Conservio, Africa’s premier platform connecting travellers with eco-conscious accommodations in South Africa, has successfully closed a $1M funding round to fuel its expansion.
The round was led by E4E Africa, with participation from Volve Capital, Living Hope Ventures, and notable angel investors, including Jonathan Smith (Payfast). Smith was also part of Conservio’s $500k pre-seed round in March 2023.
A Platform With Purpose
Founded in 2020, Conservio has established itself as a trusted booking platform, offering over 500 properties across South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia. Unlike traditional booking platforms, Conservio focuses on venues that embrace sustainability, protect natural habitats, and inspire environmental stewardship.
“By curating stylishly sustainable accommodations — from intimate cabins and farm stays to luxury lodges in nature reserves — Conservio offers travellers access to escapes beyond city limits, where every booking directly supports nature conservation,” says Lara Dendy Young, CEO and co-founder of Conservio.
What Sets Conservio Apart
Conservio’s mission goes beyond booking. The platform:
- Helps properties attract bookings year-round, not just in peak seasons.
- Educates venues on how to operate more sustainably while reaping financial benefits.
- Builds trust with users through a seamless, user-friendly booking process.
E4E Africa, the lead investor, is particularly aligned with Conservio’s ethos.
“E4E Africa invests in ventures that foster sustainable growth on the African continent,” explains Bas Hochstenbach, managing partner of E4E Africa.
“We believe in Conservio’s vision to make booking nature-based travel more efficient and pleasant for the traveller, while also supporting quality job creation in rural communities and increasing conservation income for Africa’s iconic nature.”
Scaling Up for Growth
With fresh funding, Conservio plans to expand its portfolio to include over 2,000 suppliers/properties across Southern Africa. The company is also focused on growing its customer base and solidifying its reputation as the go-to platform for nature-based travel.
“We invested in Conservio because we believe in their mission to make nature-based travel more accessible and accelerate the positive impact of ecotourism,” notes Joost Bijlsma, co-founder of Volve Capital.
“Conservio is well-positioned for significant growth while also creating a positive impact in South Africa and beyond.”
Addressing the Rise of Independent Travel
As travel trends evolve, Conservio is tapping into the growing demand for independent, tech-savvy experiences.
“Demand for independent travel within Africa is growing rapidly,” shares Justin Rijnberg, Chief Product Officer and co-founder of Conservio.
“We are seeing a surge in tech-savvy travellers seeking unique stays beyond city centres. These travellers want the convenience of booking and paying online, seamlessly and in one place.”
A Vision for Responsible Tourism
Conservio’s broader goal is to use tourism as a force for good. The company channels revenue to properties that:
- Protect natural habitats.
- Celebrate local cultures.
- Promote environmental awareness and stewardship.
“By offering a seamless, user-friendly experience for both travellers and ecotourism businesses, we continue to champion our mission of using tourism as a force for good,” says Dendy Young.
The platform’s commitment to responsible travel aligns with the company’s vision to support environmental protection, cultural preservation, and economic growth.
“These goals reflect our passion for driving meaningful impact through travel,” concludes Dendy Young.
“We’re excited to build on our success and continue making it easy for travellers to discover, book, and experience the beauty of nature while contributing to its preservation.”
