The Genesis of SANA

While Saving Africa's Nature (SANA) activates community participation in protecting the Gongo community forest, Miseni retreat is simultaneously leading a practical eco-tourism solution to complement the conservation effort.

"We understand the gift of Life when we recognize the value of Nature"
— Costa Coucoulis

SANA was born out of sheer desperation in the aftermath of Burundi civil war which started in 1993. Having experienced first-hand atrocities and the ensuing environmental destruction, Mr. Costa Coucoulis (an Afro-Greek born and raised in Burundi), made a commitment to prevent similar events from happening again!

Costa Coucoulis

The Gongo Discovery

In 2002, local leaders invited Costa to the Gongo village to see a uniquely massive snake taking refuge in their village. With curiosity, he visited Gongo but only to discover a wonderful little village with exceptionally interesting people!

Without pre-existing Swahili or English competence, Costa miraculously connected with the local people and, single-handedly, built the Saadani Safari lodge in 2001.

Gongo Forest

Key Milestones

1994

Costa first visits Tanzania

The beginning of a lifelong commitment to conservation

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2001

Saadani Safari Lodge built

Establishing eco-tourism as a conservation tool

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2002

Gongo Village Discovery

Connecting with local communities

🏘️
2008

SANA Foundation

Formal establishment of conservation programs

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Our Impact & Journey

Discover the depth of our conservation, education, and community empowerment programs

2008

Program Inception

Began sponsoring 11 secondary school students from Saadani village, marking the start of our education initiative.

Education program
2010

Village Expansion

Extended our education program to include Gongo and Matipwili villages, increasing our impact.

Village expansion
2012

School Infrastructure

Provided desks for 200 children and installed solar power systems in village schools to enhance learning.

School infrastructure
2014

Healthcare Access

Completed construction of a dispensary for Gongo village, offering free dental and medical services.

Healthcare access
2018

Water Well Project

Installed a water well to address water scarcity, significantly improving community health and quality of life.

Water well project
2022

Forest Conservation

Began restoration of Kikwati wildlife corridor linking Saadani National Park with Wami Mbiki Wildlife Management Area.

Forest conservation
2023

Seedbank

Seedbank emerged as a milestone achievement in our mission to restore forest ecosystems.

Seedbank
2024

Community Housing

In Gongo Village, unsafe housing put families at constant risk. In response SANA with community and donor support, built secure and eco-friendly homes using local materials.

Community housing
View Impact Stories

Meet Our Team

Mr Baraka Kalagahe

Mr Baraka Kalagahe

Chairperson

Dr Darlene Mutalemwa

Dr Darlene Mutalemwa

Vice Chairperson

Bakari

Bakari Coucoulis

Advisory

Yusuphu Masanja

Yusufu Masanja

Treasurer

Advisory Board

Yusuphu Masanja

Constantine Coucoulis

Founder & Advisory

GR

Gary Roberts

Advisory

LS

Lauren Swart

Advisory

AM

Advisory Member

Advisory

Our Founder's Journey

A story of resilience, passion, and commitment to conservation
Costas Coucolis
"We understand the gift of Life when we recognize the value of Nature"
1994 First visit to Tanzania

Costas Coucolis, a Greek born and raised in Burundi, voluntarily founded both SANA and Miseni retreat out of sheer desperation in the aftermath of a civil war that started in 1993. Having experienced first-hand atrocities and the ensuing environmental destruction of his native country, Costas fell in love with Tanzania on his first visit in 1994 and ultimately decided to dedicate the rest of his life to Nature and local communities.

30+ Years of Service
1000+ Lives Impacted
15+ Communities

Our Partners

Organizations we collaborate with