Mahlatini team are joined by Themba the Rhino

Luxury African travel company Mahlatini has launched a new campaign to support Rhino conservation in Africa.

The travel retailer which is based in Belfast has teamed up with the Amakhala Game Reserve, in South Africa to help raise awareness of the serious issue of illegal Rhino poaching; which is pushing Black and White Rhinos to the brink of extinction making them an endangered species.

Amakhala, a unique conservation initiative that allows animals to be re-introduced to the area where they once roamed freely, is one of the stunning African destinations Mahlatini operate holidays to. The Mahlatini team have all lived or travelled extensively in Africa and are passionate about the continent. The company’s name is even a Zulu word meaning ‘love of the African bush’. They are committed to supporting the excellent and vital work that Amakhala and other conservation projects conduct in order to preserve the continent’s beautiful landscape and wildlife.

Greg Fox of Mahlatini said ‘We are extremely proud to support the extraordinary and essential work of Amakhala and raise awareness of other conservation efforts in Africa. In 2009 in South Africa alone, 122 Rhinos were butchered for their horns and the figure nearly tripled in 2010. As an organisation that benefits from the beauty of this amazing continent it’s only right that we use our profile and position to help raise awareness of this delicate situation. Otherwise, future generations will not be able to experience seeing this unique and fascinating animal in its natural environment –only in zoos.’

In order to assist in raising awareness of this crisis the Mahlatini team have sponsored one of Amakhala’s baby Rhinos, Themba, which means ‘hope’ in Zulu. To celebrate the new addition to their team and elevate the profile of the struggle against Rhino poachers Mahalatini has launched a competition with Rhino sponsorship packages as prizes.

Entrants are required to simply spread the word through social media – on a blog or website, or through Facebook and Twitter. They can enter via all three methods and the winners will receive a whole host of benefits including a cuddly toy Rhino, a fact book and regular updates on their Rhino.
The campaign will run until 20th May 2011 and more information on the competition, Rhino conservation and poaching can be found on the Mahlatini website www.mahlatini.com/stop-rhino-poaching.

Mahlatini is a luxury travel operator specialising in trips to Africa. Named after the Zulu word meaning ‘lover of the African bush’ the company operates holidays to 13 African countries including Botswana, South Africa, Kenya and Mauritius.
The company, which is based in Belfast, Northern Ireland has been operating for over 9 years and is a division of Luxury Travel Ltd. Mahlatini is a member of the Travel Trust Association, ATOL and Advancing Tourism to Africa (ATTA).

Media enquiries:

Victoria Yates on victoriay@wmps.com or 0845 862 0416

Mahlatini Travel
89 Castlereagh Road
Belfast
N Ireland
BT5 5FE
http://www.mahlatini.com

This release was published on openPR.