On March 3rd, we celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants with World Wildlife Day.

For 2019, World Wildlife Day is focused on “Life below water: for people and planet.” There are over 200,000 known species in the ocean and as many as 2 million more remain a total mystery. Oceans cover approximately 70% of the earth and are a significant source of oxygen for our planet. That’s why, it’s important to raise awareness about life below water and how important marine species are to human development.

At African Travel, Inc., we recognize the importance of all conservation – in the ocean and on land. In partnership with The TreadRight Foundation, we support three pillars: people, wildlife and the planet. The world’s wildlife population is balancing on a dangerous precipice, so TreadRight has partnered with leading wildlife organizations to work to protect and rehabilitate elephant, rhino, and big cat populations around the world.

Recently, Lucille Sive, CEO of The Travel Corporation’s (TTC) Africa Division and Sherwin Banda, president of African Travel, Inc. visited Shamwari Private Game Reserve located in the Eastern Cape in South Africa. Shamwari Game Reserve is also one of the most successful private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa.

While visiting, Lucille and Sherwin were fortunate to interview Joe Cloete, General Manager and Johan Joubert, Head of Wildlife at Shamwari about the recent renovations as well as their conservation initiatives. African Travel has helped support many of these initiatives including supporting the journey of King, the lion cub rescued from an apartment in Paris and the conservation of rhinos. See the video below for the full interview.

At Shamwari, Lucille and Sherwin also enjoyed a day on safari with their knowledgeable game ranger, Minolan. In addition to spotting three (lion, rhinoceros and elephant) of the Big Five, they also enjoyed seeing all of the zebras, giraffes and antelope. They capped off their afternoon adventure with a classic sundowner in the middle of the bush with an unforgettable backdrop of the African sunset. To get a glimpse of a day on safari at Shamwari Private Game Reserve, check out our video below.

For a truly wildlife and conservation experience, consider our South Africa’s Natural Wonders safari vacation where you’ll journey to the marine and wildlife kingdoms of Shamwari Game Reserve and Grootbos Nature Reserve.