South Africa: New Humane Society tours spotlight animal aid programs

If you’ve dreamed of seeing lions, zebras and elephants on their own turf, now you can help them while watching them.

Humane Society International has launched Humane Travels, which organizes trips to sites where the nonprofit group has worked with animal protection programs. A portion of participants’ fees will help fund these efforts.

The first trips, starting in January, will be to a wildlife sanctuary that is a short flight from Johannesburg, South Africa. Sixteen travelers, accompanied by a Humane Society staff member, will spend a week at the SanWild wildlife sanctuary, where they can enjoy the reserve’s gardens, swimming pools and wildlife-viewing drives and walks. There will also be outings to Kruger National Park and Blyde River Canyon and several other natural areas.

SanWild’s rescued wildlife includes lions, wild dogs, hippos, giraffes, elephants, zebras and ostriches. The Humane Society has helped the sanctuary feed 16 lions and also has contributed to SanWild’s Vervet Monkey Rescue Project.

Dates: The first trip is Jan 16-22. Other dates are scheduled throughout 2011.

Prices: The cost, per adult, double occupancy, is $2,500 for the more rustic Bukisa tent camp or $2,600 for the more luxurious Savannah camp. The price does not include airfare, but it does include lodging, airport transfers, local transportation, meals, excursions, guides, game drives and some other costs, plus taxes.

Contact: Humane Society International. You can download the reservation and payment forms online.