Article: Mark McCormick | Images: Black Bean Productions
Growing up in the raw beauty of Zimbabwe, the Lower Zambezi, and the mighty Victoria Falls, I was immersed early on in the pulse of the African wilderness. My father, a seasoned and successful tourism operator with over 36 years in the industry, exposed me to the wonders of this continent. Each journey through these captivating landscapes planted seeds of curiosity, ambition, and a commitment to conservation. Over time, it became clear that the landscape I grew up with was not merely a backdrop but a part of my identity, sparking a dream to be part of Africa’s tourism legacy, specifically in Zambia.
As I grew up, so did my vision for what these lands could become. It wasn’t enough to observe the wilderness from afar. Determined to contribute to the flourishing tourism sector, I set out to build a career rooted in conservation and community development. This path led me to an opportunity with &Beyond, a company known for its dedication to ecological preservation and luxurious safari experiences. Training and successfully qualifying as a guide at Phinda Private Game Reserve marked a pivotal moment in my journey. It was there I discovered the intersection of luxury tourism, conservation and community development — a harmonious coexistence where community buy-in was paramount to sustaining Africa’s rich biodiversity.
My years at Phinda were both a dream realized and a journey of learning, equipping me with insights into sustainable tourism. During my time with &Beyond, I witnessed firsthand the impact of community engagement on conservation efforts, and I knew I wanted to bring this ethos back to Zambia. Eventually, I felt the pull to create something unique of my own, a venture that would marry my passion for luxury tourism, conservation and community. This dream has materialised into The Ultra Portfolio, an ambitious venture based in Livingstone, Zambia, dedicated to providing exceptional tours and immersive experiences around the Victoria Falls and its surroundings.
With The Ultra Portfolio as a foundation, we are pioneering two flagship projects that embody our family’s vision: Elephant Manor and Co. Co. Game Reserve. These initiatives represent the next step in our mission to create a luxury tourism experience that goes far beyond comfort; immersing visitors in the region’s natural beauty while fostering ecological and community well-being.
The Elephant Manor: A Luxury Riverside Retreat
Elephant Manor is more than just a luxury lodge; it is a Manor that invites guests to submerge themselves in Zambia’s pristine wilderness. Situated along the Zambezi River, this remarkable property will feature 14 luxury rooms, each designed to offer comfort and spectacular views. Blending elegance with sustainability, this exclusive retreat promises a truly unique experience.
Co. Co. Game Reserve: A Conservation-Centric Vision
While Elephant Manor offers a luxurious riverside escape, the Co. Co. Game Reserve will serve as a gateway to Zambia’s most remote and untouched landscapes. Encompassing over 5,000 hectares along the Sinde River, the Co. Co. Game Reserve transforms unutilised land into a protected conservation area, aimed at preserving wildlife, fostering biodiversity, and creating economic opportunities for local communities.
This vast reserve will offer an in-depth look at efforts to protect the natural world. This ambitious project seeks to elevate Zambia’s tourism profile, showing that luxury and conservation can be allies in preserving Africa’s iconic landscapes and wildlife.
Conservation and Community: The Heart of Sustainable Tourism
Both Elephant Manor and the Co. Co. Game Reserve are built on a philosophy that believes tourism should serve as a vehicle for conservation and community upliftment. The Ultra Portfolio is championing a youth-focused educational program to engage and educate future generations on the importance of wildlife preservation. This all came about after discussions with a close friend and ex-colleague from my days at Phinda, Dean Carlisle, who started a non-profit company called Lessons in Conservation (LiC). LiC is a youth-led organisation, striving to leave our natural world in a better place than we found it. As a group of young people, bound together by a common love for children and wildlife, they are taking responsibility for our future. By exposing children to the beauty that remains within the landscapes of this exquisite continent, they hope to create young ambassadors, who will defend their heritage long into the future. Together with LiC, we’re on a mission to make this a reality.
In partnership with LiC, the Ultra Portfolio has already begun its outreach efforts in local Zambian communities, focusing on young students from grades four to seven. Through a six-lesson program, LiC immerses these students in fundamental ecological principles, teaching them about the delicate balance between wildlife and the ecosystem. These lessons are more than lectures; they involve hands-on activities such as game drives, bush walks, river cruises and other educational activities following their ‘in-classroom’ learning. By showing students the splendour and importance of their local environment, LiC and the Ultra Portfolio hope to create a generation of conservation ambassadors who will defend Zambia’s heritage long into the future.
The statistics from WWF’s Living Planet Report serve as a sobering reminder of the urgency of this mission. Wildlife populations are declining sharply across Africa, with an average 76% decrease in monitored populations in just 50 years (1970-2020). These alarming numbers underscore the critical need for conservation efforts that start with education, community involvement, and sustainable practices. The Ultra Portfolio, through its collaboration with LiC, is determined to address these challenges and empower local youth to take action, fostering a sense of pride in Zambia’s rich natural heritage.
The internationally recognised climate change activist, David Suzuki, summed it up perfectly: – “Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the natural world, we can’t expect them to help protect and care for it. We need to find ways for society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us.”
Shaping the Future of Zambian Tourism
The Ultra Portfolio’s vision is clear: to establish Zambia as a premier destination for travellers seeking immersive, responsible tourism experiences. With a unique blend of luxury travel, conservation and community development, the Ultra Portfolio aims to bridge the gap between modern tourism and timeless conservation principles. Elephant Manor and the Co. Co. Game Reserve are just the beginning, each serving as a testament to the power of tourism to positively impact both the environment and local communities.
At its core, this vision is about more than just building a successful business; it is about creating lasting change in the region. It’s about building a future where these places can thrive for generations to come. In a region with immense potential and breathtaking beauty, The Ultra Portfolio’s projects are designed to preserve Zambia’s unique landscapes, protect its wildlife, and educate communities to understand the opportunities that lie in working with nature for their own personal development.
In Livingstone, with Elephant Manor, Co. Co. Game Reserve, and partnerships like LiC, I hope to create a lasting impact and honour the legacy of conservation that my father started, now carrying it forward in a way that protects what’s here and leaves something better for Zambia’s future.
