International Animal Rights Day and the Role of Eco-Tourism in Africa

The 10th of December is International Animal Rights Day, and what better way to celebrate than highlighting the incredible wildlife and environmental protection initiatives around Africa?

Africa is blessed with an incredible array of animals that we’re able to see in their natural habitats while on safari. It’s vital that we’re conscious of how we interact with wildlife and treat the environment in order to protect them for decades to come.

Luckily, there are a range of amazing conservation projects in safari lodges, national parks, and game reserves around the continent that focus on preserving habitats and protecting endangered animals.

But first, what does International Animal Rights Day mean?

What is the Meaning of Animal Rights Day?

It’s no secret that humans haven’t always been responsible when it comes to protecting animals and conserving their environments.

Hunting, poaching, and deforestation over the centuries have led to many species facing extinction and wildlife losing their natural habitats.

International Animal Rights Day is an annual event honouring animals as sentient beings who deserve protection. This day highlights the need for animal welfare initiatives.

Many countries and game reserves in Africa have made it their mission to play a positive role in the protection and rehabilitation of wild animals as well as the safeguarding and expansion of the wilderness.

When going on a safari tour in Africa – whether you want to see the Big Five or go on a gorilla trek – there are many opportunities to do so in a sustainable way that contributes to ongoing conservation efforts.

From eco-friendly safaris in Botswana to gorilla protection projects in Rwanda and positive impact safaris in South Africa, there are a variety of ways to travel in Africa sustainably.

Here are some options.

Chobe Game Lodge

Nestled on the banks of the Chobe River in the world-renowned Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge leads the way in eco-tourism in Botswana.

A decade ago, the lodge launched electric boats (some of which are solar powered) and vehicles to reduce their carbon emissions and provide guests with silent safaris – a really elevated experience that has less of an impact on animals.

It’s estimated that the lodge has saved 12,749 kg of CO2 emissions from their electric boats and 25,296 kg of CO2 emissions from their electric vehicles.

Chobe Game Lodge was also among one of the first properties to be awarded the highest ecotourism level in the country by the Botswana Tourism Organisation in recognition of their ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

The lodge offers Eco Tours, which takes guests through the range of innovative projects taking place that contribute to sustainable tourism and conservation.

Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda

Gorilla trekking is a safari in Rwanda that takes you through the rainforests to see the endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.

Rwanda is one of the greatest conservation success stories in Africa. Thanks to reforestation initiatives, the country has seen an impressive improvement in forest cover: 30.4% in 2022, an increase from 10.7% in 2010, according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development.

Ten percent of the revenue generated by tourism goes to community projects like schools, healthcare centres, and water supply initiatives. This means that local communities are invested in protecting Rwanda’s natural wonders and actively engaged in conservation efforts.

This has led to a dramatic decrease in poaching and an increase in respect and care for wildlife and the environment.

Gorilla conservation has seen the number of gorillas in Rwanda increasing year on year. This is not only great for the gorillas, but it also benefits the communities living alongside these magnificent creatures.

Shamwari Private Game Reserve

When you stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, you have the opportunity to participate in positive impact safaris.

These are safaris with a purpose and combine thrilling wildlife adventures with meaningful conservation initiatives.

Shamwari offers guests a range of luxury lodges and camps, and your stay here will directly impact the ongoing conservation efforts to reintroduce once-indigenous species to the land. You have the chance to visit the on-site rehabilitation centre to learn more about their efforts to return endangered animals back to the wild.

For nature lovers who are looking for a unique safari adventure, there is the Shamwari Conservation Experience. Volunteers are able to help with research, wildlife rehabilitation, environmental restoration, camera trapping, and vulture conservation efforts.

Safaris in Africa can be done in an eco-conscious way that takes the health and safety of animals, as well as the preservation of the environment, into account.

We’re so happy to see a rise in eco-tourism on the continent, with more lodges, national parks, and game reserves championing a range of conservation projects that safari goers like you can contribute to.