“One step at a time is all it takes to get you there.”

~ EMILY DICKINSON ~

1990
The Beginning of The Story
Black and White Butterfly on branch

Coming from his successful almost 40 year old Londolozi where he had already invested decades of hard work, money and belief nurturing the reserve and building a leading eco-tourism destination, Dave Varty’s first visit to the farms that were to become Phinda conjured up for him, the word “hellhole”. A…
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1991
Phinda Is Born
Bateleur flying - Phinda is born

Phinda, meaning “return” in isiZulu was brought in to its first phase of reality in 1991 as it pioneered the groundbreaking model: Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife and Care of The People. Dave Varty wrote in his book “Full Circle” of the enormity of this undertaking. The…
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1992
Care Of The People
Care of the people - kids at school

The core values of AndBeyond (or CCAfrica as it was named then) Care of the Land, Care of the Wildlife and Care of the People have been the DNA of the company from day one. The Care of the People ethos has always been a heartbeat strong in the company’s…
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The Getty Family Commit
Zuka Private Game Reserve Landscape

Dave recounts his pitch to the family in his book Full Circle: “Yes, we are aware that Nelson Mandela is calling for sanctions. And yes, we have bought derelict farms in the middle of northern KwaZulu Natal where the Zulu leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi is trying to go to war with…
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1999
Robin James
Robin James - Zuka Private Game Reserve

1999 was a significant moment in the timeline of Africa Foundation. Rob James negotiated the first important endowment for Africa Foundation. Rob undertook Africa Foundation from inception, as a steady, committed supporter, donor and Chairman of the UK Board of Trustees of Africa Foundation until he died all too soon…
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