A New Model for Conservation-First Luxury Tourism

Community. Culture. Conservation.

The world is at a crossroads when it comes to conservation. As human populations expand and climate change accelerates, Africa’s wilderness faces unprecedented challenges. Yet, amidst this reality, a revolutionary approach to travel is proving that luxury tourism can be a force for good.

John Banovich, Zimbabwe, Elephant Express 2023

Reimagining the Luxury Safari Experience

Renowned wildlife artist and conservationist John Banovich has spent over three decades immersed in Africa’s wild landscapes. Through his company, Wildscapes Travel, Banovich is redefining the luxury safari experience—not just as an exclusive escape but as a vital tool for conservation.

The concept is simple but powerful: high-end tourism should directly support the protection of Africa’s most critical ecosystems. By designing bespoke journeys that focus on keystone conservation landscapes, Banovich ensures that each safari experience contributes to sustaining Africa’s biodiversity.

“One of the best ways to save both wildlife and people is through sustainable tourism.”

-John Banovich

The Urgency of Conservation-First Travel

Africa’s wildlife is under pressure from poaching, habitat destruction, and human-wildlife conflict. Banovich sees this moment as pivotal, stating, “We are at a precipice, and the decisions we make now will seal the fate of wildlife for generations to come.”

Despite these challenges, there is hope. Wildscapes Travel partners with conservation organizations and local communities to ensure that safaris provide direct benefits to wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts, and sustainable development initiatives.

“True luxury in ecotourism is found in privacy, and privacy exists in vast, privately managed landscapes.”

-John Banovich

Unlike mass tourism, which can spread resources thin and overwhelm fragile ecosystems, high-end, low-impact travel generates critical funding while preserving Africa’s last great wildernesses.

Beyond Tourism: The Wildscapes Conservation Mission

Banovich’s commitment to conservation extends beyond travel. Through the Banovich Wildscapes Foundation, he has championed efforts such as:

  • Supporting mountain gorilla conservation through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

  • Funding the world’s largest chimpanzee orphanage in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

  • Providing off-road wheelchairs to empower rural communities in Rwanda.


Travel That Transforms

At its core, Wildscapes Travel is about immersive, purpose-driven experiences. These safaris are designed to strip away commercialization and reconnect travelers with the raw, untamed beauty of Africa.

Rather than being a fleeting journey, Banovich believes a safari should be transformative—leaving travelers with a lifelong connection to Africa and its conservation story.

“The true value of luxury tourism lies in its ability to preserve these areas, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where wildlife thrives in its most natural state.”

-John Banovich

Be Part of the Movement

📖 Business Insider recently featured this groundbreaking approach to luxury travel and conservation.

🔗 Read the full article here: Business Insider Feature


Explore how your next safari can leave a legacy—not just in memories, but in the protection of Africa’s most precious landscapes.

#WildscapesTravel #LuxurySafari #ConservationTourism #EcoLuxury #SustainableTravel #JohnBanovich



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