What Great Plains Conservation does

Great Plains Conservation operates a portfolio of more than 20 luxury safari camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, organized into two distinct collections: Réserve-Collection (ultra-luxury, Relais & Châteaux-affiliated tented suites with private plunge pools, butler service, and exclusive-use configurations) and Explorer-Collection (adventurous tented camps at lower price points). The company was founded in 2006 by award-winning filmmakers and National Geographic Explorers at Large Dereck and Beverly Joubert, who personally design every property. Pricing is fully inclusive per person per night (or flat per suite for exclusive-use), with rates ranging from approximately $1,180 to $32,500 per night depending on camp and configuration.

Revenue is generated through direct-to-consumer bookings via a dedicated reservation team (operating from South Africa with phone lines in the US and UK) and the company's own website, supplemented by a trade partner portal for travel advisors and a small e-commerce line selling the d&b Explorer clothing collection. The distribution model is high-touch and consultative, with no apparent reliance on third-party OTAs. Adjacent revenue/credibility streams include Wildlife Films (a wholly-owned subsidiary producing over 35 National Geographic documentaries and 8 Emmy-winning features), the Great Plains Foundation (charitable arm funding rhino relocation, anti-poaching programs, and community initiatives), and Great Plains TV (live wildlife webcams via Africam partnership).

The target customer is high-net-worth luxury travelers seeking conservation-authentic safari experiences, with secondary segments including multi-generational families (served by exclusive-use suites/villas) and repeat safari enthusiasts. All Réserve-Collection camps hold Relais & Châteaux membership, giving Great Plains Conservation exclusivity in this designation across its three operating countries. The business is privately held by the Jouberts with no disclosed institutional funding; revenue is not publicly disclosed.

Name

Great Plains Conservation

Legal name

Great Plains Conservation

Website

https://greatplainsconservation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Great Plains Conservation operates a portfolio of 20+ luxury safari camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, serving high-net-worth travelers seeking conservation-focused wildlife experiences. The company runs two collections — Réserve (Relais & Châteaux) and Explorer — and channels guest revenue into conservation via its affiliated Foundation.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Luxury Safari Lodges

NAICS

Recreational and Vacation Camps (except Campgrounds) (721214), Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Safari Lodges (Big Five/Game Reserves) (THAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Safari & Wilderness Luxury Resorts (THAGACAD), Safari Lodges & Tented Camps (THAAAHAC), Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives (THAJAIAB), Safari & Wildlife Travel Agencies (THAKAFAG)

Keywords

• Luxury safari camps
• African safari experiences
• Conservation tourism
• Wilderness lodges
• Private game reserves

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Safari Accommodation and Experiences: Great Plains Conservation generates revenue through nightly safari accommodation rates at its luxury camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Rates are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, scheduled wildlife viewing activities, all meals, laundry service, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and return scheduled seat inter-camp air transfers. The company offers two camp tiers: Explorer-Collection (more affordable, rustic-adventure style) and Réserve-Collection (ultra-luxury, larger suites, Relais & Châteaux members). Revenue is earned per guest per night, with exclusive-use suite rates charged at a flat nightly rate regardless of number of guests.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Great Plains Conservation operates luxury all-inclusive safari camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe, sold as nightly stays at per-person or per-suite rates. The portfolio is split into Réserve-Collection ultra-luxury properties (Relais & Châteaux members) and Explorer-Collection adventure camps. Each stay includes accommodation, guided game drives and bush activities, meals, beverages, conservation fees, and inter-camp air transfers, with proceeds funding the affiliated Great Plains Foundation's wildlife and community programs.

