COMMUNITY & CONSERVATION

Big Impact. Light Tread. A Better World.

Creating a positive change in tourism and conservation by investing in our wildlife, land and communities

At Tanda Tula, we believe in doing good by doing right by our people, our planet, and the future.

Together, as a collective of lodges, we proudly contribute to the protection of over 100,000 hectares of wilderness. Every Tanda Tula guest plays a meaningful role in supporting wildlife conservation and uplifting communities through impactful projects.

At the heart of this mission is the Tanda Tula Foundation, established to protect the wild, empower communities, and foster meaningful change for generations to come. This shared purpose unites every team member, partner, and guest in a story of care, connection, and transformation.

“This is not about ‘doing work in the community’, but rather about ensuring that people can access the education and resources to change their own lives.”
Nina Scott, Tanda Tula Director

A purposeful way of life

Four key pillars guide everything we do:

  • Education: Giving young people the tools to dream bigger and achieve more.
  • Community Development: Uplifting local businesses and supporting grassroots initiatives.
  • Healthcare: Ensuring our team and their families have access to essential care.
  • Conservation: Protecting the land, the wildlife, and the balance of this precious ecosystem.

The four pillars

EducationCommunity DevelopmentHealthcareConservation
Education

For us, education is hope. It’s the promise of a better tomorrow. Through the Tanda Tula Foundation, we’ve watched dreams take flight—young students excelling at top schools, staff mastering new skills, and a community empowered through learning.
We currently sponsor six students at Southern Cross Schools and support university students pursuing degrees in fields as diverse as Aeronautical Engineering and Commerce. We also invest in our team through adult literacy programs, guest-focused English training, and professional certifications, ensuring that learning never stops.

Community Development

Community is family, and we’re proud to stand with ours.
Kunavulela, a grassroots project started by our very own team members, supports vulnerable children and their caregivers with initiatives like a vegetable garden, soccer clubs, and mentorship programs.
Through the Timbavati Supplier Development Program, we’ve partnered with local businesses to build sustainable supply chains, creating opportunities that ripple across the region.

Healthcare

When people thrive, communities grow stronger. That’s why we’ve partnered with Hlokomela, a local healthcare initiative providing essential medical care to vulnerable populations. From free HIV treatment to weekly transport for staff in need of medical attention, we’re committed to ensuring access to care.

Conservation

The wild is our home, and we’ve made it our mission to protect it. From safeguarding vulnerable species and managing soil erosion to supporting research across the Timbavati, we’re deeply invested in preserving this land for the future.
Our guides and trackers, the storytellers of the bush, are also its stewards—reporting wildlife activity, assisting with conservation projects, and ensuring the ecosystem remains in balance.

Your Impact

2024 IMPACT AT A GLANCE

  • Contribution in TIMBAVATI conservation levies: R1,961,865 ($104,253)
    Conservation management of the reserve and wildlife protection
  • 10% contribution to Timbavati Foundation: R196,187 ($10,425)
  • The Tanda Tula Foundation contributions: R853,358 ($45,347)
    6 students
    , of which 3 have graduated and are now employed by Tanda Tula
  • Land Management Fees: R1,383,146 ($73,500)
    Infrastructure maintenance and conservation of the environment we traverse
  • Bushbuckridge Community Levies: R849,905 ($45,164)
    This levy supports the greater communities of Acornhoek and Bushbuckridge. Our contribution is intended to assist the municipality in delivering essential services such as water, electricity, and roadworks, with the aim of improving the quality of life for these communities.

Image 1: The timeless beauty of the Timbavati river
Image 2: Ralph, a Tanda Tula Foundation student

BE PART OF THE PURPOSE

  • Daily per person conservation fee (Timbavati Nature Reserve conservation efforts, with 10% to the Timbavati Foundation)
  • Daily per person foundation contribution (Tanda Tula Foundation for scholarships, adult literacy, and healthcare services)
  • Once off, monthly or annual contributions help to fund scholarships and support local businesses
  • Funds go to priority projects and bursaries identified by Foundation governors
  • We use WEEVA as our sustainability management platform to hold ourselves accountable through high standards and ambitious targets
  • We are part of the Fair Trade Tourism network of passionate, inspiring tourism leaders in southern Africa.
GET INVOLVED