The Sabi Sabi Foundation

Identifying and guiding sustainable projects

Our Foundation brings to life the Sabi Sabi Collection’s commitment to conservation, community upliftment and education through initiatives that support the socio-economic development of neighbouring communities.

Ss Collection Foundation Purpose Elephant Calf

Balancing the needs of conversation, tourism and community

The Foundation was formed to grow custodians of our natural heritage through education, employment, and conservation, ensuring sustainable benefits for present and future generations. Through these efforts, we have built a close-knit community united by trust, respect, and a shared commitment to protecting the land and shaping a positive future.

Ss Collection Foundation Banner Foundation

Our vision for the future

Our Vision is to build thriving, self-sustaining communities empowered through education, opportunity, and environmental stewardship - where individuals are equipped with relevant skills, have access to meaningful opportunities and actively contribute to the protection and development of their communities and natural environment.

Our approach

The Foundation’s goal is to nurture future custodians of our natural heritage through education, employment and conservation. We do this by sharing the benefits the Sabi Sabi Collection generates through ecotourism and reinvesting in considered, practical initiatives that support community upliftment and create sustainable opportunities for all.

Education and upliftment

We believe knowledge is the cornerstone of success. Which is why we invest in schools and learner centres to empower learners of all ages to navigate their way into the working world.

Ss Collection Foundation Our Approach Education Projects
Ss Collection Foundation Our Approach Chef Team
Ss Collection Foundation Our Approach Conservation Anti Poaching

Poverty alleviation

Beyond employment across the Collection, we reinvest tourism benefits into community initiatives that create dignified sources of income that stimulate local economic growth.

Supporting local business

From gardening and thatching services to fresh produce suppliers, we consciously outsource most of the Sabi Sabi Collection's servicing needs to local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Ss Collection Foundation Our Approach Miramba Band

A glimpse into our initiatives

Take a heartwarming look at the projects underway.
Water Sanitation Programme 01

Water & Sanitation Programme

Access to clean water remains one of the most critical challenges in rural communities. The Foundation has implemented large-scale water projects, including the Marula Water Project, which provides over 54,000 litres of clean water daily through a solar-powered system supplying multiple community taps.

Food Security Programme 01

Food Security Programme

This programme supports sustainable agriculture by the development of community gardens. Each garden is fully fenced, equipped with shade structures and supported by irrigation systems. This initiative aims to improve household food security and generate income opportunities within local communities.

Community Support Programmes 01

Swa-Vana Children’s Centre

A vital community-based programme supporting orphaned and vulnerable children across the communities of Huntington, Lillydale, and Justicia. The centre has grown from supporting a handful of children to hundreds of beneficiaries by providing a safe and nurturing environment which supports emotional, social, and educational development.

Education Digital Learning Programme 04

Education & Digital Learning Programme

In partnership with the Good Work Foundation, the Foundation supports the Lilydale and Huntington Digital Learning Centres. These hubs address the digital divide in rural areas, where access to technology and English literacy is limited, in order to improve access to education and employment opportunities.

Hospitality Skills Development Programme 01

Hospitality Academy & Chef Mentorship Programme

The Foundation provides access to industry-ready skills training in hospitality and culinary arts creating pathways for employment. The Chef Mentorship Programme identifies local talent and provides accredited training through professional institutions combined with hands-on experience across the Sabi Sabi lodges.

Ranger Tracker Academy 02

Ranger & Tracker Academy Programme

This programme develops conservation and field guiding skills, preparing individuals for careers in eco-tourism focusing on field guiding, wildlife tracking and environmental conservation. Thus providing aspiring conservationists with advanced guiding skills, practical work experience and employment opportunities.

Youth Development Sports Programme 03

Dreamfields - Sabi Sabi Dream League

In 2012, we established a soccer and netball Dream League for primary and high school pupils to promote youth development by keeping them engaged in positive activities. The program encourages teamwork, discipline and leadership, and promotes healthier lifestyles, while combatting boredom and poor school attendance in local communities.

Swa Vana Childrens Centre 04

Various other Community Support Programmes

The Foundation has a variety of programmes which address some of the more immediate needs of local communities while restoring dignity and well-being. These initiatives include distributing back-to-school backpacks, youth packs and various other distribution packs, which help to support vulnerable families, improves education readiness and brings joy and emotional upliftment in local communities.

Our Foundation projects in action

A quick snapshot of some of our initiatives
Ss Collection Foundation Gallery Education Programme
Ss Collection Foundation Gallery Rhino On Safari
Ss Collection Foundation Gallery Service With A Smile
Ss Collection Foundation Gallery Environmental Education
Ss Collection Foundation Gallery Young Kid Learning Nature
Ss Collection Foundation Gallery Water Project
Ss Collection Foundation Vision Leopard Cub

Giving back is the greatest gift of all

Leave a piece of your heart in South Africa.

The Sabi Sabi Foundation's work is already yielding results, and we are stiving to do so much more. With your support, this impact can continue to grow, reaching communities long after your journey ends.

Learn more

Giving back is the greatest gift of all

Leave a piece of your heart in South Africa.

The Sabi Sabi Foundation's work is already yielding results, and we are stiving to do so much more. With your support, this impact can continue to grow, reaching communities long after your journey ends.

Learn more