WILDTRUST
WILDTRUST is a South African non-profit conservation organisation operating the WILDLANDS (terrestrial) and WILDOCEANS (marine) programmes across Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, delivering biodiversity protection, marine protected area expansion, and community-based livelihoods funded by international foundations, corporate B-BBEE partners, and individual donations.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2004
- HeadquartersPietermaritzburg, South Africa
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What WILDTRUST does
WILDTRUST (legally registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust, IT No.4329/1991/PMB) is a South African non-profit, non-governmental, and public welfare organisation founded in 2004 through the merger of two regional trusts. Headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, the organisation pursues biodiversity protection, ecosystem restoration, and community development across Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean through two core programmatic arms: WILDLANDS (terrestrial conservation) and WILDOCEANS (marine conservation). Its operational footprint spans 12,000 hectares at the community-owned Somkhanda Big Five Game Reserve, the 96,000-hectare Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park via the ECOStudy education programme, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and 32,000 hectares under Upper uThukela Water Fund stewardship, with marine operations reaching Mozambique, Tanzania, Comoros, and high seas areas via the RV Angra Pequena research vessel.
The organisation's technology stack centres on conservation-monitoring instrumentation rather than software products: Earth Ranger real-time wildlife tracking for rhino anti-poaching, mesophotic survey equipment (ROV, Stereo-BRUVs, drop cameras), oceanographic and multibeam/geoscience instruments, and a locally developed South African Oil Spill Model. Project portfolio includes the Adopt-A-Rhino Programme, Buffelsdraai Reforestation, Blue Port plastic-waste intervention, Whale Time eco-tourism, Sanctuary for Sharks and Rays, and the Upper uThukela Water Fund — the last quantified at a 2.3:1 benefit-cost ratio and R216m NPV over 30 years.
WILDTRUST's business model is a diversified non-profit revenue stack: international foundation grants (Blue Action Fund, Oceans 5, Rainforest Trust, ICONIQ Ocean Co-Lab, Walmart Foundation, Shark Conservation Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Pew Bertarelli, The Light Foundation, Flanders), corporate partnerships enabling B-BBEE SED/Enterprise Development point accrual under its Level 3 status, the R30,000/annum Adopt-A-Rhino subscription programme, Section 18A tax-deductible individual donations, WILDSERIES trail-running events, and a Jeep Apparel-linked consumer donation channel. Customer segments span government conservation authorities (Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, DFFE, iSimangaliso Authority), rural and coastal communities (Emvokweni Community Trust, amaNgwane, amaZizi), corporate partners, individual donors, and schools. The organisation holds NPO (004-949) and PBO (130001485) registrations and operates with a staff complement reported in the 1,001-5,000 range.
WILDTRUST firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- WILDTRUST
- Legal name
- Wildlands Conservation Trust
- Website
- https://wildtrust.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2004
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- WILDTRUST is a South African non-profit conservation organisation operating the WILDLANDS (terrestrial) and WILDOCEANS (marine) programmes across Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, delivering biodiversity protection, marine protected area expansion, and community-based livelihoods funded by international foundations, corporate B-BBEE partners, and individual donations.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
WILDTRUST industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wildlife Conservation
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Support Activities for Forestry (11531)
- SIC
- Forestry (800)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Conservation & Human–Wildlife Conflict Mitigation (BPAGAIAI), Ecosystem Services & Natural Capital Programs (Water, Biodiversity Credits, PES) (IMAMAJAK)
Keywords
Where WILDTRUST is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pietermaritzburg
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
WILDTRUST business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual and corporate donations, with Section 18A tax certificates available for South African taxpayers. Companies can donate up to 10% of NPAT to receive Socio-Economic Development (SED) points on their B-BBEE scorecard.
- Adopt-A-Rhino Programme: Annual adoption programme for Somkhanda Game Reserve's anti-poaching unit. Adoption costs R30,000 per annum with bi-annual updates including photographs, news, and rhino activities. Adoptors receive opportunity to witness dehorning after every 2 years of adoption.
- Event-Based Fundraising: WILDSERIES trail running events (Golden Gate Challenge, Three Cranes Challenge) generate conservation fees from participant entries. Conservation portion of fees supports biodiversity projects.
