ASL’s are a unique industry founded on the region’s most precious assets – the diversity and abundance of fauna and flora that still exists in protected areas and communal lands. Since the 1960s these lodges have proliferated in the many ecosystems of the subcontinent, creating employment and alleviating poverty in remote areas. This rapidly growing industry is characterised by first-class luxury and singular guest experiences. It’s primary offering is the safari – a Swahili word meaning to ‘journey’ – through protected wildlife areas and wilderness landscape, often in open vehicles, providing guided exploration into Africa’s Eden.

Unfortunately the rapid development of the industry very often excluded the local people of the region, creating islands of prosperity within a sea poverty. Across southern Africa it is evident that more needs to be done to ensure a better share in the benefits for those on the other side of the park fences.

The safari industry, which has become the brand promise for the burgeoning international tourism marketplace, holds great economic potential to link nature-based tourism potential to rural livelihoods. The ASL Foundation aims to ensure that local poverty is allevaited through the financial and economic benefits derived in partnership with these lodges.