About Behind the Science Safaris

Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems, which in turn supports a self-regulating planet and provides humanity with critical resources like clean air and water. Yet, wildlife conservation faces mounting challenges from human population growth, habitat fragmentation, and climate change.

Ironically, nature itself is the most effective solution to mitigating climate change, as healthy ecosystems depend on thriving wildlife populations. Unfortunately, conservation research—especially on overlooked species that are lesser-known or receive little public attention—is severely underfunded, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like southern Africa.

Behind the Science Safaris was founded by two University of California, Santa Barbara classmates in 2023 to address this urgent funding gap while offering travelers a once-in-a-lifetime, purpose-driven experience. The idea was born in 2022 when Cole traveled to visit Camille in South Africa and joined him on field based research. Cole's experience illuminated the potential for tourism to not only  aid funding for conservation projects he had participated in, but also to inspire people by bringing them face-to-face with the critical work of protecting wildlife.

Camille, a PhD in Hippo Behavioral Ecology and a member of the IUCN SSC Hippo and Crocodile Specialist Groups, has spent over a decade leading wildlife conservation projects and building relationships with South Africa’s most dedicated wildlife researchers—many of whom work tirelessly on underfunded projects. Together, they founded Behind the Science Safaris to connect travelers to behind-the-scenes conservation work while providing much-needed financial support for those spearheading conservation for overlooked species and ecosystems.

 Launching its first tours in 2026, Behind the Science Safaris offers travelers the chance to witness Africa's iconic wildlife while directly supporting critical conservation efforts. Each trip funds three essential research initiatives, ensuring guests contribute meaningfully to safeguarding biodiversity in one of the world's richest ecosystems.