Wilderness Safaris to host lion conservation trip to Zambia

Wilderness Safaris has partnered with global wild cat conservation organisation Panthera to create an “impactful” journey to Zambia dedicated to lion conservation.

The seven-day safari will be hosted by Dr Kim Young-Overton - a recognised specialist in threatened species and ecosystem management and Panthera’s director of Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area and cheetah program director - alongside Wilderness Safaris' group impact manager Dr Neil Midlane.

The trip will take place between September 26 – October 2, 2022, in the Busanga Plains in Zambia’s Kafue National Park, an area known as the “stronghold” of lion conservation and home to Africa’s most diverse antelope species.

Guests will be based at Wilderness Shumba Camp and will enjoy behind-the-scenes access to the Kafue lion conservation initiatives, including spending time with the research team from Panthera and partners, joining their dedicated monitoring units and delving into the details of carnivore tracking.

Highlights include a game count, camera trapping and a meeting with wildlife police officers dedicated to conservation.

Both brands said they are confident the trip will help fund vital conservation projects and offer guests an immersive experience with insight from renowned experts.

“This trip is an incredible opportunity to experience the valuable intersection of impact tourism and hands-on conservation efforts,” said Dean Morton, acting managing director at Wilderness Zambezi.

“In the Kafue, Wilderness’ history with Panthera dates back to 2010, when Dr Neil Midlane initiated the Kafue Lion Project, the first study into the species in this unique landscape. Wilderness’ continued support for Panthera, as well as recent surveys, suggest that the lion population is responding well to the team’s interventions.

“We are excited to be a part of the Wilderness and Panthera journey, and for the opportunity to make a significant, positive contribution to the development of sustainable wildlife-based economies across the continent.”

Dr Young-Overton added: “The itinerary brings together Wilderness’ award-winning camps and safaris, and Panthera’s scientific and operational expertise, to ensure a future for wild cats and the vast landscapes on which they depend.”