The BBC Africa series had everybody glued to their safari seats, and the last program was no different. Hosted by veteran natural history presenter, Sir David Attenborough, the focus was on various conservation initiatives including, attempts by armed guards to stem the extinction of the critically endangered rhino, and a project led by a Masai warrior who is hoping to protect the lions that his tribe once hunted.
Before the last installment aired there was also an option to quiz the revered celebrity for one hour on Twitter and Facebook, an enormous number of fans and followers tuning in. A series that was an undoubted success, it’s certainly got armchair travellers thinking, so Acacia Africa have come up with a top three life changing holidays for adventurers with a conscience.
Voluntours are certainly one way to change the status quo, those who take on a stint in Africa also helping to further research by monitoring population growth and the behavious of various wildlife. There are even opportunities to work with the continents various communities, and as Leanne Haigh, Sales & Marketing Manager at Acacia Africa comments, “Both travellers and the people of Africa have a huge part to play when it comes to the survival of any species, whether they are on the vulnerable or the endangered hit list.”
The Rhino is a case in point and the tour operator has recently made a sizeable donation to Save The Rhino International, the organisation’s logo a making a prominent appearance on Acacia Africa’s brochure. But, says Haigh, “even visiting the parks can make a valuable difference, as the entry fees will go a long way in assisting the rangers with various projects, and help to pay for the ongoing research and expertise.”
Classified as near threatened by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the White Rhino population stands at around 20,600. Divided into Southern and Northern species there are now only seven of the latter left in the world.
Visit the Hluhulwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve home to Operation Rhino for a glimpse of one of the best-loved Big Five. Tour & price 7-day Kruger, Swaziland & Durban small group safari from £585pp (two sharing) + local payment from £288pp. Starts Johannesburg – ends Durban.
A cross cultural voluntour, adventurers on Acacia Africa’s 26-day Masai Mara Conservation & Wildlife Safari will have the opportunity to take part in the research and monitoring of the various wildlife. Learning from Masai guides about life in the African bush, and assisting and empowering the local tribal communities to value their environment through conservation education are also key aspects of the program.
While the itinerary runs year round, when the Annual Migration is at its height the research aspects of this voluntour are undoubtedly more exciting, the first 13 days of the trip dedicated to preserving the wildlife in Kenya’s best-loved game reserve. At the tail end of the tour there is also the chance to experience game drives in the Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater – a stay on the sun kissed island of Zanzibar completing the holiday.
Livingstone may be more well-known for its numerous adrenaline pumping pursuits, but the adventure capital is also home to the Lion Encounter. While the big cats fall onto the vulnerable as opposed to endangered list, the organisation is focused on lion rehabilitation & their eventual release into the wild. The brainchild of David Youlden, the project offers budding conservationists the opportunity to go walking with lions
South Africa, Kenya and Zambia feature in Acacia Africa’s 18th birthday free seat giveaway. The tour operator will be holding 18 random draws in May, with double draws on 3, 10, 17 and 21 May. Follow #Acacia18 on Twitter for updates. For a full list of T&Cs and to enter visit the Facebook Win! App at http://on.fb.me/14VR6VK
Acacia Africa: 020 7706 4700; info@acacia-africa.com; www.acacia-africa.com. Members of AITO. ATOL 6499 and ABTA W4093 PROTECTED.
Witten by Siobhan Bonshi E Credo & Leanne Haigh, Acacia Marketing Manager