The news out of Africa isn鈥檛 good. In 2011, poachers slaughtered an estimated 25,000 elephants鈥攁nd 448 rhinos in South Africa alone. Animal trafficking is now the world鈥檚 third-largest criminal industry. Thankfully, a new crop of safaris lets travelers see endangered wildlife and help save it, too.
- 100 Miles for Elephants
- 2013 Safaricom Marathon
- Southern Africa Conservation Safari
- Gorilla Tracking in the Congo
Wild Aid: 100 Miles for Elephants
WHERE: Kenya
WHO RUNS IT: Hidden Places
鈥 founders, veterinarian Dag Goering and author Maria Coffey, started the to make life better for the world鈥檚 largest land mammal. Join them by raising pledges of $500 to $2,500 to walk with Samburu guides on a nine-day camel-supported trek across Laikipia Plateau, home to one of East Africa鈥檚 largest free-ranging elephant populations. Stay the first night in a luxury tented camp, then rough it for a week in expedition tents. January 23鈥31; from $3,450 per person.
Wild Aid: 2013 Safaricom Marathon
WHERE: Kenya
WHO RUNS IT: Tusk Trust
This hilly marathon through has raised more than $3 million for conservation projects. In addition to trip cost, overseas participants in the June 29 race pay a $1,500 entry fee, which goes to , a U.K. non-profit devoted to protecting African wildlife. The includes training runs and game drives (June 23鈥30; $2,799 per person). Slow of foot? Opt for 鈥 Conservation Safari, an 11-day adventure through Lewa, the luxury camp Sarara, and the Masai Mara ($8,995 per person; reference UNCHARTEDCONS2013 when you book to donate five percent of the cost to Tusk).
Wild Aid: Africa Conservation Safari
WHERE: Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
WHO RUNS IT:
This 12-day itinerary offers a crash course in conservation. In Namibia, visit 鈥攁 wildlife refuge that so impressed Brangelina, the couple donated $2 million鈥攖hen head to and the , home to cheetah rehabilitation. After a stop in Botswana鈥檚 , the trip winds up in South Africa at , where helicopter rides afford sweeping views of the park鈥檚 rhino-darting program. Proceeds from this portion of the trip support Kwandwe鈥檚 rhino project. From $7,750 per person.
Wild Aid: Gorilla Tracking in the Congo
WHERE: Republic of the Congo
WHO RUNS IT: The Wilderness Collection
Threatened by poaching and the Ebola virus, the western lowland gorilla is also facing increasing habitat loss. The , a conservation-focused company, is pioneering gorilla-oriented tourism here, opening the first two lodges in the heart of the Congo Basin. At the simple bamboo Lango Camp, you take game drives on the savanna. At Ngaga Camp, in the heart of the rainforest, you鈥檒l track gorillas. A portion of your fee goes toward the , which supports anti-poaching programs. From $5,350, plus $650 for internal charter flights.