Investment Project:
Hippopotamus Photography Safari in the Middle Magdalena, Colombia
By: Economist Oswaldo Ordoñez Moreno
1. Introduction The Middle Magdalena region in Colombia is an area of extraordinary biodiversity, characterized by unique river ecosystems and a variety of wildlife. Among its most striking species are the hippos, descendants of the specimens illegally introduced by drug trafficker Pablo Escobar in the 1980s.
Their population expansion has generated an unprecedented biological, social, and media phenomenon in the Americas. This project proposes transforming this unique situation into an opportunity for sustainable development by creating the Middle Magdalena Hippopotamus Photography Safari, inspired by successful African nature tourism models but adapted to the Colombian context.
The aim is to attract national and international tourists interested in authentic wildlife viewing and photography experiences.
2. General Objective
To position the Middle Magdalena region as a world-class tourist destination through the implementation of a sustainable photographic safari that generates economic, social, and environmental development.
3. Specific Objectives
1. To develop a new, iconic tourist attraction for the Middle Magdalena region.
2. To raise awareness about the importance of conservation and responsible management of invasive exotic species.
3. To promote ecotourism, diversifying Colombia's tourism offerings.
4. To contribute to the conservation of local ecosystems affected by the presence of hippos.
5. To boost the local economy through the generation of direct and indirect employment.
6. To strengthen environmental education for visitors and riverside communities.
4. Benchmarking with Safaris in Africa African safaris are benchmarks in nature tourism.
Its key features include:
• Cost per person: between USD 2,500 and USD 15,000, depending on duration and luxury level.
• Typical duration: 3 to 14 days.
• Standard services: specialized transportation, professional guides, lodge accommodations, and cultural and gastronomic experiences.
This analysis establishes a competitive range for the Colombian safari, positioning it in the mid-price range, with differentiators such as local culture, regional cuisine, and the unique opportunity to observe hippos outside of Africa.
5. Project Design Safari Duration 10 days (including arrival day). Included Services
• Ground and airport transfers.
• Accommodation (10 nights) with breakfast.
• Full board during the safari.
• Entrance fees to reserves and protected areas.
• Boat trips and guided walks.
• 9-seater minivan for private safaris.
• Bilingual driver (English-Spanish).
• Wildlife and photography expert guide.
• Bottled water during all activities. Not Included:
• International and domestic flights.
• Visas (if applicable).
• Gratuities.
• Drinks at hotels.
6. Cost Structure Safari Costs (10 days)
1. Ground and airport transfers: USD 1,000
2. Bed and breakfast (10 nights): USD 2,500
3. Full board: USD 1,500
4. Reserve and park entrance fees: USD 500
5. Boat trip and hikes: USD 700
6. Private minivan: USD 1,200
7. Bilingual driver and expert guide: USD 1,000 8. Bottled water: USD 100 Total cost per person: USD 8,500
Expenses Not Included • Flights: USD 1,000 – 2,500 • Visa: USD 100 • Gratuities: USD 200 • Drinks at hotels: USD 100 Estimated total budget per person: USD 9,900 – 11,400
7. Revenue Projection Initial Capacity
• 10 safaris per year
• 9 participants per safari Revenue
• Revenue per safari: 9 × 8,500 = USD 76,500
• Projected annual revenue: USD 765,000
• 5-year goal: double operations ⇒ more than USD 1.5 million annually
8. Project Impacts Economic
• Regional economic reactivation.
• Local production chains.
• Increased foreign investment. Social
• Generation of formal employment.
• Training in guiding, hospitality, and conservation.
• Strengthening of cultural identity. Environmental
• Scientific monitoring of the hippopotamus population.
• Wetland conservation programs. • Community environmental education
9. Risks and Mitigation Strategies
• Environmental: impact of hippos → partnerships with universities and environmental organizations, ongoing monitoring.
• Safety: international perception of risk in Colombia → safe tourism certifications, promotional campaigns.
• Financial: low initial demand