African Travel Inc. Rhino Conservation on National Endangered Species Day

In honour of National Endangered Species Day, African Travel, Inc. (ATI) reaffirms its long-standing commitment to rhino conservation across Africa. The luxury safari operator advocates for the protection of Africa’s critically endangered rhino populations through their MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which directly support vital preservation efforts and educate clients during safari journeys. To further its impact, ATI, with its not-for-profit TreadRight Foundation, funds rhino rehabilitation initiatives of its African project partner Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA), a leading conservation working to safeguard free-ranging, viable populations of black and white rhinos in their natural habitats in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

“National Endangered Species Day is a global reminder for action to protect threatened wildlife like the iconic rhinos in their natural habitat, and we are committed to this endeavour with our 7 years of partnership with Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA),” says Sherwin Banda, President of African Travel, Inc. “Our guests contribute to important conservation efforts by participating in our immersive MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which provide a firsthand look at conservation in action and help foster a lasting connection to Africa’s wildlife,” he adds.

How Guests Can Support Rhino Conservation Through Their Safari Journeys

ATI is committed to supporting wildlife conservation and community development initiatives across Africa. The safari operator has developed MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, which are carefully chosen, conscious travel experiences that leave a positive impact on the planet, wildlife, and the communities visited while advancing at least one UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). When guests embark on an ATI safari and participate in one of these experiences, they contribute to sustainable initiatives while also gaining a deeper understanding of wildlife plights and conservation needs. On the 12-day World's Greatest Show & Safari, guests experience the successful conservation work of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya. Clients take part in a guided bush walk led by expert rangers who share how their visit positively impacts the local community and wildlife. Guests go behind the scenes to witness Lewa’s renowned anti-poaching dog tracker unit, learn about the state-of-the-art technology used by rangers, and have the opportunity to observe both black and white rhinos. Lewa’s 93,000 acres of contiguous rhino rangeland have seen successful growth in population due to robust protection efforts and the support of responsible tourism, with 33 rhino calves born in 2024, bringing the current population to 273 rhinos (130 black and 143 white), representing 14% of all Kenyan rhinos.

ATI’s Broader Commitment to Rhino Conservation Beyond Safari Journeys

The black rhino, Africa's most iconic yet vulnerable species, is classified as “critically endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, with only 6,421 remaining in the wild as of 2024. ATI recognizes this struggle and is dedicated to their protection. In 2018, ATI and its TreadRight Foundation partnered with Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA), an African-based conservation NGO dedicated to protecting black and white rhinos through initiatives such as population reintroduction, law enforcement and veterinary support, aerial monitoring, and reducing rhino horn demand in Vietnam. Through TreadRight, ATI supported WFA's remarkable work with the purchase of two light aircrafts, critical for anti-poaching operations, veterinary care, and detecting newborns. With the help of ATI’s 2024 grant, two brand-new founder rhino populations were established, contributing to the positive growth of black rhinos in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. The funding also supported WFA to conduct a minimum of 40 hours of intensive aerial surveillance and security flights each month, helping safeguard two of the country’s largest black rhino populations. The aerial support helped identify 38 newborn rhinos and provided critical care to four rhinos with serious injuries. By supporting WFA, ATI takes action and joins global efforts to combat poaching and the trafficking of rhinos. Follow African Travel, Inc. on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and join the conversation using the hashtag #WeKnowAfrica