Our Story
This is not a story about the kind of nature that sits still.
This is a story of nature at its most profound — vivid, moving, otherworldly.
Wildflowers in impossible colors.
Sunlight so bright it feels surreal.
Nights so dark they overwhelm the senses.
It’s the kind of nature you don’t just admire — you feel it, deeply.
That’s the nature we wanted to celebrate, and from this feeling, Réserve en Afrique was born.
In 1934, Etienne’s grandfather arrived in Senegal from the Levant, in search of a better life. That same year, a nearby forest became a protected reserve. His family stayed in Senegal — and for decades, worked on conservation efforts in that very forest.
Growing up, Etienne learned that scent was deeply tied to his experiences of nature. Together, with Valeria, they share the same profound appreciation for those sensory stories.
Based in Dakar, they founded Réserve en Afrique.
The house's debut collection, Afrique Extraordinaire, is an homage to the rich and diverse landscapes of the African continent, celebrating its exceptional botanicals — from Madagascan vanilla and Somali opoponax to Nigerian ginger and Moroccan rose — honoring their remarkable scents and the communities that cultivate and nurture them.
5% for conservation
At the heart of our brand is a deep respect for nature.
We donate 5% of our profits to conservation efforts across Africa.
We focus on supporting local nonprofit organization that empower local communities in their work, such as Nature Communautés Développement in Senegal and Madagasikara Voakajy in Madagascar.
Eco-conscious perfumery & exquisitely crafted products
Our products are genderless and we are a PETA-listed vegan and cruelty-free brand.
Our fine fragrances feature responsibly sourced naturals and upcycled ingredients to support circularity. Our natural alcohol base is derived from beetroots.
Our ingredients are sourced through partners that offer transparency, measure social impact, and work to contribute to positive impact initiatives.
Our products are free from ingredients such as silicone, mineral oil, petroleum, paraffin, paraben, phthalate, GMO, and SLS/SLES.
Our rigorous standards
We hold ourselves to the highest standards of quality.
We are fully compliant with the stringent regulations set by the EU for cosmetics, as well as the rigorous standards established by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) for fragrances.
Our commitment is resolute, driven by a passion to craft nothing short of the most exquisite products.