Africa is the destination
The people are the story.
Stories of the people, wildlife, conservation, cultures, journeys and experiences that make Africa extraordinary.
WHAT IS I HEART AFRICA PROJECT?
Africa had been a dream of mine since I was a little girl.
For as long as I can remember, the bright-hued earth, golden grasses, lush deltas, rolling savannahs, wild animals, bold warriors, and resilient people who carve out life in sometimes hostile lands captured my imagination.
When I finally stepped onto the continent, everything in my life changed.
It didn’t just move me — it shook me, and rebuilt the very foundation of how I see the world and live within it.
I felt reborn in the heartbeat of Africa.
But what touched me most was not only the landscapes or the wildlife — it was the people.
I met rangers who risk their lives to protect what they love.
Guides who carry the stories of the land.
Conservationists, locals, and tribal communities whose lives are deeply woven into the spirit of this continent.
Yet so much of the world only sees Africa through headlines, stereotypes, or charity campaigns.
They rarely see the humour, the pride, the resilience, and the deep sense of community that exists here.
I Heart Africa Project was born from a simple but powerful desire: to honour these voices, preserve their stories, and share the Africa I came to love — the one that changed me.
This is not a travel blog.
This is not a photo collection.
This is a legacy of voices.
And it began with a book.
I Heart Africa Project brings together the stories of people from across Africa and around the world whose lives have been shaped by this extraordinary continent — from conservationists, wildlife experts and rangers to guides, adventurers, travellers, researchers and people who simply fell in love with Africa.
MEET THE #IHeartAfricaProject PEOPLE
From conservationists and wildlife experts to adventurers, guides, photographers, researchers and travellers, meet the extraordinary people whose stories are part of the project.
Dozens of people. Hundreds of stories. One extraordinary continent.
STORIES FROM AFRICA
THE STORIES THAT BECAME A BOOK
A collection of voices from across Africa and around the world.
I Heart Africa Project began as a collection of stories gathered from people whose lives have been shaped by Africa.
Featuring voices from across the continent and from many different walks of life, the book explores wildlife, conservation, adventure, travel, culture and the deeply personal connections people form with Africa.
CONSERVATION
Protecting the Africa we love
From wildlife protection and anti-poaching initiatives to community conservation and environmental education, discover the people and organisations working to protect Africa’s extraordinary natural heritage.
YOUR SAFARI DIRECTORY
Discover safari guides, tour operators and travel experiences across Africa.
THE JOURNAL
From the I Heart Africa Project Journal…
SUPPORT LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Discover how supporting local communities can make your African journey more meaningful. Learn why choosing local guides, businesses, accommodation, artisans and experiences helps support the people who call Africa home.
Keep reading
WHAT DOES RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN AFRICA REALLY MEAN?
Discover what responsible travel in Africa really means — from respecting local cultures and communities to supporting conservation, wildlife and local businesses. Learn how to travel Africa more consciously and make a positive difference along the way.
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WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Discover where I HEART AFRICA PROJECT began. In Part One of this six-part mini documentary series, Nikki Lockwood shares the personal story, early connection to Africa and inspiration behind the book and the journey that followed.
Keep reading
Africa changes people.
We’ve heard the stories. Now we want to hear yours.
Join the #IHeartAfricaProject Family
Preserve the Stories. Share the Journey.
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