Wilderness Foundation Africa

The vision for Wilderness Foundation Africa was born in the late 1960s during wilderness trails in the Imfolozi region, led by the Wilderness Leadership School. Deeply moved by the transformative power of these experiences, trail participants persuaded Dr Ian Player to establish an organisation dedicated to protecting and creating wilderness areas. From its inception, WFA was committed to raising public awareness of the value of wilderness and to advocating against threats such as de-proclamation and coal mining.

Formally registered as a non-profit organisation in 1972, WFA has grown into a leading African conservation body. In 2000, leadership passed from Dr Ian Player to Dr Andrew Muir, under whose guidance WFA expanded its reach and impact. Today, the organisation is recognised for its agile and innovative approach to conservation, earning international acclaim, including the Rolex Laureate Award for Enterprise in 2008.

With over fifty years of experience, WFA continues to focus on sustainable, lasting impact. Its work spans wilderness landscape management, youth leadership development for disadvantaged communities, anti-poaching initiatives, government-level advocacy, and the incubation of emerging non-profits. Through these efforts, Wilderness Foundation Africa remains at the forefront of protecting wild spaces and nurturing future custodians of the natural world.