As we look “50 years forward” while celebrating our 50th anniversary this year, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is making special note of World Wildlife Day on March 3. Designed to raise awareness of the world’s wild plants and animals, this year’s theme, “recovering key species for ecosystem restoration,” will encourage the development of solutions that conserve endangered species.

Several USTOA tour operator members offer specialized tours that focus on wildlife education and appreciation. Here’s a sample of 2022 programs we hope will inspire your clients to support World Wildlife Day initiatives all year.

Tauck

The company features a 13-day “Kenya & Tanzania: A Classic Safari 2022” tour that takes groups of no more than 30 travelers to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the William Holden Wildlife Education Center to observe the flora and fauna of Kenya and Tanzania. A highlight is a hot air balloon excursion over the Masai Mara. Departures are available between May and December 2022 with prices starting at $10,890 for two people. www.tauck.com

Abercrombie & Kent

The operator offers a five-day “Tailor Made Uganda: Bwindi Impenetrable Forest” itinerary with mountain hikes through Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and treks through the park’s dense vegetation to observe endangered mountain gorillas. Departures are available between March and October 2022 with prices starting at $3,995 per person.

www.abercrombiekent.com

Intrepid Travel

Travelers will have the opportunity to explore one of the last truly wild places on the planet with Intrepid Travel’s 10-day “Wild Sarawak” tour. The itinerary will explore Southeast Asia’s labyrinthian caves in Mulu National Park, search for monkeys through the rainforest and jungle stream of Bako National Park, and trek through the jungle of Labuan Island. Departures are available between May and December 2022 with prices starting at $1,620 per person.

intrepidtravel.com/us

Great Value Vacations

The operator’s four-to- six-day “Iceland Escape: Golden Circle and Whale Watching” tour features excursions to Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall and the Geysir geothermal area. It also includes a visit to Reykjavik for whale watching, observing sea birds and other sea life. Departures are available between April and December 2022 with prices starting at $1,152 per person. www.greatvaluevacations.com