Working to help communities, wilderness, and wildlife to thrive together.
We take a listening-first approach and collaborate with
local communities and partners on the front lines of conservation in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and other African countries to create and nurture projects that benefit communities, wilderness, and wildlife.
Thanks to contributions from Royal African Safaris and Passage to Africa that cover our foundation’s overheads, 100% of your donations go directly to projects.
Areas of NEED &
Areas of support
Across the wilderness areas where we work, the future of wildlife rests with the communities who are its custodians, especially where Africa’s megafauna, such as elephants and lions, range far beyond protected area boundaries.
Living alongside wildlife carries real costs, and unless people benefit and those costs are reduced, communities have little reason to protect wildlife or keep wilderness areas open for it.
Our goal is to listen to the communities on the front lines of conservation where we work and to address the most pressing needs they identify, which broadly fall under the following categories, so that people, wilderness, and wildlife can thrive together
Education
Sponsoring primary, secondary & tertiary students, supporting teachers, and improving school infrastructure facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and other African countries.
Enterprise
Supporting community enterprises and adult training (from beekeeping to mechanics to guiding) so communities can sustainably benefit from living alongside wildlife.
Healthcare & Water
Facilitating backpack nurse clinics, improving clinic facilities, and supporting water projects so rural communities can access healthcare and clean water.
Human-Wildlife Protection
Supporting human-wildlife conflict mitigation, including wildlife guardians, predator lights, GPS tracking, and coexistence research to protect both people and wildlife.
Supporter Testimonials
What our supporters say
We have always preferred to quietly get on with the good we are trying to do and not shout about it, but these are some testimonials from our supporters so you can hear what they have to say.
“Our family has had the privilege of getting to know the Royal African Foundation, and what stands out most is that they are truly a family, one that cares deeply about the people and communities they serve.
RAF’s work is rooted in genuine, boots-on-the-ground knowledge of the regions where they operate. They don’t make decisions from afar; they listen, build relationships, and partner with local leaders who know their communities best. That approach ensures support goes where it is most needed and where it can make the greatest lasting impact.
We have also been impressed by the Foundation’s stewardship of the dollars entrusted to them. RAF is thoughtful, disciplined, and intentional with its resources, creating a multiplier effect that allows each donation to reach further and accomplish more than you might imagine in the communities they serve.
Just as important, Emma and her team are exceptional communicators. Their transparency, responsiveness, and consistent follow-up give donors confidence that they are true partners in the mission.
In a world filled with worthy causes, the Royal African Foundation distinguishes itself through integrity, humility, local partnerships, and genuine care. We are proud to support RAF and recommend it to anyone looking to make a meaningful, lasting impact.
Mary Katherine and Durant Bell
North Carolina, USA
“I believe in the Royal African Foundation because it yields results. By supporting those who live on the edge of Africa’s vast protected areas, it enhances the lives of vital people while ensuring the protection of iconic wildlife.
I know no other cause where 100% of donations go straight to Africa and produces such a measurable impact.”
John Heminway
Montana, USA
“Our family’s great joy has been to experience quite a few “trips of a lifetime“ with Royal African Safaris over the years!
Their love and dedication to Africa, its people, and its resources are evident in everything they do.
Through the Royal African Foundation, we have been able to share in that passionate dedication. We were compelled to help one amazing young man continue his education. We helped a community to repair a borehole, we contributed to the installation of predator lights, and so much more all because of the commitment of the Foundation.
It has been our honor and privilege to support the Royal African Foundation … now and in the future!”
The Murphy Family
Virginia, USA
“We are proud to support the Royal African Foundation because it takes a thoughtful, sustainable approach to both wildlife conservation and community support.
Every donation goes directly toward meaningful projects that protect Africa’s wildlife while also investing in local communities through education, job skills training, and opportunities that create lasting livelihoods.
The Foundation provides regular updates on the progress of these projects, so donors can clearly see the impact of their support.
We have been consistently impressed by the organization’s commitment to using every dollar efficiently to achieve the greatest possible benefit for both people and wildlife.“
Rick and Amy Smith
Florida, USA
“We have been traveling with Royal African teams since 1995 and have supported the Foundation for many of those years.
We are continuously amazed at all they have done for things we adore: the local people and the animals. Our support will continue.”
Bob and Betsy Reniers
California, USA
“We went to Africa to see the animals. But it turns out the strongest and longest-lasting memories of our safari came from the people we met who live there, the farmers and villagers who will determine the survival of these animals in the future. They need our help to find ways to more comfortably coexist and thrive in a challenging environment.
The Royal African Foundation is providing ways to improve the quality of their lives while maintaining the delicate balance necessary to live in the wild.
And, unlike many organizations in the US, every dollar we have contributed actually gets to the recipients instead of overhead costs.”
John and Sandie Valentine
Kansas, USA
“Our association with RAS goes back to 1994. We have taken at least seven wonderful trips with Royal African, including several trips with our entire Bell family of 19 children/grandchildren.
We are a big supporter of giving back, and RAF has enabled our family to support various schools, local enterprises, and wildlife conservation over the years.
We are impressed with RAF’s mission and consistent support of the local people in areas where Royal African Safaris works.”
Steve and Jackie Bell
North Carolina, USA
PROJECTS
Featured Projects
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