- Enterprise and Social Enterprise Development: WILDTRUST is a Level 3 B-BBEE organization allowing companies to direct Enterprise Development points to WILDENTERPRISE (Pty) Ltd. Supports rural sustainable enterprise development programmes.
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Partnerships with corporate entities including vehicle donations (First Car Rental 4x4 vehicle), apparel partnerships (Jeep Apparel SA OneTeeOneTree initiative), and ongoing operational sponsorships.
- Foundation and Grant Funding: Funding from foundations including ICONIQ Ocean Co-Lab, Oceans 5, Blue Action Fund, Rainforest Trust, Walmart Foundation, and others for specific conservation projects.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Adopt-A-Rhino Programme - R30,000 per annum |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
WILDTRUST product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WILDTRUST runs land- and ocean-based conservation, research, education, and livelihood programmes through its WILDLANDS (terrestrial) and WILDOCEANS (marine) programmes. Its sellable offerings include the Adopt-A-Rhino annual subscription (R30,000/year), the Upper uThukela Water Fund for nature-based water-security solutions, multiple Marine Protected Area projects, the Buffelsdraai reforestation project, the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, the ECOStudy environmental education programme, and the OneTeeOneTree tree-planting initiative. Revenue is generated via donations, foundation grants, corporate B-BBEE partnerships, programme subscriptions, and event fees.
Product overview
WILDTRUST is a South African Non-Profit Organisation pursuing its vision of 'A Thriving and Resilient World' through two core programmatic arms: WILDLANDS (terrestrial conservation) and WILDOCEANS (marine conservation). The organisation operates various projects under these programmes including the Adopt-A-Rhino Programme, Upper uThukela Water Fund, and multiple marine projects such as the Blue Port Project, Whale Time Project, and iSimangaliso MPA EbA Project. Supporting mechanisms include the OneTeeOneTree initiative and ECOStudy Environmental Education Programme. The portfolio represents an integrated approach to conservation combining community development, species protection, and ecosystem restoration across land and sea.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- WILDLANDS Programme Terrestrial conservation programme with over two decades of implementing environmental impact, focusing on community-centred conservation, restoring green spaces, protecting species, and building climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods across southern Africa.
- WILDOCEANS Programme Marine conservation initiative working at the nexus of ocean conservation and community resilience across Southern Africa and the Western Indian Ocean, focusing on Marine Protected Areas, species protection, and coastal community empowerment.
- Adopt-A-Rhino Programme Annual adoption programme that assists the Somkhanda Game Reserve's anti-poaching unit in conserving, protecting, and managing the rhino population. Adoption costs R30,000 per annum with bi-annual updates including photographs and news on the rhino's wellbeing.
- Upper uThukela Water Fund (UTWF) A collaborative initiative led by WILDTRUST with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and Nature for Water (N4W) to enhance water security through Nature-based Solutions such as removing invasive alien plants and rehabilitating eroded landscapes, delivering a benefit-cost ratio of 2.3:1 and R216 million net present value over 30 years.
- Buffelsdraai Restoration Project A reforestation partnership with eThekwini Municipality transforming 800 hectares of sugarcane land into natural forest and woodland to act as a buffer between communities and the landfill site while creating biodiversity habitat and sequestering carbon.
- Somkhanda Community Game Reserve South Africa's first community-owned Big Five reserve spanning 12,000 hectares in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, established in 2005 through land restitution and owned by the Emvokweni Community Trust on behalf of the Gumbi community, supported by WILDTRUST through anti-poaching, rhino conservation, and wildlife translocation programmes.
- Blue Port Project Project established in March 2019 to progressively reduce plastic waste entering Durban Port through waste-trapping interventions in key rivers and canals, aiming to minimize plastic waste escaping into the ocean.
- Whale Time Project Project based at the Port Natal Maritime Museum in Durban that promotes sustainable and ethical whale tourism along South Africa's east coast by integrating science, conservation, tourism, and community engagement around humpback whales.
- uThukela MPA EbA Project A 5-year marine protected area Ecosystem-based Adaptation project established in 2022, funded by the Blue Action Fund, seeking to improve social and ecological resilience in and around the uThukela Marine Protected Area.
