AWF Safaris

 

Africa is home to the most spectacular and awe-inspiring wildlife and landscapes in the world. There is no better way to enjoy these incredible world treasures than by joining a safari to experience the magnificence of the continent first hand. With a presence of six decades on the continent and 20 years of crafting stellar safari experiences, African Wildlife Foundation is uniquely positioned to offer exceptional itineraries that blend outstanding wildlife viewing with chances to see AWF's projects and learn about critical conservation issues from the experts.

 

Gorilla

About AWF Safaris

Prepare for the experience of a lifetime.

Africa is home to the most spectacular and awe-inspiring wildlife and landscapes in the world. There is no better way to enjoy these incredible world treasures than by joining a safari to experience the magnificence of the continent first hand. With a presence of six decades on the continent and 20 years of crafting stellar safari experiences, African Wildlife Foundation is uniquely positioned to offer exceptional itineraries that blend outstanding wildlife viewing with chances to see AWF's projects and learn about critical conservation issues from the experts.

Conservation travel is now more critical than ever.

COVID-19 has been devastating and its impacts far-reaching, but some industries have been hit harder than others. Tourism, one of the primary drivers of economic growth on the continent, was brought to a virtual halt overnight. The resulting ripple effect is vast, and the effect on wildlife economies is massive.

How can you help? Book your 2022 safari and be one of the first to help pick the tourism industry back off the ground. By booking, communities whose livelihoods rely on tourism will be directly supported. While traveling, you will learn first-hand how AWF is working to make an impact in the areas we travel. 

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2022 60th Anniversary Safaris

Book now and get ready for your adventure.

2023 SAFARI PORTFOLIO COMING SOON.

Uganda Safari

Uganda: Kidepo Valley, Semliki Wildlife Reserve & Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

This exclusive safari explores the best of Uganda's diverse landscapes. Begin in Kidepo Valley, ringed by mountains in the far northeast of Uganda. This paradise is known for its large herds of buffalo, zebra, and the occasional tree-climbing lion. Venture onwards to the Semliki Wildlife Reserve, where enroute you trek chimpanzees in the forests of Kibale and then in Semliki enjoy a private boat cruise on Lake Albert in search of the critically endangered shoebill. You will then travel to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for exceptional encounters with critically endangered mountain gorillas.

This safari remains one of our most popular for many reasons. It is led by AWF’s senior vice president Craig Sholley who is a gorilla conservation expert and shares his 4 decades of experience. As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher, Craig studied mountain gorillas with Dian Fossey and later became director of Rwanda's Mountain Gorilla Project, of which AWF was a sponsor (see bio). This trip is also exceptional because it includes two gorilla treks and a chimpanzee trek.

Uganda Safari dates: October 7 - 16, 2022
Maximum participants: 10

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Serengeti

Tanzania with Thomson Safaris

This classic Tanzania safari is operated by our long-standing and valued partner Thomson Safaris and features the very best that Tanzania has to offer! This is another one of our popular safaris and one that fills fast, so we are offering 2 safari departures. They both include a VIP visit to AWF's Canines for Conservation and absolutely superb wildlife viewing in Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the legendary Serengeti. This safari is scheduled to coincide with the annual migration, and allows you to observe countless wildebeest and zebra as they strive for diminishing water and green pasture. Accommodations include a blend of well-located, tastefully-appointed tented camps and award-winning lodges.

Tanzania Safari dates: August 1 - 12, 2022
Maximum participants: 12

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AWF Safari Leaders

AWF Safari Leader

Craig Sholley

Craig R. Sholley

Craig R. Sholley's experiences with wildlife and conservation began in 1973 as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa. He has worked and traveled extensively since that time providing conservation expertise in a variety of world arenas. As an L.S.B. Leakey grant researcher in the late 1970s, Craig studied mountain gorillas at Rwanda’s celebrated Karisoke Research Centre with Dian Fossey. Returning to the U.S., he redirected his interests designing natural history educational programs and wildlife tours for the Baltimore Zoological Society. Concurrently, Craig led nature expeditions and photographed throughout Africa, South America, and Asia.

In late 1987, Craig returned to Africa full time to direct Rwanda's internationally known Mountain Gorilla Project. Turning the project over to the Rwandan government in early 1990, Craig continued in Rwanda acting as Scientific Advisor for the award-winning IMAX film, "Mountain Gorilla." Craig has served as a Senior Associate of the African Wildlife Foundation and on AWF’s Board of Trustees. He has also served on the Board of the Ecotourism Society. Throughout much of the ‘90s, Craig was Director of Conservation and Education for International Expeditions, an organization widely recognized for its ecotourism initiatives.

Craig returned to Rwanda in 1995 on assignment with the National Geographic Society surveying the conservation status of mountain gorillas in Rwanda, DRC, and Uganda in the aftermath of Rwanda's civil war. The findings of that trip are the basis of a 1995 article in the National Geographic Magazine on mountain gorilla conservation. Craig has worked full time with AWF for the last 18 years and presently serves as Senior Vice-President.