Where it all began-
the Eastern Cape of South Africa

Although Worldwide Experience started in 2002, the story goes back much further than that, beginning with the Gardiner family in 1990. Adrian Gardiner, a prominent businessman in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth in South Africa, bought a farm of 1200 hectares as a family weekend getaway. Upon researching the history of the farm, Adrian Gardiner soon realized that, despite the lack of game in the area at the time, the Eastern Cape used to be one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa in terms of biodiversity! In fact, the legendary Big 5 was first encountered in the Eastern Cape. Wildlife historians refer to the Cape Buffalo, Cape Leopard, Cape Lion, and Cape Hunting Dog (African Wild Dog) in their historical documents.

The endangered Black Rhino flourished in the Eastern Cape. However, due to hunting, over-farming, and drought, most of these species were eliminated during the 19th century. Adrian’s vision to restore the area to its former glory was born, and through much dedication started to materialize in 1992 with the birth of Shamwari Game Reserve. During the past twenty-five years, 25, 000 ha of pristine and agricultural land was consolidated and rehabilitated. The remaining wild animal species were allowed to increase in numbers and species extinct in the region were reintroduced.

Worldwide Experience was founded by one of Adrian’s sons, Paul Gardiner in 2002. It is no surprise that Paul’s heart is very much in conservation, and along with his family has shown dedication, particularly to rhino conservation. Paul joined the Mantis Collection in 1998 in a marketing capacity. After four years in the business he headed up the Group Sales & Marketing department, and in 2002 he departed for the United Kingdom. He continued in this role and also became the MD of Southern Africa Travel, a UK-based Tour Operator, and set up Worldwide Experience in the same year.

He also founded a business called Legacy Ventures – a company that specializes in taking executive MBA students on study tours into emerging countries like China, India, South Africa, etc. In 2012 he met the television personality and adventurer, Bear Grylls. Today they have several businesses together – including Bear Grylls Survival Race and Bear Grylls Survival Academy, and they’re looking to develop the first-ever Bear Grylls Adventure Park
with a major player in the theme park space.

Worldwide Experience, initially called Eco Africa Experience, developed a conservation volunteer program on the Shamwari Game Reserve in response to demand. It was this demand that drove the inspiration and commitment to developing a safe, supervised, and structured program delivered by professionals, for students and volunteers where they could not only learn about wildlife and conservation but gain hands-on experience in the field, allowing them to make a difference to the natural ecosystems and surrounding communities.

Paul Gardiner-
Founder of WorldWide Experience

Paul and Abigail Gardiner with 
Dr William Fowlds at the 
2016 TUSK awards

Although Worldwide Experience started in 2002, the story goes back much further than that, beginning with the Gardiner family in 1990. Adrian Gardiner, a prominent businessman in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth in South Africa, bought a farm of 1200 hectares as a family weekend getaway. Upon researching the history of the farm, Adrian Gardiner soon realized that, despite the lack of game in the area at the time, the Eastern Cape used to be one of the richest wildlife areas in Africa in terms of biodiversity! In fact, the legendary Big 5 was first encountered in the Eastern Cape. Wildlife historians refer to the Cape Buffalo, Cape Leopard, Cape Lion, and Cape Hunting Dog (African Wild Dog) in their historical documents.

The endangered Black Rhino flourished in the Eastern Cape. However, due to hunting, over-farming, and drought, most of these species were eliminated during the 19th century. Adrian’s vision to restore the area to its former glory was born, and through much dedication started to materialize in 1992 with the birth of Shamwari Game Reserve. During the past twenty-five years, 25, 000 ha of pristine and agricultural land was consolidated and rehabilitated. The remaining wild animal species were allowed to increase in numbers and species extinct in the region were reintroduced.