- iSimangaliso MPA EbA Project A 4-year project launched in August 2023 funded by Blue Action Fund, delivering Nature-based Solutions to climate change risks through protection and restoration of coral reefs, mangroves, swamp forests, and coastal dune systems in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
- Sanctuary for Sharks and Rays Project Project started January 2022 and funded by Rainforest Trust with co-funding from Shark Conservation Fund and Oceans 5, aiming to achieve designation of new or expanded Marine Protected Areas for sharks and protect at least 19 threatened shark and ray species.
- RV Angra Pequena (Research Vessel) Classic research vessel used for offshore research cruises along South Africa's east coast and into Mozambique, Tanzania, and Comoros, supporting mesophotic surveys and providing at-sea training opportunities for young marine scientists. The vessel accommodates up to 16 people (6-10 scientists/students), can stay at sea for 30 days with 3,000nm voyage capability.
- OneTeeOneTree Initiative Partnership with Jeep Apparel SA where for every 100% organic cotton Jeep apparel t-shirt sold, WILDTRUST plants a tree through the Tree-preneurs programme to restore degraded landscapes, with a vision to plant 6,000 indigenous trees in South Africa.
- ECOStudy Environmental Education Programme Partnership with ECOStudy Trust to deliver hands-on environmental education at the Sontuli Environmental Education Centre in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, aiming to reach 20,000 learners and community members annually with immersive conservation education experiences aligned to Grade 6 Natural Sciences curriculum.
Quantifiable outcome
- Benefit-cost ratio of 2.3:1 and R216 million net present value from Upper uThukela Water Fund over 30 years
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use WILDTRUST
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
WILDTRUST technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
WILDTRUST partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
21 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.
- Indalo InclusivemajorNon-profit promoting green entrepreneurship; partnered to deliver women-led climate-smart enterprises in iSimangaliso communities through Indalovator programme.
- First Car RentalmajorSouth Africa's largest independent car rental company (subsidiary of Combined Motor Holdings) donated 4x4 vehicle to support WILDTRUST's diverse operations.
- ECOStudy TrustcorePartner in environmental education programme at Sontuli Environmental Education Centre, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Aims to reach 20,000 learners annually with free conservation education.
- Jeep ApparelmajorGlobal brand partnered through OneTeeOneTree initiative with vision to plant 6000 indigenous trees in South Africa. For every organic cotton t-shirt sold, a tree is planted through WILDLANDS Tree-preneurs.
- The Nature Conservancy (TNC)corePartner in Upper uThukela Water Fund project, bringing international conservation expertise and Nature-based Solutions approach to water security initiatives.
- Ezemvelo KZN WildlifecoreProvincial conservation authority partner for rhino conservation, anti-poaching coordination, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park management, and ECOStudy programme implementation.
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park AuthoritycorePartner for marine protected area management, community development projects, and ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
- National Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)coreGovernment partner for shark and ray conservation (NPOA-Sharks II), marine protected area expansion, and national biodiversity framework alignment.
- Peace Parks FoundationmajorTransfrontier conservation partner supporting cross-border conservation initiatives and protected area management.
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF)majorMajor conservation organization partner contributing to black rhino range expansion project (BRREP) and broader biodiversity conservation efforts.
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)majorGlobal conservation body providing scientific expertise, conservation standards, and policy guidance for marine and terrestrial conservation initiatives.
- South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)majorNational biodiversity institute partner for species conservation, habitat protection, and biodiversity monitoring.
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)majorTechnical partner providing ROV equipment, scientific expertise, and research vessel support for marine research expeditions.
- First Car Rental (CMH Group)majorDonated brand-new 4x4 vehicle to support conservation operations across WILDLANDS and WILDOCEANS programmes. Open-ended partnership reflecting First Car Rental's conservation values.
- Jeep Apparel SAmajorOneTeeOneTree initiative partner planting indigenous trees for every Jeep Apparel t-shirt sold. Reaching customers through 9 concept stores and online platform.
- Wildlife Emergency Fund (WEF)majorPartner in giraffe translocation to Somkhanda, fully funding the conservation effort to support genetic diversity and population stability.
- Albus EnvironmentalmajorPartner in giraffe translocation project, co-funding the movement of eight giraffes from Pongola Game Reserve to Somkhanda.
- Conservation OutcomesmajorConservation finance partner supporting biodiversity stewardship and protected area expansion initiatives.
- eThekwini MunicipalitymajorMetropolitan municipality partner for Buffelsdraai Restoration Project and Blue Port Project in Durban.