Product overview

Great Plains Conservation operates a portfolio of luxury African safari camps across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe organized into two distinct collections: Réserve-Collection (premium luxury with private suites, plunge pools, butler service, and Relais & Châteaux membership) and Explorer-Collection (adventurous authentic safari experience at more accessible price points). The portfolio includes over 20 named camps and suites including Selinda Camp, Zarafa Camp, Duba Plains Camp, Sitatunga Private Island in Botswana; Mara Plains Camp, Mara Nyika Camp, ol Donyo Lodge, Mara Toto Tree Camp in Kenya; and Tembo Plains Camp in Zimbabwe. Additionally, the company offers curated safari experiences (drives, walks, boating, horseback riding), Great Plains Live wildlife webcam streaming via Africam partnership, and d&b Explorer clothing collection. Two new properties are scheduled to open in 2026: Zamara Private (July 2026) and Shompole Camp (December 2026). The camps are founded and designed by National Geographic Explorers Dereck and Beverly Joubert.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Réserve-Collection: The ultra-luxury tier of Great Plains Conservation safari camps, offering exclusive tented suites with private plunge pools, butler service, private guides and vehicles, gourmet dining, and Relais & Châteaux membership.
• Explorer-Collection
• Great Plains Foundation
• Wildlife Films

Products and services

• Réserve-Collection Safari Camps The premium luxury camp portfolio offering the highest standard of accommodation, service, and exclusivity across Botswana, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Features spacious tented suites with private verandas, plunge pools, en-suite bathrooms, and personalized service including private butler, chef, and wildlife guide. All Réserve-Collection camps are Relais & Châteaux members.
• Explorer-Collection Safari Camps Adventure-focused safari camps offering an authentic explorer experience with campaign-style tents, en-suite bathrooms, and immersive wildlife activities in pristine African wilderness at more accessible price points.
• Selinda Camp

