New Conservation-Focused Safaris

Travelers have a solid track record of aiding in conservation around the world with a particular enthusiasm for efforts in Africa.

Now, Extraordinary Journeys is offering new opportunities that provide a way for its guests to actively participate in day-to-day animal welfare on the continent.

The tour operator’s new expert-guided itineraries highlight conservation efforts in Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe. These journeys show visitors how various organizations meet the needs of local communities while simultaneously protecting the region’s natural landscapes and wildlife.

What differentiates these itineraries from a regular safari is that guests get a sense of being on an exotic adventure while engaging in in-depth, hands-on learning opportunities that directly support conservation in Africa.

Here is a preview of what the experiences entail:

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Game Census in Northern Kenya

Lewa-Borana Wildlife Conservancy conducts a yearly census of wildlife to determine the success of its conservation efforts—and Extraordinary Journeys’ guests are invited to participate.

On the Game Census in Northern Kenya, February 24 to March 4, 2018, guests have the opportunity to assist in the monitoring and tracking of rhino and lion with telemetry receivers and on foot as well as tracking lion using the whisker spot identification method.

Travelers also visit the Daphne Sheldrick elephant orphanage at feeding time, join Borana Conservancy’s chief conservation officer on his ranger deployments, spend two days with the Lamu Marine Conservation Trust and more.

Elephant Collaring Conservation Safari in Tanzania

Travelers on the Elephant Collaring Safari are able to combine a stay at Singita with a hands-on conservation effort at the private, 350,000-acre Grumeti Reserve adjacent to the Serengeti National Park.

READ MORE: Tread Right and Help the Planet

Renowned conservation specialist and executive director of the Singita Grumeti Fund, Stephen Cunliffe, hosts guests from February 28, 2018, to March 5, 2018. During the trip, visitors will work with local conservationists, vets and pilots to participate in elephant locating, GPS-enabled satellite collaring and monitoring.

The work of the guests is crucial to the elephant communities. Travelers assist in helping researchers acquire data that will protect the elephants and track which ones are frequenting human communities and during which times of the year.

Travelers may also have the chance to train with the new canine unit, visit the anti-poaching headquarters or head out on patrol with game scouts.

Three nights are spent at the Singita Sasakwa Lodge and another three are at the Sabora Tented Camp, both on the Grumeti Reserve.

Rhino Conservation Safari in South Africa

Join a five-night rhino conservation itinerary in South Africa and enjoy two nights at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and three nights at Manyoni Private Game Reserve, known for its population of black rhino.

From May through August, guests will have the chance to assist in monitoring the rhino while supporting the rhino orphanage and ranger training programs. Days include a mix of safari-style sightseeing, guest lectures and conservation efforts.

Hands-On Wildlife Conservation Safari in South Africa

In July, guests can join forces with the Wildlife ACT Fund for a week-long program that provides a first-hand experience in all aspects of conservation efforts at Rhino Ridge in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and at Rhino Sands on the Manyoni Reserve.

READ MORE: Walk With Rhinos and Help Save Them

Days include game drives, sundowners, insightful guest lectures on the state of the region's threatened species combined with the chance to do conservation work such as checking camera traps, monitoring wildlife, darting, tagging and more.

Protecting Lions in Zimbabwe

Guests will be accompanied by Dr. Paul Funston, senior director of the Panthera Lion and Cheetah Program, and renowned guide Andrew Beck on a seven-night itinerary in Zimbabwe, learning about and experiencing the lion protection efforts being deployed in the region.

From September 21-24, 2019, guests will be based at Davison’s Camp bordering Hwange National Park for four nights.