- Stellenbosch UniversitymajorAcademic partner through SANOCEAN initiative for marine research and ocean science collaboration.
- Nelson Mandela University (NMU)minorAcademic partner for marine research and conservation science initiatives.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
WILDTRUST competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Conservation International: Global conservation NGO with similar marine-terrestrial integration, blue economy work, and corporate partnership model. Operates in overlapping geographies (Mozambique, South Africa) and competes for the same foundation funding pools.
- Peace Parks Foundation: Southern Africa-based transfrontier conservation NGO operating across multiple SADC countries with similar community-led conservation, protected area management, and cross-border wildlife corridor initiatives. Direct regional peer with overlapping government relationships and Big 5 reserves.
- Fauna & Flora International: Global species-focused conservation NGO with comparable marine and terrestrial protected area programs, species translocation work, and emerging market conservation approach. Competes for similar ICONIQ, Bloomberg, and Rainforest Trust grants.
- Save Our Seas Foundation: Marine conservation NGO focused on sharks and rays with strong Swiss/South African nexus. Direct peer in WILDOCEANS-adjacent marine work, particularly around shark/ray species protection and Western Indian Ocean MPA initiatives.
- WWF South Africa: Major South African conservation NGO running terrestrial and marine programs with similar Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (BRREP) and broader biodiversity initiatives. Most direct in-country peer with shared government and donor relationships.
- African Wildlife Foundation: Africa-focused wildlife conservation NGO with comparable anti-poaching, species protection, and community-based conservation models. Operates across multiple African geographies with similar partnership-based funding approach.
- The Nature Conservancy: Global conservation NGO and active WILDTRUST partner on Upper uThukela Water Fund. Comparable in Nature-based Solutions approach, water fund structuring, and corporate partnership models; offers a larger-scale blueprint for monetizing conservation outcomes.
- BirdLife South Africa: South African conservation NGO operating protected area stewardship, Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, and corporate-funded conservation programs. Comparable in advocacy, IBA stewardship, and Section 18A tax-advantaged donation model.
Broad incumbents
- South African National Parks (SANParks): Government-managed national park authority that operates adjacent to WILDTRUST's partner reserves (Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, iSimangaliso). Sets the institutional framework within which WILDTRUST operates and competes for similar corporate partnership opportunities.
- Wildlife Conservation Society: Major global conservation NGO with comparable wildlife protection, anti-poaching, marine conservation, and global zoo/aquarium network. Competes for similar large-scale marine and terrestrial conservation grants and partnership mandates.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
WILDTRUST social profiles
Digital presenceWILDTRUST compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
WILDTRUST financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
WILDTRUST leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
WILDTRUST subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries3 records
WILDTRUST funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
WILDTRUST M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about WILDTRUST
What does WILDTRUST do?
WILDTRUST runs land- and ocean-based conservation, research, education, and livelihood programmes through its WILDLANDS (terrestrial) and WILDOCEANS (marine) programmes. Its sellable offerings include the Adopt-A-Rhino annual subscription (R30,000/year), the Upper uThukela Water Fund for nature-based water-security solutions, multiple Marine Protected Area projects, the Buffelsdraai reforestation project, the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve, the ECOStudy environmental education programme, and the OneTeeOneTree tree-planting initiative. Revenue is generated via donations, foundation grants, corporate B-BBEE partnerships, programme subscriptions, and event fees.
Is WILDTRUST a public or private company?
WILDTRUST is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was WILDTRUST founded?
WILDTRUST was founded in 2004. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is WILDTRUST based?
WILDTRUST is headquartered in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does WILDTRUST make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are adopt-A-Rhino Programme, event-Based Fundraising, enterprise and Social Enterprise Development, corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships and foundation and Grant Funding.
Who are WILDTRUST's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Conservation International, Peace Parks Foundation, Fauna & Flora International, Save Our Seas Foundation, WWF South Africa, African Wildlife Foundation, The Nature Conservancy and BirdLife South Africa. Broad incumbents are South African National Parks (SANParks) and Wildlife Conservation Society.
Does WILDTRUST have an API?
No public API is recorded for WILDTRUST.
What industry is WILDTRUST in?
WILDTRUST's product category is Wildlife Conservation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAB, Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection, with a secondary code of BPADALAI, Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management. Its NAICS code is 712190 and its SIC code is 800.