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When Dian Fossy first turned the spotlight of international attention to these enigmatic primates in the early 70’s, there were a mere 200+ Mountain Gorillas alive. They were critically endangered. Through sheer bloody dedication from a number of stakeholders and in no small part from tourism, there are almost 900 today. This is one of the greatest conservation success stories of our lifetime. I am privileged in the seat that I have to get to enjoy the very best that the African continent offers and few encounters are better than ‘Gorillas in the Mist’. I urge you to visit Rwanda, contribute in small or large parts to conservation efforts and/or enjoy the kindness and warmth of Rwandans through social upliftment efforts.
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And to our other primary conservation focus…Rhinoceros
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Wilderness Safaris continue apace with their pioneering efforts to relocate Rhino from at-risk areas in Southern Africa to remote locations in Botswana where anti-poaching efforts are easier to coordinate and implement. We hope to be able to get customers involved in a hands-on way with a relocation next year. In addition, we have been in discussion with a different platform within the Rhino anti-poaching establishment, The International Anti Poaching Foundation (IAPF), a ‘Green Army’, focuses on combatting poachers in wildlife reserves in Southern Africa. For lovers of wildlife, it is imperative to get to Africa to see the BIG 5 before we are touting the BIG 4, a reality if poaching continues at this pace. We are happy to advise on visiting reserves and platforms that are supportive and diligent in protecting these gentle giants.
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