Conservio raises $1M to expand sustainable travel

Conservio, the go-to platform for travellers looking to escape into nature, has just landed $1 million in funding to expand its footprint. The investment, led by E4E Africa, also brought in contributions from Volve Capital, Living Hope Ventures, and seasoned tech entrepreneur Jonathan Smith. Smith, who made his mark with Payfast, also supported Conservio during its $500,000 pre-seed raise back in March 2023.

Launched in 2020, Conservio was built around a simple but powerful idea: making it easier for people to discover, book, and support accommodations that celebrate natural beauty and protect the planet. Today, the platform features over 500 unique stays across South Africa, Mozambique, and Namibia — from cosy cabins and farm stays to luxury lodges in protected reserves.

“We focus on curating places where every booking means something bigger,” says CEO and co-founder Lara Dendy Young. “Whether it’s preserving natural habitats or uplifting local communities, we want travel to be about more than just the destination — it’s about making a positive impact.”

Why investors are backing Conservio

This funding round was led by E4E Africa, a venture capital fund that champions African entrepreneurs tackling big challenges. “We’re excited about Conservio because they’re not just transforming travel — they’re also creating jobs in rural areas and helping conservation efforts thrive,” explains E4E managing partner Bas Hochstenbach.

Volve Capital, an early-stage VC fund from the Netherlands, is equally enthusiastic. “Conservio is perfectly positioned to grow while driving meaningful change,” says Joost Bijlsma, co-founder of Volve. “We love their mission to make nature-based travel more accessible and impactful.”

What’s next for Conservio?

With the new funding, Conservio has ambitious plans to expand. The team wants to grow its portfolio to include over 2,000 properties across Southern Africa, attract more travellers, and cement its position as the top choice for eco-friendly travel.

“We’re seeing more people want to escape the city and experience something different,” says Justin Rijnberg, Conservio’s Chief Product Officer and co-founder. “Our platform is built for travellers who love the convenience of booking everything online but also care about the impact their travel has.”

The funding will also go towards enhancing the platform’s user experience, making it even easier for travellers to discover hidden gems while giving eco-tourism businesses the tools they need to thrive.

A vision for travel that matters

At its core, Conservio is about more than just bookings. It’s about changing the way people think about travel. “We believe tourism can be a force for good,” says Dendy Young. “Every trip booked through Conservio helps protect natural spaces, celebrate local culture, and create a deeper connection to the planet.”

Conservio’s journey forward isn’t just about expanding its reach — it’s about reshaping how travel can actively support conservation and local communities.

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