DELRAY BEACH, FL, Sept. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Concerned by the alarming epidemic of rhino poaching, "World Rhino Day" was established in an effort to spread awareness about the critical threats this endangered population faces and to support those working to ensure their survival. African Travel, Inc. is proud to directly support organizations like The Wilderness Foundation - Africa that assist conservation agencies and organized private game reserves in protecting the rhino as part of a functioning natural ecosystem.
The Wilderness Foundation aims to focus the attention of politicians and decision-makers and encourage them to apply pressure both nationally and abroad to address the issue of illegal trade in rhino horn and other wildlife products. African Travel has assisted with the purchase of a Bat Hawk aircraft used for rhino anti-poaching operations and supported general wildlife crime countermeasures through the Wildlife Operations Group, coordinated by The Wilderness Foundation. Additionally, African Travel assists in funding the purchase of equipment for reservations with rhinos, intelligence and police support for specialized wildlife crime units investigating rhino poaching cases, and emergency helicopter response for hot pursuit operations and to deploy vets when rhinos are wounded.
As a founding member of The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established by parent company The Travel Corporation (TTC), African Travel is also an active supporter of WildAid and TreadRight's other projects. The principles of conservation and leadership guide all actions, from African Travel's regional offices to their affiliate partners. By providing grants to organizations that encourage sustainability in different destinations, the hope is to maintain the natural attractions that define each unique region - particularly the exotic wildlife that call it home.
Unfortunately, despite massive conservation efforts, rhino populations continue to plummet and many experts fear global extinction within our lifetimes. African Travel guests have the unique opportunity to witness these exquisite creatures firsthand and support conservation efforts on "Namibia Desert Escape" - a one-of-a-kind wilderness experience for seekers of the remote and profound. Spend three days exploring the pristine Skeleton Coast, boasting one of the greatest concentrations of desert elephants as well as Hartmann's zebra, oryx, giraffe, springbok, lion and brown hyena. In Damaraland, guests are treated to a classic tented camp in the land of the rhinos. Affectionately known as Desert Rhino Camp, this property is a collaborative effort between Wilderness Safaris and the Save the Rhino Trust and offers adventurous daily rhino tracking activities and a surprising wealth of arid-adapted wildlife. Desert Rhino Camp also works with local communities and the Palmwag Conservancy to develop responsible ecotourism and further support wildlife conservation in the area.
" Namibia Desert Escape " is an eight-day expedition through Windhoek, Skeleton Coast, and Damaraland. Prices start from $8,225 per person, based on double occupancy.
For more information and to book the safari of your dreams, contact your favorite Travel Professional, call African Travel, Inc. at (800) 421-8907, or visit www.africantravelinc.com. CST 2071444-20
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About African Travel, Inc. - "We Know Africa"
African Travel, Inc. is a 39-year-old safari operator, with operations in Africa and the USA, offering customized and locally-hosted safaris to Africa at all price points. The company's focus is solely on planning and operating safaris in Africa. We have dedicated, experienced teams in Africa, Safari Specialists in the USA, an extensive transportation fleet, numerous hotels, camps and lodges throughout The Travel Corporation's Africa-based associate companies. Refer to www.AfricanTravelInc.com for a wide variety of ideas and safaris.
About USTOA
African Travel, Inc. shares the coverage available under the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program with affiliates of TravCorp USA, Inc. In addition, TravCorp Financial Services Limited provides a guarantee of $20 Million.
About The TreadRight Foundation
Created as a joint initiative between The Travel Corporation's family of brands, The TreadRight Foundation is a not-for-profit working to ensure the environment and communities we visit remain vibrant for generations to come. To date, TreadRight has more than 35 sustainable tourism projects worldwide. The foundation's guiding principle is to encourage sustainable tourism development through conservation, leadership and support for communities.
TreadRight's past project partners include WWF, Conservation International and The National Trust in the UK. Current initiatives include sponsoring the National Geographic Society's inaugural "World Legacy Awards," helping to combat wildlife crime with WildAid, and empowering individuals with the Alliance for Artisan Enterprise.
To learn more about our past and current work at TreadRight, please visit us at TreadRight.org.