Help Vets Check Namibia’s Big Cats and Venture into Desert Lion Territory on New One-of-a-Kind Small Group Safari from Wilderness Travel

A new offering from Wilderness Travel, an adventure travel company known for their intricate, out-of-the-way itineraries that dive deep into cultures and landscapes, lets select travelers be on the front lines of conservation in Namibia. The new In the Realm of the Desert Lion safari is the only U.S. itinerary to allow guests to participate in a veterinary check of leopards, cheetahs and lions and provide access to the desert lion research territory.

With three departures in 2015 and one in 2016 open to just six travelers each, the adventure takes travelers to Namibia, one of the most beautiful safari destinations in the world that is also one of the most forward-thinking and successful in wildlife conservation. Forty-five percent of Namibia’s land is under community conservation. The country is also home to the world’s only growing population of black rhino, the largest free-roaming population of desert lions, and more than half of the earth’s population of wild cheetahs.

On the June 2015 and July 2016 departure, travelers participate in an annual medical check to assist with the weighing, measuring and vaccinating of leopards, cheetahs and lions by an international team of veterinarians. All departures bring guests to renowned Desert Rhino Camp, where travelers will meet the researchers and get a behind the scenes look at their efforts to ensure the survival of the black rhino. Wilderness Travel has recently funded a mobile camp for Save the Rhinos Trust to help them with this critical work.

The trip’s climax occurs in the wilds of Kaokoland, where participants witness the work of Dr. Flip Stander, the world’s leading authority on the elusive desert lion. The trip’s safari guide, Jason Nott, is Dr. Flip’s godson, and has assisted him in tracking and devising strategies to ensure the species’ survival.

In addition to conservation work, there is plenty of safari time, tracking leopard, elephant and desert lion, along with cheetah and rhinos on foot, and even night game drives. The safari also includes a visit to the site of the largest prehistoric rock art in Africa. Guests stay overnights in permanent chalets and camps for six nights, a stylish boutique hotel for two nights, and a mobile tented camp for three nights and will enjoy special “bush breakfasts” and lantern-lit dinners.

“We are proud to support and expose travelers to the some of the most important conservation work in the modern era, which is taking place in Namibia,” says Barbara Banks, director of marketing and new trip development for Wilderness Travel, who points out that Namibia is the only country in Africa with an expanding wildlife population. “Not only do you witness firsthand wildlife workers in action, but a portion of the cost of this trip goes back to help these communities and their efforts directly. Conservation is built into the trip, as much as the lodging and the incredible activities.”

Pricing for the trip starts at $6895 for the 12-day departure or $7895 for the 14-day departure.