at the forefront of a new era
We passionately champion regenerative experiences that actively contribute to, rather than detract from, Africa's most delicate ecosystems and vibrant communities.
Through an exclusive network of visionary partners — frontline innovators in conservation, sustainable commerce, and community development across Africa and the globe — we operate as a vital catalyst for sustainable travel. Our unrivalled approach orchestrates a creative and collective synergy across 5 core pillars: conservation, commerce, community, culture, and capital.
STRATEGY
THE BIG FIVE C’s
At William Ford Journeys, we are pioneering a new era of tourism in Africa. Our strategic and opportunistic approach uses travel and philanthropy to fund high-impact conservation and community development projects, channelling vital resources into key landscapes across the continent.
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We are trailblazers in safeguarding Earth’s most vital and vulnerable ecosystems. Through relentless monitoring, cutting-edge research, and unwavering anti-poaching efforts, we stand as guardians of thriving wilderness. From the majestic forests of the Congo Basin, where our Integrated Land Use Management Planning redefines forest conservation, to the vibrant blue carbon projects reforesting Kenya’s Venga Bay mangroves – we push boundaries to secure a legacy for generations. We empower Africa’s most innovative start-ups and grassroots initiatives, illuminating the future of regenerative tourism and carbon storage solutions, all while championing communities on the very frontline of our planet’s greatest challenge. This is not just protection; it's proactive preservation, charting a course for an enduring wild.
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We envision commerce as a powerful engine for environmental stewardship. Our unique approach cultivates sustainable enterprises that ignite local economies, creating meaningful jobs and diversifying incomes. Through bespoke ecotourism ventures, strategic impact investments, and pioneering natural-asset finance, we transform at-risk ecosystems into thriving commercial operations. Every transaction is meticulously crafted with a transparent, rigorously vetted, and audited supply chain, exclusively sourcing from local vendors and micro-ecotourist economies. We demand the highest standards of sustainability and social responsibility from every partner, auditing our network to ensure each step taken enhances both the planet and people. This isn't just business; it's a bold new blueprint for wealth creation that inherently protects our most precious natural assets.
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At the core of our philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to people. We channel vital resources into education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and critical social infrastructure, ensuring food security and access to clean water. We champion the profound belief that when communities flourish, the wilderness thrives in unison. Our investment in early childhood development and women’s entrepreneurship nurtures local leadership, igniting self-determination. From co-creation to empowering local NGOs, we grant autonomy to those who understand their lands best. We recognize that empowering local communities is not merely an obligation, but the very key to holistic ecosystem success. Through access to education, robust health, resilient cultures, and strong social frameworks, we ensure that the benefits of pioneering conservation truly uplift every life they touch.
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Design travel experiences that bridge cultural gaps, fostering mutual understanding and respect between travellers and local populations. Guests are invited to engage authentically with local culture through guided village visits, preceded by cultural briefings that highlight traditions, customs, and the importance of mutual respect.
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As an impact investor, we invest in community-led travel businesses in Africa. Full of promise, these businesses lack the connections to international markets, the marketing experience, and the management experience to harness the huge potential we see in them. Drawing on the experiences, intellectual capital and resources of our global investment partners, we help these businesses become sustainable, successful, and catalysts for wider sustainable development.
WF. LOVE PROJECTS
We are dedicated to creating regenerative experiences that support Africa's fragile ecosystems and diverse communities. Discover our passion projects below.
PROJECT 01
One for One Scholarship
Unlock a brighter future with every expedition. William Ford passionately invests in the transformative power of education. For each guest on your journey, we fund a full scholarship for a young Rwandan woman through our exclusive Komera partnership. This goes beyond tuition, encompassing holistic support: boarding, healthcare, mentorship, and leadership training. As our guest, you gain unique access to correspond with the student you empower, exchanging stories and photos across continents. This is your chance to forge a profound connection, witnessing the far-reaching impact of your adventure – investing in an individual, and the future of an entire community.
PROJECT 02
Gorilla Genomics ProjEct
Dr. Magdalena Bermejo, Kamba African Experiences, Tomas Marques-Bonet, and Illumina iConserve have developed a genomic atlas to aid gorilla conservation. Using genetic sequencing, this tool identifies the origins of confiscated gorillas, ensuring they are relocated to sanctuaries suited to their genetic and ecological heritage. This approach boosts reintroduction success and supports their survival in the wild. A key part of the project is training local communities. Scientists and students at Université Marien Ngouabi are learning Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to quickly analyze genetics, identify poaching hotspots, and implement data-driven conservation strategies. This initiative builds local expertise to protect gorillas and their ecosystems.
PROJECT 03
Elephant Haven’s Wildlife Foundation
At the core of this ambitious effort is a strategic partnership with Elephant Havens. Colossal is proud to support their work rehabilitating elephant orphans by funding operations, meeting capital needs, and sharing expertise in animal care. With Colossal’s recent contribution, Elephant Havens can expand its land and continue vital conservation efforts. This partnership goes beyond traditional conservation. Together, we’re using cutting-edge bioscience to reintroduce orphaned elephants, sequencing genomes, and building biobanks for future generations. Backed by Colossal’s resources and expertise, this groundbreaking collaboration redefines species reintroduction and strengthens Elephant Havens’ mission to protect these iconic giants.
PROJECT 04
Vanga Blue Forest Project
William Ford donates 1% of annual sales to the Vanga Blue Forest Project, a community-led initiative restoring and protecting 460 hectares of mangroves across Vanga, Jimbo, and Kiwegu in Kenya’s Vanga Bay. The project prevents deforestation, advances reforestation, and funds local education, healthcare, sanitation, and clean water: protecting ecosystems while empowering communities.
Mangrove restoration delivers exceptional blue carbon benefits, far outperforming afforestation. As nurseries for up to 75% of tropical fish species, mangroves power rich food webs. They also filter pollutants, fortify coasts, and protect nearby marine ecosystems. The result: stronger fisheries, cleaner waters, and enhanced climate resilience.
WE SUPPORT
PURPOSEFUL PARTNERS
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Trip was PERFECT!! Every single detail was planned out and the accommodations and people were wonderful. This trip exceeded all of our wildest expectations.”
— Elizabeth S.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“We chose WF. Journeys for our first trip, and never looked back. They took care of every detail, tailoring each experience and crafted a bespoke itinerary to our style and budget.”
— Charles H.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“I have no words for the quality of everything related to this trip. Stunning lodges, amazing activities, and perfect locations. This has been one of the best trips of my life.”
— Daniel H.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Every detail of the trip is evidence of the pride taken in shaping bespoke itineraries that stay true to the destination. I was floored by how up close and personal I was in the environment.”
— Cynthia S.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Perfect from start to finish. Every transfer was seamless, perfectly timed, and we never missed a sunrise or sunset drive. It truly gave us our time back to enjoy every moment.”
— Michelle M.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“They say perfection is unattainable, but after what you and your team did for us, that no longer holds true — this was perfect! I don’t know how to thank your team enough.”
— Virginia B.
HAPPY TRAVELERS
“Our trip to South Africa and Botswana was absolutely unforgettable — everything was first-rate. The lodges and culinary experiences were nothing short of outstanding.”