5 Ways to Travel while Supporting Endangered Wildlife

While Cop26 didn’t quite have the impact we’d been hoping for, if there is one thing its taught us, it’s that we all have a part to play, when it comes to saving our planet.

Alongside eating less eating, using less plastic and switching to green energy, one of things we can all do to have a big impact on the environment is fly less. When we do decide to make that flight, why not help to offset its impact by choosing a holiday that will benefit your family and Mother Nature.

Travel and wildlife conservation is intrinsically linked in many countries, as the income generated from tourism funds projects which protect endangered species such as black rhino, mountain gorilla, polar bears, blue whales and green turtles.

From Quebec to Rwanda and Hong Kong to Namibia, here are five destinations with specific endangered species which travellers can help protect and understand.

Become a Rhino Ranger

Naankuse Foundation & Wildlife Sanctuary, Nambia

When it comes to Africa’s conservation, Namibia leads the way as it was the first country in the continent to incorporate conservation into its constitution and today, over 43% of the country’s surface area is under conservation management. With the largest quotient in the world of free-roaming animals including the rare black rhino, lion and zebra, Namibia offers travellers endless opportunities to participate in wildlife conservation initiatives first-hand.

Those looking to immerse in the exhilarating realm of anti-poaching methods and challenges can prove themselves fearless during the 14-day “Rhino Rangers” programme located in the 7,600-hectare Zannier Reserve. Specifically tailored to emphasise the necessity of protecting threatened wildlife, Rhino Rangers invites those brave enough to join the anti-poaching unit on their patrols, master firearm skills, learn about navigation and tracking techniques and to discover the science of poaching itself. After getting to grips with the challenges of living and surviving in the bush during the day, Rhino Rangers can rest under Namibia's star-studded skies surrounded by the sounds of nocturnal animal activity. www.namibiatourism.com

Naankuse Foundation and Wildlife Sanctuary (www.naankuse.com) offers a 14-night Rhino Rangers volunteering programme from £1,200 per person including food rations, accommodation at the tented camps or when sleeping under the stars at the observation points, Anti-Poaching Unit uniforms and airport transfers. Ethiopian Airways (www.ethiopianairlines.com) offers return flights from London and Manchester to Windhoek, Namibia via Addis Ababa from £561 per person. 

Discover Rwanda’s Mountain Gorillas 

Golden Monkey Safari, Rwanda

Thanks to concerted efforts of the Rwandan government, local communities and NGOs Rwanda’s endangered mountain gorilla population continues to grow. Volcanoes National Park is home to 12 gorilla families, which have recently experienced somewhat of a baby boom.

At this years’ Kwita Izina naming ceremony, the country was thrilled to celebrate and welcome 24 new infants into the family. With the total population of mountain gorillas now over 1,000 and the healthiest they have been since conservation efforts began, the future looks bright for this majestic species and the local communities that care for them. One of the greatest protectors of Rwanda’s beloved inhabitants is the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund which operates the longest-running gorilla research site in the world.

In the year that legendary conservationist Dian Fossey would have celebrated her 90th birthday, the brand new headquarters for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, is due to open its doors near Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park in early 2022. In Rwanda, 10% of the revenue from gorilla trekking permits is channelled towards local communities, to build schools, health centres and roads. As well as creating many jobs in the surrounding areas, Rwanda has also created a compensation fund for local farmers should any gorillas damage their crops, which helps to ensure peaceful co-existence. www.visitrwanda.com 

Expert Africa (www.expertafrica.com) offers a 12 night Golden Monkey Safari for the ultimate Rwandan wildlife adventure, not only trekking to see endangered mountain gorillas, but a number of its other prized primates, adventure activities and local cultural sites. Prices start from £7,090 per person including return UK flights, a combination of full-board and all-inclusive accommodation, private 4wd and guide for the duration of the trip, all permits and park fees. Departing in February 2022.

Learn about Green Sea Turtles

Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel, Hong Kong.

Only seven species of sea turtles are identified on earth and five have been recorded in Hong Kong over the years, including loggerhead, leatherback, hawksbill, olive ridley and the endangered green turtle. The green turtle's regular nesting site in Hong Kong is situated at the sandy beach of Sham Wan on Lamma Island and the nesting season lasts from June to October. In spring 2022, the five-star Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel will open in the Tai Shue Wan district overlooking the South China Sea, to become the first Fullerton Hotel in Hong Kong and first Fullerton Resort worldwide. The luxury oceanfront hotel has sustainability at its core having committed to protecting the local environment and will offer specially curated guest experiences to learn about marine life in Hong Kong. www.discoverhongkong.com

The five-star Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel opens in spring 2022. Cathay Pacific (www.cathaypacific.com) offers direct return flights from London to Hong Kong from £489 per person in 2022.

Spot Endangered Blue Whales

Wild Quebec by Canadian Affair, Canada

Quebec in Eastern Canada is one of the rare places in the world to spot the elusive and endangered blue whale from the shore from June to October. There’s a range of experiences for travellers to get out onto the Gulf of St Lawrence and marvel at the world’s biggest mammal, and for those who would rather stay on-shore, there are locations in the Côte-Nord region, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspesie, which offer great whale watching spots. What is unique about these areas is the underwater topography and depth-changes. Here, the shoreline suddenly drops down to a few hundred metres allowing whales to stay quite close, making it a prime spot for this activity. One of Quebec's best-loved scenic drives along the St Lawrence river, 'The Whale Route' is a great way to encompass some of these top whale watching spots whilst experiencing the provinces beautiful coastline and national parks. Tracking down these majestic creatures is all part of the thrill, and for those looking to keep tabs on the local blue whale activity, local fishermen, researchers and tour operators have collaborated to produce this interactive map which details sightings of each species from the day's activities. www.bonjourquebec.com/en

Canadian Affair (canadianaffair.com) offers an eight-day Wild Quebec holiday from £1,754 per person including whale watching in Tadoussac on the St Lawrence River as well as river sports and bear watching. Price includes economy class flights with Air Transat departing from London Gatwick on 10 June 2022, accommodation in three- and four-star hotels and car hire with fully Inclusive insurance.