It once contained one of the densest wildlife concentrations in Africa. But once the Mozambican Civil War broke out in 1977, the wildlife in Gorongosa National Park was one of the casualties; at one point, a count of zebras in the park was reduced from 3,500 to nine. Starting in 2004, though, American philanthropist Greg Carr working with the Mozambique government began the process of returning the wildlife population to this territory in what is regarded as the greatest restoration project on the continent. In a week long tour scheduled for September, 2024 and conducted by Natural World Safaris as part of the company’s Expeditions for Change program, those efforts will be on view in experiences that will resonate even to those on frequent safaris.
Specialist Africa Tour Operator Aardvark Safaris ushers in new era under sole ownership
29.08.2023 - 09:01 / traveldailynews.com / Theodore Koumelis / Africa
All the camps and lodges that Aardvark Safaris work with support conservation and community projects.
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Industry leading independent operator Aardvark Safaris announced a new ownership structure. Founder Richard Smith has retired and current co-owner Alice Gully will remain at the helm as Managing Director, taking on sole ownership of the UK-headquartered company.
Richard Smith originally set up Aardvark Safaris in 1999 with co-founder John Spence, creating tailor-made safaris across Africa, run by experts. Alice Gully came on board in 2004, becoming co-owner and running the business with Richard supported by a team of 16 dedicated, knowledgeable safari consultants who share their passion for helping travellers discover the Africa they all know and love. Now in its 24th year of business, the tour operator organises between 500 and 600 trips per year on average, running over 8000 trips throughout the company’s lifetime.
“After almost a quarter of a century I am retiring and my business partner, Alice Gully will become sole owner of Aardvark Safaris. With Covid in the rear-view mirror and customer confidence returned, the company has the right team in place and supplier relationships to continue to plan great holidays for the discerning clients who value expert advice and superb customer support. After 24 years as a small part of a bigger team I can step away knowing that Aardvark Safaris is in very good hands.” said Richard Smith.
With Gully taking on sole ownership, Aardvark Safaris joins the ranks of female-owned travel companies, making up some 33 percent of travel businesses*. The company remains committed to its mission to provide honest, independent advice from experts with first-hand experience in Africa and to their environmental, social and economic impact responsibilities. The specialist tour operator has seen a resurgence of interest in tours to Africa post pandemic, with 2023 on track to be their best year yet.
Commenting on the news, Aardvark Safaris’ now sole owner and Managing Director Alice Gully said; “Throughout my almost 20 years at Aardvark Safaris, our focus has not changed – to help our guests discover the Africa that we know and love, while protecting African landscapes and way of life. Over the last two decades, travel and tourism has become vital to African economies, accounting for 7 percent of the continent’s GDP and contributing $169 billion to its economy in 2019. Our dedicated team have over 115 years of combined specialist experience and have helped thousands of people discover and enjoy the wonders of this incredible continent. I look forward to continuing our work – providing unmatched advice and knowledge, and the very best service for our
Explore Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Restoration:A New Mozambique Safari
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