Travel with purpose this 8 March and celebrate women shaping conservation, culture and creative industries. From Himalayan snow leopard tracking to marine research in East Africa and artist-led safaris in Zambia, these journeys spotlight those working at the forefront of change.
- 01. Ladakh, India snow leopard conservation
- 02. Sacred Valley textile traditions
- 03. Sri Lanka elephant research with uga
- 04. Kenya & more marine conservation
- 05. Greater Kruger black mambas unit
- 06. Raja Ampat ocean protection
- 07. Zambia art safaris
- 08. Botswana wildlife conservation
- 9. Gombe Stream the legacy of jane goodall
- 10. Namibia Giraffe Conservation
Ladakh, India
Snow Leopard Conservation
Lightfoot previously organised a bespoke all-female expedition into the Indian Himalayas for HER Planet Earth, founded by Christine Amour-Levar. The trip combined snow leopard tracking with discussions around climate resilience and women’s leadership in remote mountain communities, alongside time spent understanding conservation efforts on the ground. We can curate similar tailormade expeditions in Ladakh for a conservation-led Himalayan experience.
Journey: Bespoke snow leopard expedition in Ladakh
Sacred Valley
Textile Traditions
In the Sacred Valley, the village of Chinchero is known for the beauty and quality of its traditional textiles. Time here can include a visit to the workshop of Nilda Callañaupa, who has brought together the local weaving community and encouraged younger women to continue ancestral techniques. Guests gain insight into natural dye processes, backstrap loom weaving and the preservation of Andean textile heritage.
Stay: Sol y Luna, Sacred Valley
Sri Lanka
Elephant Research with Uga
At Uga Ulagalla near Anuradhapura in Sri Lanka, Head Naturalist Katharina Raaben leads research focused on human–elephant coexistence in a region where ancient civilisations and elephant corridors overlap. Guests can learn about field studies, tracking methods and community initiatives designed to reduce conflict, alongside exploring the area’s historic cultural sites.
Stay: Uga Ulagalla
Kenya & more
Marine Conservation
Julie Church, founder of Seas4Life, leads conservation-led marine journeys across Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar and northern Mozambique. Guests may join humpback whale research, snorkel protected reefs, swim alongside sea turtles or sail aboard traditional dhows, with each experience shaped in collaboration with marine biologists and local conservation partners.
Journey: Seas4Life coastal conservation experiences with Lightfoot
Greater Kruger
Black Mambas Unit
In South Africa’s Greater Kruger region, the Black Mambas, the world’s first all-female anti-poaching unit, patrol protected areas and lead environmental education initiatives in surrounding communities. Time spent learning about their work adds context to a safari in one of the region’s private reserves.
Add-on: Safari in Greater Kruger’s private reserves
Raja Ampat
Ocean Protection
Raja Ampat is recognised as one of the most biodiverse marine regions on earth and forms part of the Mission Blue Hope Spot network championed by marine biologist Sylvia Earle. Diving or snorkelling here provides access to protected reefs supported by marine reserves and community-led conservation efforts.
Stay: Misool Eco Resort or private liveaboards
Zambia
Art Safaris
Artist Emily Thornton hosts small-group art journeys in Zambia’s South Luangwa, combining wildlife immersion with creative practice. Days focus on sketching, painting and observation, with opportunities to engage with local artists and community initiatives, offering a slower and more reflective perspective on safari.
Journey: Zambia art safari curated with Lightfoot
Botswana
Wildlife Conservation
In Botswana, conservationist and filmmaker Beverly Joubert has long championed predator protection through research and storytelling. Her work helped shape the conservation model behind Great Plains Conservation. Stays at Great Plains camps in the Okavango Delta and Selinda Reserve support ongoing predator monitoring and community partnerships, alongside exceptional wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.
Stay: Great Plains Conservation camps
Gombe Stream
The Legacy of Jane Goodall
Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania remains closely associated with Dr Jane Goodall’s pioneering chimpanzee research. Visitors can trek through forest to observe habituated chimpanzees and learn about the continuing work of the Jane Goodall Institute in conservation and community development.
Add-on: Conservation-focused East Africa safari
Namibia
Giraffe Conservation
In Namibia’s remote northwest, Natural Selection’s immersive giraffe conservation safari offers access to ongoing field research in partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Guided by specialists Kate Ahl and Emma Wells, the experience draws on GCF’s work under Chief Impact Officer Dr Jennifer Lalley. Guests gain insight into tracking, identification and long-term monitoring of desert-adapted giraffe.
Journey: Giraffe Conservation in Action with Natural Selection
Photography credits: Unsplash, @herplanetearth, Uga Ulagalla, @theblackmambas, Emily Thornton, Natural Selection
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