The Slow Fund: Supporting Research with Ujubee Project

This feature is part of our Slow Fund Series: projects and stories that highlight the communities we visit and how we give back. We established The Slow Fund to support innovative projects that are reflective of the regions that inspire them.Whether through educational, cultural, or conservation and preservation initiatives, the Fund helps protect various forms of heritage and promotes the health of vibrant living cultures and the eco-systems that support them.The Ujubee project is a conservation effort focused on recording scientific data on wild honeybee populations in South Africa. Unlike many parts of the world where bee populations are managed by humans and live in manufactured hives, South Africa is home to honeybee populations where 80% remain wild and an integral part of their habitat’s ecosystem.

This provides an opportunity to study their natural habitat and behaviour, contributing valuable research that can help honeybee populations around the globe.In turn, Ujubee can take steps in order to protect the delicate biomes where these bees live, ensuring both the survival of the bees, and the range of species their pollination helps to maintain — specifically, the fynbos region of South Africa, which is the smallest and most diverse floral kingdom in the world. Butterfield &amp; Robinson is proud to support their research efforts.When possible, we bring our travellers through these areas in the Western and Eastern Cape, led by an ecologist to explain the importance of biodiversity and habitat conservation.Interested in seeing South Africa and Ujubee with B&amp;R? Check out our <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/africa/south-africa">unique itineraries</a> in the country. &nbsp;

Discover how the Ujubee Project, supported by Butterfield & Robinson’s Slow Fund, advances honeybee research and protects vital ecosystems through meaningful travel.

Ujubee Project & The B&R Slow Fund | Supporting Conservation & Bee Research

South Africa

Experience one of the world’s most beautiful lands in a new era of reconciliation and growth. There are remarkably conserved wilderness areas filled with animals found nowhere else in the world, including the famous Big Five that contribute so much to South Africa’s identity. Its award-winning vineyards, some of which roll down to the sea while others perch spectacularly on the slopes of the Cape Fold Mountains, produce some of the best red wines around. Hello, South Africa.

Iconic wildlife, rich heritage

Discover South Africa's Big Five safaris in Kruger and Sabi Sands, Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands with award-winning guides and curated itineraries.

Luxury Safaris, Biking & Private Tours in South Africa

South Africa’s many colours are reflected in the kaleidoscope of art, music and cuisines in her cities, the 12 official languages she boasts and in the faces of her people (Zulu, Sotho, Xhosa, descendants of British, Dutch, French and Cape Muslims, to name a few). Here, you can sip the finest new world wines, bike through fynbos-bedecked hills, swim with sharks or spend the day tracking the Big 5 before watching the sunset below the horizon with a sundowner in hand. B&amp;R’s South Africa blends the colours in a canvas of people, experiences and sensations that we hope will take your breath away. So breathe in the pure African air, and let us plan your ultimate South African safari.

Land of Striking Contrasts

Local Connections

Unique Gastronomy

Yes, it's a long flight—but there is (quite literally) no place on earth like South Africa. One moment you’re biking through fynbos hills, the next you’re tracking lions before toasting the sunset with a chilled Chenin. With wild coasts, big skies and even bigger wildlife, it’s a feast for the senses. Come for the views, stay for the vibes—and let us tailor every jaw-dropping detail.

Come for safari, stay for Ubuntu

It’s by no accident she’s known as the ‘Rainbow Nation’

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Safari the Kruger, surf the Garden Route and cycle the Cape Winelands in 1 tailor-made South Africa trip. The country's best experiences, built around you.

South Africa Bespoke | Butterfield & Robinson

Breathtaking Landscapes

Insider Access

History, Culture & Conservation

South Africa was made for cyclists. From rugged coastal cliffs to vineyard-laced valleys, this journey dives deep into the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape. Cycle through fragrant fynbos, sip award-winning wine&nbsp;where it's grown, and uncover the region’s rich history—from mission towns to Mandela’s legacy. With every spin,&nbsp;you’ll experience a place where culture, cuisine, and natural beauty collide in all the best ways.

Preview the itinerary

Experience Designer

Spend 5 nights biking Franschhoek's mountain wine valley on this small group tour. South Africa's finest cellar estates, Huguenot trails and vineyard lunches.

South Africa Biking | Butterfield & Robinson

It’s hard to believe that so much beauty, diversity and wine can be found so close to Cape Town. Not to mention the spectacular lodges and biking and hiking routes. This journey is not dissimilar to many of our European jaunts, as we pop easily from one elegant hotel to the next - enjoying vineyard tastings, art gallery visits and animal sightings along the way. Pedalling past dramatic vistas, we move from the Cape Peninsula to the winelands then finish with a few days of witnessing the&nbsp;“Serengeti of the Sea" on marine safari.