Travel with Purpose: How Our Trips Give Back to Wildlife and Communities
These safaris have always been about passion, not profit. My goal is to take women into the wilds of Africa, where they can travel with purpose, experience its breathtaking beauty, embrace nature, disconnect from technology and truly reconnect with themselves.
It’s an adventure that goes beyond just travel – its about transformation. That’s why it only felt right that any money made from these group trips would go directly to charitable causes. With each journey, i’ll be selecting different organisations to support, and for our Kenya 2025 safari, i’m excited to share the incredible charities we’ll be giving back to.
The Donkey Sanctuary, Kenya
On our Kenya group safari, we’ll be trekking with donkeys alongside the incredible Maasai team from Maasai trails. Once they have finished their work carrying our camping equipment to that nights camp, its a joy to watch them roam free, roll in the dust, and graze peacefully. The Maasai take exceptional care of their animals, but sadly, not all donkeys in Kenya are as fortunate.
Thats why a portion of the profits from this trip will go to The Donkey Sanctuary Kenya, an affiliate of the Donkey Sanctuary UK. This dedicated welface organisation works closely with donkey owners, users, and the Kenyan government to improve the treatment and conditions of these hardworking animals. Their efforts not only enhance the well-being of donkeys but also support the livlihoods of the communities that rely on them.
By joining this safari, you’ll be directly contributing to a better future for these often-overlooked but essential animals.
Emerge Lanka: Empowering Young Female Surviviors
At first, Emerge Lanka might seem like an unexpected choice, considering our trips are based in Africa. But after learning about their mission, I knew I had to find a way to support them. This incredible charity, founded by women for women, helps young girls who have survived the unimaginable sexual abuse by family members. These brave survivors have taken their cases to court, a process that can take years in Sri Lanka.
During this time, Emerge Lanka provides them with education, skills training, and emotional support so that when their legal battle is over, they have the tools to rebuild their lives.
With shocking statistics showing that between 14% and 44% of girls in Sri Lanka experience child sexual abuse – most of which goes unreported – Emerge is doing vital work to change the system and support survivors. Their programs helped 176 girls in 2024 alone, ensuring that those who come forward aren’t left to navigate their trauma alone. Instead, they are embraced by a network of care that empowers them to heal, grow, and step into their full potential.
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary: Community-Led Conservation
Elephants have always held a special place in my heart. There’s nothing quite like sitting with a herd, watching their deep emotional connections – the way they care for their young, support one another, and navigate the wild with such wisdom. Some of my most unforgettable moments in the bush have been with elephants, but one memory stands out: I was in a spa having a massage when the therapist told me to sit up. Down in the valley below, a mother elephant had just given birth. She called out and moments later, the entire herd came running over to greet the new born. It was pure magic.
Sadly, elephants continue to face serious threats. Poaching for ivory, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict make survival increasingly difficult. Thats why i’m passionate about supporting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a community-owned orphanage in Samburu, Kenya. This incredible sanctuary rescues and rehabilities orphaned elephant calves – many abandoned due to drought, human-wildlife conflict, falling into man made wells and through natural causes – with the goal of releasing them back into the wilds.
Reteti is part of a growing grassroots conservation movement in Northern Kenya , where local communities are taking the lead in protecting wildlife while building sustainable economies.
The Elerai Community: Giving Back to Those Who Gave me so Much
This isn’t a formal charity, but its a community that holds a very special place in my heart. In 2009, during a severe drought in Kenya, I worked closely with the Elerai community, a Maasai village nestled at the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Despite the hardships they were facing, they welcomed me into their homes with warm smiles and cups of tea, allowing me to find my way while trying to assist in whatever small way i could.
At the time, my role was simply to collect donations from the lodge, buy basic food supplies and cook lunches for the most vulnerable children so they would have a decent meal each day. There were around 24 children in our program, many were severly malnourished and in need of medical care which i was able to secure for them. Though i was an outsider, unfamiliar with Maasai traditions, their kindness and trust in me made a lasting impact.
Since then the Elerai community has built a school, providing a vital foundation for the next generation. Now, through my Kenya 2025 safari, i want to give back to the people who gave me so much. A portion of the trips profits will go directly towards supporting the education of children in this incredible community – ensuring they have opportunities for a bright future.
By joining this adventure you’ll be helping to make a real difference in the lives of the Elerai children, supporting a community that has shown me nothing but generosity and resilience.
These women’s safaris have never been about profit – they’re about passion, adventure, and connection. But beyond exploring breathtaking landscapes, embracing the wild, and stepping away from technology, they’re also about giving back. Each trip will support meaningful causes, ensuring that the journey leaves a positive impact not just on the travellers, but on the people, animals, and communities we encounter.
For Kenya 2025 i’ve chosen to support The Donkey Sanctuary, Emerge Lanka, Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, and the Elerai Community – each one close to my heard for different reasons. Whether is helping to protect wildlife, supporting survivors, or investing in education, every booking contributes to something bigger.
By joining one of these safaris, you’ve not just taking a trip – you’ll be travelling with purpose and making a difference.
Let’s explore, reconnect, and give back while travelling with purpose together.
