grown to include more Africa itineraries - at the heart of each one is a deep concern for conservation. One of the organisations we work alongside is African Parks, an NGO focussed on restoring wild spaces. Here’s an introduction to why their work is so vital.
Who are African Parks?
Founded in 2000, African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that works in partnership with governments and communities to rehabilitate and manage national parks in vulnerable wilderness areas. They currently manage 24 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares, making it the largest and most ecologically diverse portfolio of parks under management by any one NGO on the continent. They’ve set a goal to manage 30 parks by 2030.
What’s the backstory?
The organisation was established by a group of conservationists and philanthropists who recognised that many of Africa's parks were failing—not from a lack of potential, but from insufficient funding, weak governance, and inadequate infrastructure.
What is their pioneering approach?
Positioning themselves as long-term stewards for national parks, AP adopts a ‘private-public partnership’ (PPP) model – working alongside governments to restore wilderness areas. By signing management agreements, they assume total responsibility for all operational functions, including law enforcement, habitat management, and wildlife reintroduction. The main aim is to restore ecosystems and bring economic development to communities by making parks self-sustaining.
Where to see their work in action
Majete Wildlife Reserve, Malawi
The first area to be managed by AP has been transformed from a poached-out park to a thriving safari destination. Stay at the NGO’s tented Thawale Camp.
Iona National Park, Namibe, Angola
The northernmost tip of the world’s oldest desert hosts several endemic species of reptiles, amphibians and birds. Decades of civil war led to heavy poaching of mammals. Giraffes were recently reintroduced.
