The “twang” of a Hadza bowstring in the evening light, elephants like ghost trains under a full moon, the tense silence caused by the guttural growls of a lioness protecting her cubs –these are the kinds of experiences that Dorobo Safaris from its beginning several decades ago has tried to share with visitors to Tanzania. Experience local cultures, ecosystems, and wilderness areas that are ‘off th
e beaten track’ in Tanzania and through this support conservation and cultural identity. Our greatest achievement has been promoting cultural dignity and supporting land security for vulnerable communities. We have assisted community partners to secure 23,500 hectares of their land for traditional hunting and gathering in the Yaeda Valley. Along the Maasai Steppe, over 27,000 hectares of grassland is being sustainably managed by the local communities for livestock and wildlife grazing. With legal certificates to the land and transparent tourism agreements, communities earn revenue for protecting this vital area against agricultural encroachment, permanent settlement, and charcoal production. Fourteen tourism agreements with local villages benefit in the order of 55,000 local people. Our business works directly with local village governments who represent the greater community. Contracts span five years and follow local laws and customs. A payment structure and a guaranteed annual income are agreed upon, enabling communities to budget efficiently each year. Communities members have access to periodic reports of revenue from tourism that has been disbursed and can hold local leadership accountable for the management and use thereof. Further, in 2018, Dorobo Safaris employed community members for 1430 days of work hosting clients in community areas – this was in addition to locals employed in full-time positions
