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 2023 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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2023 60th Anniversary Safaris

Book now and get ready for your adventure.

Kenya 2023 Safari

Kenya: Tsavo, Samburu & Masai Mara

Our Kenya safari showcases the absolute best of Kenya, with visits to three renowned wildlife rich areas: Amboseli, Samburu and the Masai Mara. As we observe wildlife in its natural habitat your AWF leader will share conservation issues facing the parks, conservancies and reserves. We kick this 10-day safari off with a visit to AWF’s headquarters in Nairobi and a visit to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage. We then head out on safari to behold some of the most outstanding wildlife rich parks, reserves and conservancies and learn about important AWF legacy work that has taken place over the last 6 decades in Kenya. This includes conservation enterprise work, conservancy work, and the Charlotte Fellows Program which AWF created – providing a platform for powerful local conservation leadership.

Kenya Safari dates: January 24 - February 2, 2023
Maximum participants: 10

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Tanzania Family 2023 Safari

Tanzania Family Safari

This AWF Tanzania Family Safari offers the perfect blend of activities, sights and experiences to keep travelers of any age inspired, amazed and engaged. The design of this trip is intended to bring your family together while giving you room to experience the wonders of Africa together. See lions, giraffes, ostriches, elephants, warthogs, zebras, crocodiles, and more wildebeest than you can count as you explore Tanzania’s best wildlife viewing areas. And learn about important conservation issues as you witness AWF’s impact when visiting pivotal projects in the Serengeti and Manyara Ranch.

Tanzania Safari dates: July 1 - 10, 2023
Maximum participants: 10

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Tanzania 2023 Safari

Tanzania Great Migration Safari

This exclusive safari explores the best of Tanzania’s diverse wildlife. 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 two safari departures. They both include a VIP visit to AWF’s Canines for Conservation training center 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 6 – 17, 2023
Maximum participants: 10

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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.