Ever since I could remember, I have always wanted to go to Africa. Over and over as a child I watched Simba, Pumba and Timone frolicking around the Savannah, surrounded by zebras, giraffes, and elephants, and dreamed of seeing them one day in the flesh. And of all the amazing African animals to see, rhinos were always at the top of my list. I had a secret fascination with these temperamental animals. After all, they are the closest things to unicorns we have left!
So you could imagine how shocked I was when I learned that according to the South African Department of Environmental Affairs, one rhino is killed every 7 hours and poachers killed over 1020 rhinos in 2014 . That’s right. We lost over a thousand rhinos to the illegal killing and selling of an endangered species. At the current rate, rhinos will almost certainly be extinct within the next 20 years. You and I may very well live in a world where there are no rhinos, and that’s not a world I want to be a part of.
Photo Courtesy of Susan Portnoy
Photo Courtesy of Susan Portnoy
Fortunately, there is hope. The Rhinos Without Borders project is led by National Geographic Explorers In Residence Dereck and Beverly Joubert. It has made its mission in 2015 to move 100 of the rhinos from highly poached regions of South Africa to well-protected areas in Botswana, which has some of the lowest poaching rates in Africa. To ensure the future survival of Africa’s wildlife, Botswana is forming a “Tusk Force.” The Tusk Force comprises of hand-picked members of the Botswana Defense Force and Wildlife Department and has shoot-to-kill orders for poachers.
Photo Courtesy of Susan Portnoy
Rhinos Without Borders is currently teaming up with Travelers Building Change, Green Travel Media and you! The Travelers Building Change goal is to raise enough money to move #JustOneRhino. Over 20 eco-conscious sponsors are offering more than $30,000 worth of incredible prizes for you to have a chance to win with your donation. A $20 donation gets you 10 entries; $30 gets you 20; $50 gets you 30 entries… and $500 will get you 500 entries!
How Saving #JustOneRhino Could Win You A Dream Vacation – The Trips
We hope that you’ll truly consider supporting the #JustOneRhino campaign simply because rhinos are a beautiful and special species on the verge of extinction – and we have the power to change that. But how awesome would it be to know that you’re making a tangible difference in the lives of rhinos and win the trip of a lifetime for 2015?! Here are the dream vacations you could win:
10-day Galapagos Voyage
Photo Courtesy of International Expeditions
Donating earns you chances to win this $5,298 value trip to the Galapagos Islands. You’ll find yourself coming face to face with giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, penguins, iguanas and many other animals while cruising aboard the 32-guest Evolution with International Expeditions. Also included are daily shore excursions, guided walks, swimming, snorkeling, hiking and kayaking. More information here.
South Africa Big Five Safari
Photo courtesy Susan Portnoy
Valued at $6000, Adventure Life is offering you the chance to see the “Big Five,” including the rhinoceros. During this 9-day vacation, you’ll be able to explore the city of Johannesburg before heading out on safari to observe wildlife in Kruger National Park. Also included in the trip are visits to the beaches of Dolphin Coast, one of Africa’s oldest reserves in KwaZulu-Natal and ultimately stay at Rhino Post Safari Lodge. Full trip details here.
7 Nights Bed and Breakfast in Garden View Suite
Photo Courtesy of Cobblers Cove
A $5,187 value, Cobblers Cove combines English elegance with Caribbean character among its beachside tropical jungle surroundings. Located on the platinum west coast of Barbados, it is a haven of grace and tranquility with spectacular blue waters, extensive spa treatments, private yoga classes and a restaurant serving the finest food in Barbados. Find out more.
10 Nights Stay With Wellness Package for Two
Photo Courtesy of Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa
Coming in at $5,241, Yemaya Island Hideaway and Spa in Nicaragua invites you to spend ten nights on Little Corn Island to relax and rejuvenate. You’ll be staying in one of their 16 cabanas with spectacular ocean view, private terrace, and rainforest showers. Start your day off with a complimentary yoga session. Then take your $500.00 credit to their award winning spa. Spend the afternoon paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, sipping a coconut in a shady hammock or just relaxing on the beach looking out over the shimmering Caribbean Sea. Finish your day off with a beach bar cocktail with your $700 food and beverage credit. Learn more here.
1 of 5 Getaways from Secret Retreats
At a total value of $5,800, Secret Retreats has generously donated vouchers for 2 at Bali Jiwa Villa in Bali, Indonesia; 2 sets of vouchers for 2 people at The Scent Hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand; vouchers for 2 people at the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge in Koh Kong, Cambodia; and vouchers for 2 people at Flower Island in Palawan, Philippines.
That’s not all that is available! There are loads of other prizes like 2 nights in an Italian Villa, 2 tours in India, WeWOOD watches and much more. See all the great prizes available, choose the top 3 you’d like to win and make a donation to save rhinos at Travelers Building Change.
Every person who donates will receive an origami rhino, wallpaper downloads and more from the Jouberts. You can be assured your entire donation is going straight to saving rhinos in South Africa as everyone working on the #JustOneRhino campaign is an unpaid volunteer.
With your help, Travelers Building Change can raise $45,000 and save #JustOneRhino.
Learn more about the cause and donate today on the Travelers Building Change website.
Who knows what epic adventures might await in 2015 if you win one of these dream vacations!
Did you know about the horrific threat facing rhinos today? Which dream vacation above would you like to win?
What a great cause that I totally support and appreciate, thanks for sharing and helping spreading the word.
Franca recently posted…A Vegan View of Christmas in Puglia
Thanks so much for you support Franca :-D
I saw a wild rhino in Nepal, and it was very special! I would hate to be in a world without them.
Colleen Brynn recently posted…14 Travel Highlights From 2014
Awesome!!! We’d love for the chance to see rhinos in the wild. I bet it is a special experience being close to such a powerful animal.
Great cause.
Charles McCool recently posted…5 Minutes With Barbara Weibel
Thanks so much for your support Charles :-D