Mahlatini, the African travel specialists, has recently forged a long-term corporate partnership with the UK’s leading rhino conservation charity – Save the Rhino International. Save the Rhino works to conserve viable populations of critically endangered rhinos worldwide, but particularly in Africa where some species face a real threat of extinction.
Mahlatini Luxury Travel creates tailor-made itineraries to Southern & Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, for the ideal honeymoon, luxury safari or family holiday. The company has been established for over ten years and delivers the ultimate luxury African travel experience to customers across Ireland, the UK, Europe and North America.
As safari is its core specialism, the Mahlatini team naturally shares Save the Rhino’s passion for conservation of African wildlife. They are committed to responsible tourism and work only with suppliers who employ conservational practices and share their vision for a sustainable future.
“We are thrilled to have been picked as one of Mahlatini’s key charity partners this year. Seeing a rhino in the wild is often considered a life-changing event. For the guests who have been on a Mahlatini safari and seen a rhino in the wild, there is a real connection to these amazing animals and an appreciation for their conservation. Partnering with Save the Rhino offers the guests of Mahlatini and opportunity to engage with the cause on a long-term basis and raise much-needed funds for rhino conservation. We’re really looking forward to developing this relationship further”, says Susie Offord, Deputy Director, SRI.
Illegal rhino poaching has risen to levels not seen in almost two decades. Although there is no scientific proof of its medical value, rhino horn remains highly prized in traditional Asian medicine, where it is ground into a fine powder as treatment for a variety of illnesses such as nosebleeds and fevers. This demand has created highly profitable international criminal syndicates who have only intensified their search of rhino for their horns in recent years. Latest estimates suggest that two rhinos are killed by poachers every day in Africa. If rhino poaching is not stopped, the world could lose African rhinos forever.
This is a tragedy that Mahlatini and Save the Rhino do not want to envisage. Through its corporate partnership, Mahlatini will support this worthwhile charity by donating a percentage of profits made from the sale of every safari holiday. They will also embark on an annual programme of staff fundraising activities and broader awareness campaigns.
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For further information please contact Mahlatini on 028 9073 6050 or visitwww.mahlatini.com. To get up-to-date news on responsible tourism initiatives, rhino poaching or safari holidays connect to Mahlatini’s social media communities:
Facebook.com/mahlatini or Twitter @mahlatini
If you would like to donate to support the valuable work of Save the Rhino International please contact them directly – www.savetherhino.org
For media enquiries please contact Liane Cranston at lcranston@mahlatini.com
Notes to Editor:
About Mahlatini Luxury Travel:
- Mahlatini sells luxury African and Indian Ocean holidays to customers across the world through its website www.mahlatini.com
- Mahlatini was established in 2001, employs 14 people and is owner-managed by joint partners Chris Goldring and Greg Fox
- Mahlatini is a Zulu word which means ‘lovers of the African wilderness’ to reflect the company’s specialism in safari holidays
- Mahlatini’s travel specialists have all travelled extensively throughout the regions of Southern & Eastern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands; many have also actually lived and worked there
- Mahlatini is a member of the Travel Trust Association, ATOL and Advancing Tourism to Africa (ATTA).
Photo Credit: Steve and Ann Toon