African Travel Launches New Wildlife Conservation Experiences

Safari outfitter African Travel, Inc. is highlighting its commitment to help protect endangered wildlife with the debut of 2 new wildlife conservation experiences in South Africa and Namibia, as well as the offering of nearly a hundred “Make Travel Matter” experiences across all of their journeys in 16 African destinations. It’s part of ensuring that guests who are drawn to Africa for its phenomenal wilderness leave the continent more vibrant for future generations.

 

Each conscious travel experience is carefully chosen for the positive impact on the wildlife and local communities ATI explores as well as for guests. 

 

ATI notes that these immersive experiences directly advance the Sustainability Development Goals set by the United Nations, noting that:

 

“Sustainable travel is at the heart of everything we do and conservation tourism is a force for good while also educating our guests on ethical wildlife experiences…  

“Guests can experience conservation firsthand on our journeys and their visits directly contribute towards community development and wildlife conservation.”

 

African Travel’s two new wildlife conservation experiences in South Africa and Namibia support new wildlife conservation efforts that help protect near extinct and endangered animals including vultures and cheetahs.

 

 

On the 10-day South Africa’s Natural Wonders safari, travelers will discover the wildlife kingdom of Shamwari Private Game Reserve with seven lodges and three rehabilitation and education facilities. The reserve is not only iconic as a safari destination, but also famous for successful conservation initiatives.

Vultures play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and well-balanced ecosystem. However, they encounter numerous human-made threats with some populations having severely decreased by over 90% in the past 30 years with several species facing possible extinction.

 

 

In partnership with Vulpro, an organization whose mission is protecting African vultures through collaboration and innovation in South Africa, the Vulture Breeding Program at Shamwari Centre opened on January 23, 2024 as part of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre experience. As Africa’s largest vulture relocation, 160 Cape and African White-backed vultures settled into their new home at Shamwari. Guests can visit the centre during their stay.

 

On the 10-day, Namibia Luxury Train Journey, you will board the luxurious Rovos Rail, exploring stunning vistas while stopping in Kimberley and Fish River Canyon – second in size to the Grand Canyon. 

Embark on safari experiences in Nambia's Sossusvlei and encounter Etosha National Park’s incredible wildlife and one of the most accessible game reserves in Southern Africa. Guests will observe giraffe, lion, elephant, lion, leopard and the black rhino in their natural environment with numerous waterholes.

 

You will also visit the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF)’s Research and Education Centre. CCF is an international non-profit organization whose mission is to save the cheetah and its ecosystem. In the past century, 90% of the cheetah population has declined worldwide. The centre is located near the city of Ojiwarongo which overlooks the scenic Waterberg Plateau.

 

African Travel, Inc. is the longest established luxury safari operator based in the US focused exclusively on the African continent. With staff across North America and in Africa, the company, one of The Travel Corporation (TTC) family of tour operator and river cruise brands that includes Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations and Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, creates tailor-made safaris.

 

Through the TTC’s #MakeTravelMatter program and partnership with The TreadRight Foundation, ATI is committed to help the people, wildlife and planet. Each safari supports a child’s education or wildlife conservation project.