Whistling Thorn Conservation Camp is a private project, owned by Tanzanian Hagai Kissila. He owns a small, conservation-minded tourism company called Destination Africa Safaris. He has worked extensively with the small villages around the camp, which he leases from them, on the edge of Tarangire National Park. The Maasai here are exceedingly poor, and see almost no revenue from the massive tourism pouring in and out of the park.
ConserVentures has helped build a small base of international support for Whistling Thorn Conservation Camp. By booking a safari through Destination Africa Safaris, guests not only book with one of the finest operators in northern Tanzania (and Kenya, as Mr. Kissila is licensed in both countries), they contribute greatly to community-based conservation. At Whistling Thorn, the first step is helping the local community rise out of staggering poverty. Whistling Thorn is a classic tented camp, with en suite toilets and showers. Wildlife roam amongst the tents, and you’ll be woken by the sound of hundreds of birds and perhaps lions roaring. It’s a perfect base for exploring the vast Tarangire National Park and the nearby Lake Manyarra, and a great start to the classic circuit taking in Serengeti, Olduvai Gorge and Ngorongoro Crater.
We are teaming up with Shaw Safaris, based in Arusha, to promote their self-drive safaris. They supply top-quality Land Rovers with full camping kit, and have a wonderful lodge outside Arusha.
Check our News and Get Involved pages for updates on expeditions and opportunities to join in.
Click map to view in Google mapsIMPORTANCE:
- Eco-tourism
- Science-tourism & citizen science
- Private land conservation project
- Community conservation project
- Endangered wildlife
- Traditional cultures
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