Quantifiable outcome

• 87 rhinos relocated from high-poaching areas to safety through Rhinos Without Borders
• +5 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Relais & ChâteauxcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAll Réserve-Collection safari camps are proud members of Relais & Châteaux, a prestigious global association of boutique luxury hotels and restaurants. Great Plains Conservation is the only company in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Kenya with camps holding this membership. This membership enhances brand prestige, global visibility among luxury travelers, and positions the company among the world's top hospitality brands.
• National GeographiccoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounders Dereck and Beverly Joubert are National Geographic Explorers at Large (two of only 12 globally). They co-founded the Big Cats Initiative with National Geographic as an emergency initiative to reverse big cat decline, which has funded over 150 grants in 29 countries. The partnership also encompasses documentary filmmaking, conservation storytelling, and brand co-association. National Geographic magazine has published over 60+ issues featuring Beverly Joubert's photography.
• Wildlife FilmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWildlife Films is the film company established by Dereck and Beverly Joubert in 1985 (with a South African subsidiary). Through Wildlife Films, the founders have created over 35 award-winning wildlife documentaries for National Geographic and other major international broadcasters. This film company is integral to Great Plains Conservation's brand identity and conservation mission, with film revenues supporting conservation initiatives.
• Bridging the Gap AfricaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreat Plains Conservation partners with Bridging the Gap Africa on its Building Bridges initiative, building safe and durable bridges across rivers in the Masai Mara region. Communities previously lacked year-round access to schools, clinics, and markets during rainy seasons when rivers became impassable. The partnership creates reliable infrastructure access supporting education, healthcare, and economic outcomes.
• Naboisho Conservancy (500 local landowners)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Naboisho Conservancy ('coming together' in Maasai language) was established by 500 local landowners. Great Plains Conservation operates Mara Nyika Camp and Sambuk Suite within this private conservancy. Revenue from guest stays directly supports sustainable livelihoods for 500+ Maasai families and funds conservation of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem.
• Olare Motorogi ConservancycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMara Plains Camp is located within the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which has the lowest vehicle density in Kenya's Maasai Mara region and the highest concentration of big cats in Africa. Conservation fees from each guest stay are paid to safeguard this habitat while supporting 1,000+ Maasai families through a formal partnership agreement.
• Great Plains FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreat Plains Foundation is the charitable arm of Great Plains Conservation, established to protect Africa's wild places and wildlife through innovative conservation initiatives, community development, and sustainable tourism. Founded alongside the company, it runs multiple programs including: Female Ranger Program (12-month training for women), Great Plains Earth Academy (vocational training), Student Conservation Camps, Solar Mamas (solar engineering training), Conservation Roots (indigenous tree planting), and Project Ranger (anti-poaching support). Revenue from guest stays funds these initiatives.
• Mpala Jena (Strategic Partner)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMpala Jena and the Mpala Jena Private Villas are listed as a strategic partner property on the Great Plains Conservation website, offering guests the opportunity to extend their safari experience near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
• Maa Trust (Naboisho Women's Group)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreat Plains Foundation sponsors the Naboisho Women's Group, which empowers local women through beadwork, honey, and soap-making projects. The initiative directly impacts 105 households and benefits an additional 1,000 people. Products are available for purchase at Mara Nyika Camp's bush boutique.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• &Beyond: &Beyond is one of the closest direct peers to Great Plains Conservation, operating ultra-luxury safari camps and lodges across Africa (Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe) with a similar community-conservation ethos (including the &Beyond Foundation). Comparable product positioning, target market (HNW luxury travelers), and conservation-driven narrative make it a top direct competitor.
• Singita: Singita is an ultra-luxury African safari operator with camps across South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Kenya. It shares Great Plains' conservation-tied luxury positioning, exclusive-use villa model, and premium nightly rates. Both brands compete for the top end of the luxury safari segment with similar brand prestige and philanthropy-driven storytelling.
• Mombo and Mombo Camp (Wilderness Safaris): Mombo Camp on Chief's Island in the Okavango Delta is widely cited as the gold standard of African luxury safaris. Direct competitor to Great Plains' Selinda Camp and Zarafa Camp with comparable nightly rates, Relais & Châteaux-equivalent prestige, and exclusive traversing land access in the same region.
• Cottar's 1880s Camp: Cottar's 1880s is an ultra-luxury family-owned safari operation in the Olderkesi Community Conservancy bordering Kenya's Maasai Mara. Direct competitor to Great Plains' Kenya properties (Mara Plains, Mara Nyika) with comparable exclusivity, private conservancy access, and multi-generational family positioning.
• Sanctuary Retreats: Sanctuary Retreats (a division of The Travel Corporation) operates luxury safari camps and lodges in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Comparable product mix of tented safari camps and small luxury lodges with all-inclusive rates targeting HNW travelers. Direct overlap with Great Plains in Botswana (Okavango) and Kenya.
• Sabi Sabi: Sabi Sabi operates a portfolio of four luxury safari lodges within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve adjacent to Kruger National Park in South Africa. Direct competitor in ultra-luxury safari segment with similar per-person nightly rates, conservation focus, and private traversing exclusivity, though limited to a single South African reserve.
• Royal Malewane: Royal Malewane is a Relais & Châteaux member and ultra-luxury safari lodge in Thornybush Game Reserve, South Africa. Direct competitor at the very top of the luxury safari market with comparable suite-only configuration, exclusive-use options, and Relais & Châteaux prestige. Closest peer in terms of rate ceiling and brand positioning.
• Wilderness Safaris: Wilderness Safaris is the largest luxury safari operator in Africa, with extensive camps across Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. While it operates at slightly broader price points, it directly overlaps with Great Plains in Botswana and Kenya at the luxury end and competes for the same HNW guest with multi-country itineraries.
• Natural Selection Safaris: Natural Selection Safaris operates a curated portfolio of luxury and adventure safari camps across Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Comparable business model with mix of ultra-luxury and explorer-tier camps in remote concessions (including the Okavango Delta where Great Plains also operates). Direct competitor for multi-property Botswana itineraries.

Emerging players

• Lemala Camps & Lodges: Lemala operates a smaller portfolio of luxury tented camps and lodges across Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) and Kenya. Comparable mobile-camp and luxury-lodge format but smaller scale and more limited geographic reach than Great Plains; partial overlap for travelers seeking multi-country East African safaris.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/GreatPlainsCons
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@GreatPlains
• Facebookfacebook.com/GreatPlainsConservation
• Instagraminstagram.com/greatplainsconservation
• Pinterestza.pinterest.com/greatplainscons
• TikToktiktok.com/@greatplainsconservation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greatplainsconservation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Great Plains Conservation