Conservation Through Responsible Travel
Travel that makes a difference!
Welcome to World Safaris! When Dr. Michael Hutchins and I launched World Safaris in 2013, we had a dream. With over 50 years of combined conservation travel experience between us – and over 50 years as members of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) – one of our goals was to offer accredited AZA institutions some of the most exciting wildlife conservation travel destinations in the world. At the same time, we wanted to continue our personal and professional commitments to wildlife conservation, through support of both in situ and ex situ programs, along with community development initiatives, in countries within which we worked.
From the splendid isolation of the Galápagos Islands to the magic of the African bush, traveling with World Safaris is an exciting way to engage people in support of your conservation and education missions. But we believe these tours should offer more than an enjoyable opportunity to experience and enjoy the natural world– they should make a difference!
World Safaris combines three important elements to create what we call responsible Wildlife Conservation Travel:
1. The recognized principles of Responsible Travel
2. Active financial support of in-situ conservation and community development projects, through the World Safaris Impact On Wildlife program
3. Customized and affordable small-group safaris, specifically designed to meet your needs and interests
Thank you for visiting World Safaris and we invite you to join with us in unifying wildlife conservation, local community welfare and responsible travel in Wildlife Conservation Travel.
Michael Hutchins, PhD.
Founding Partner
Director, Conservation & Science
Tom LaRock
Founding Partner & Managing Director
P.S. Please explore the various sections of our website to learn more. We have selected a limited number of exceptional wildlife destinations – places we know well – places where responsible wildlife conservation travel can make a difference. If you have a favorite wildlife destination we do not include, please let us know. We’ll be happy to explore how we may work together to include it in our future programs.
“Custom is Key”
“Adding a zoo host to an off-the-shelf itinerary limits the experience. Having guided numerous safaris, I appreciate being able to share what Naples Zoo is doing in a country versus visiting with NGOs or naturalists we have no connection with that also speak to every safari. World Safaris has both the knowledge to customize a safari to fit your travelers’ high expectations and the flexibility to work with you to meet your goals and engage with your conservation partners in the field. What’s extraordinary is you get that customization at costs competitive with pre-designed tours. So, your guests get a more meaningful experience and an up-close connection to what their zoo is doing to help wildlife. Having been active in AZA since 1982, Tom LaRock understands the needs of our community and can help present your safari to potential travelers in person. I’ve had the experience of working hard to challenge companies and their preferred properties to get truly custom itineraries. Talking over my options with Tom made me feel like a kid in a candy store. That’s the difference World Safaris offers!”
Tim Tetzlaff, Director of Conservation, Naples Zoo
