ABOUT RAW AFRICA

Why choose RAW Africa Eco-Tours

Africa is a big continent with so much to see, but why rush? African cultures live in the moment because you never know what is going to happen tomorrow, next week or next year….so enjoy the now. At RAW Africa we agree, that’s why some of our trips are a bit longer. We like to take our time, live in the moment and have the freedom to follow that lion for as long as it takes or enjoy that conversation with a Maasai elder as he teaches you about his cattle. Isn’t that what travel is all about, after all?

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Small Groups

Our average group size is 6 to 8 people. We have amazing guides and we think everyone deserves to spend quality time benefitting from their extensive knowledge of wildlife and culture. We stay at many community-operated lodges and guest houses which are ecofriendly and can’t host large groups. We keep our groups small enough to enjoy every part of our tour but big enough to enjoy a variety of travel companions.

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Act for Wildlife

All of RAW Africa Eco-Tours journeys are linked to local enterprise programs so that the majority of your tour dollar directly benefits local people and wildlife. RAW Africa Eco-Tours is passionate about educating travellers on how you can support communities and wildlife directly through a simple action you can do while on tour or at home. All RAW adventurers leave Africa knowing they did something that actually made a difference.

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Unique Experiences

In the same way that every zebra has a unique stripe pattern, all our RAW Africa Eco-Tours journeys are unique. We strive to show you the real soul of Africa on all our journeys. We visit wildlife areas, programs and communities that are off the beaten track and team with local guides and businesses who are excited to share the intimate connection they have with their region and its people. Your experiences will be unique, genuine, personal and unforgettable.

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Supporting Local Communities

RAW Africa Eco-Tours was created out of a shared vision to secure Africa’s wildlife future through responsible and ethical ecotourism. We partner with local conservation and ecotourism organisations, which means that more than 80% of your tour money directly benefits local people, local communities and local wildlife.

What if you could give back as you travel?

At Raw Africa Eco-Tours we believe in responsible tourism. So, wherever we go, we make sure we give something back. We work in partnership with local community and conservation programs to ensure local communities thrive and develop, and local wildlife is protected. Each of our unique safaris supports a project that we are passionate about and gives you a chance to get up close and personal to the programs, communities and wildlife of this unique continent.

So, if you’re looking for an African Encounter that truly makes a difference, just pick one of our inspiring safaris and start packing!

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Our Founder, Brooke Squires

Brooke Squires has worked in zoos, national parks and conservation areas around the world for more than 25 years. Her enduring love for the wildlife and people of Africa began as a child when her family was stationed in South Africa. During her 23 years working at Zoos Victoria in Australia, Brooke cared for African wildlife as a keeper then moved to work in the Wildlife Science and Conservation team, developing and implementing community conservation programs in Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Brooke has worked in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, the Northern Rangelands Trust, and various community tourism projects, which has fuelled her passion to ensure that tourism benefits local people and actively conserves the precious wildlife of Africa.

“All the work I have been involved in throughout Africa has convinced me that the most sustainable way to save wildlife and support communities is through linked livelihoods such as community-based ecotourism. I love RAW Africa, I love our programs, our staff, our amazing communities, our unforgettable wildlife and the incredible friendships we make with people who see Africa through our eyes and come on journeys with us. That’s what we do, that’s what makes us RAW.”

Brooke holds a BSc in Zoology and a Masters in International Community Development.

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Meet our leaders

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Jaros

Founding Partner & Tour Development Manager, Kenya

Jaros was one of the founding members of RAW Africa Eco-Tours and is a regional expert as well as highly qualified Wildlife Guide.

“Bringing people to Kenya on safari is amazing because of the links between the local communities and the wildlife. The combination of wildlife, communities and travellers who want to see the real thing is a great combination for tourism and conservation. My favourite part of Kenya is my home, Il Ngwesi in northern Kenya.”

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Benson

Uganda

Benson was part of the team that habituated the first Gorilla group in Uganda and is a Great Ape expert and one of RAW Africa Eco-Tours’ most experienced leaders.

“Western Uganda is so rich in flora and fauna, especially the mountain gorillas, the scenery of the highlands will leave a smile on your face that will last a lifetime.”

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Birhanu

Ethiopia

Birhanu’s networks in the horn of Africa are extensive and means we have access to some of the best local guides in the region.

“I love animals, I studied animal and wildlife science at college. For me to be in the Simien Mountains with its incredible wildlife, is like talking to myself, they are a part of me.”

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Nigel

Zimbabwe & southern Africa.

Nigel has a background in establishing conservation programs and training anti-poaching units across central and southern Africa. Nigel is also an exceptional wildlife photographer and will be leading various Photo safaris with RAW Africa Ecotours.

“My favourite part of Zimbabwe is Lake Kariba, there is something special about this part of Zim. The lake allows me to connect with the raw beauty and serenity of the Zambezi Valley.”

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Suleiman

Zanzibar

If you are after an island adventure with amazing food, incredible history, and beautiful beaches, Suleiman knows the hidden secrets of Zanzibar inside out!

“I love Zanzibar beaches, there are fishermen and kids singing and dancing, our beaches are full of life in Zanzibar.”

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Hussan

Tanzania

Hussan is a local expert with vast knowledge of Tanzania’s amazing wildlife parks.

“I love my country and its parks because it’s not a zoo, the animals can be far or near, its nature. We find the wildlife but they are not always easy to see and you have to go a little way to find them. That makes the experience special. My favourite park in Tanzania is the Serengeti. It’s so big and there are so many different places to find the wildlife. It’s a real safari.”

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Innocent

Uganda

Innocent works with RAW Africa and local communities to create tour programs that support local people.

“My favourite community activity is the visit to Mabungo Village. It’s such a great project to support, it helps the people and our guests just love it! Win-win.”

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Estimic

Democratic Republic Congo

Estimic coordinates RAW Africa’s day trips in Democratic Republic of Congo and is passionate about the future of Congolese tourism.

“What I love most about Goma is the hospitality of the people, we are proud to be Congolese and we love to welcome people to our city.”

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Benja

Madagascar

Benja works in partnership with RAW Africa Ecotours to ensure that Madagascar and its unique wildlife leave a lasting impression.

“When people think of Madagascar they think of lemurs and Baobabs. What I love most about my country is the Isalo valley, it’s rocky, magnificent and so unexpected.”

Enquiry FOrm

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