Countless Conservation, Community and Charity Initiatives - With The Selous Safari Company, Tanzania

July 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Comprising two remote safari camps and a beach retreat in southern Tanzania, The Selous Safari Company (www.selous.com) is involved in several partnerships with local communities and conservation organisations, from the preservation of endangered species to the sponsorship of college scholarship programs and “adoption” of schools.

The Selous Safari Company’s ethos centres on the fact that the future of Africa’s wild places ultimately lies in the hands of those dwelling alongside its fragile ecosystems. It is believed the best way to support the camps’ neighbouring villages and their communities is by empowering certain individuals with the necessary skills, which will enable them to further empower the community at large.

For this reason, Jongomero Camp in the remote Ruaha National Park helps supply a local primary and secondary school with uniforms and exercise books. Jongomero also supports the Wildlife College Scholarship Program by sponsoring local students wanting to pursue careers in nature conservation and therefore return in the future to work inside the Ruaha, either for Tanzanian National Parks or in the realm of Ecotourism.

The Disabled Fund is the latest initiative to be launched in the Ruaha, which focuses on a much forgotten and previously taboo issue. Although in its infancy and reliant on funding from the good nature of the camp’s guests, the project has already purchased a number of tricycles for the community’s physically disabled.  

While at the beach retreat of Ras Kutani, The Selous Safari Company has recently “adopted” Gomvu School in an effort to improve the general quality of education in the local community. And as a result, the school will gladly welcome camp guests for a visit during school hours.

In addition to their community work, The Selous Safari Company also takes an active role in the conservation of local endangered species.  In fact, Ras Kutani works with SeaSense (www.seasense.org), a non-governmental organisation committed to the preservation of endangered turtle and dugong species.

Environmental education activities are conducted throughout the area in an effort to teach the local people and businesses of the value of these creatures. What’s more, two of Ras Kutani’s local staff have been trained by SeaSense to relocate and monitor the turtle nests during their incubation. For guests staying at Ras Kutani during hatching season in February, the staff are happy to inform them of the location of the nests and hatching times.

Guests are actively encouraged to ask questions, visit (where possible) and, if inclined, donate to these causes whilst staying at the camps. For those looking for a more hands-on approach, The Selous Safari Company also works with Pack For A Purpose (www.packforapurpose.org), which actually allows visitors to take out much needed medical and educational supplies in their luggage – it’s a simple concept that really makes a big impact on the lives of the local communities!

Audley Travel (www.audleytravel.com / 01993 838 500) is offering a six-night safari and beach adventure from £3,065 per person. Valid for selected 2011 departures, the price includes three nights at Jongomero Camp with game viewing drives in open sided 4x4 vehicles and three nights at Ras Kutani both on a full-board basis, scheduled flights from Heathrow, internal transfers, taxes and surcharges.  

Note To Editors:
The Selous Safari Company offers an excellent way to see the hidden delights of southern Tanzania.   Choose from the Selous Safari Camp in the Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s least known, yet wildest conservation areas, or Jongomero, the only camp situated in the remote central south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park.  A hidden gem, Jongomero promises unmatched privacy and a great vantage point from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

Perfect for a beach break or a complement to a safari adventure, Ras Kutani is the ideal hideaway for those seeking solace, luxury and Tanzanian charm.  This boutique Indian Ocean retreat is set amid a long stretch of unspoilt beach and a fresh water lagoon.  

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Press contacts: Jenevora Swann / Hayley Smith / Beth Kendall / Fergus Dunipace
citruspr: +44 1590 676432 / info@citruspr.co.uk / www.citruspr.co.uk

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