Children in the Wilderness is Wilderness Safaris' most successful local community upliftment programme. Rural children who live near parks, reserves and camps are hosted at various camps and taught the importance of conservation. The facilitators are very hands-on and have devised wonderful, innovative ways to open the minds of the children, increase their self esteem and inspire them to be good future custodians of the wildlife areas in which they live.

Wilderness Safaris is a big organization and so people are a vital part of the organization as well as the future of sustainable eco-tourism in Africa. There are approximately 2 800 staff members across the seven countries, 85 per cent of which hail from neighbouring communities. The children of these communities are part of a well run programme that aims to expose them to their natural heritage and equip them with the necessary skills to realise their potential.
Each region has specially devised programmes depending on the needs of both the communities and the environment.