HELENA, Ala., Sept. 22, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rhinos rank among the most endangered species on Earth, but wildlife enthusiasts still have opportunities to spot these huge mammals. In honor of World Rhino Day on September 22, 2016, International Expeditions looks at three ecotours in the wild reaches in East Africa, Namibia and India where rhinos are the primary focus.
International Expeditions' new Brahmaputra River cruise takes in one of the last parks to find the Asian one-horned rhino – India's Kaziranga National Park. According to Save the Rhino, the population of one-horned rhinos is only approximately 3,500. In addition to excursions watching for the rare rhino, IE guests can spot seven species of primate, including endangered western hoolock gibbon, and gangetic dolphin. After days spent exploring the wilds of India, guests return to the deluxe 23-cabin Mahabaahu and a boutique lodge.
Namibia's Kunene region is best known as home to the last free-ranging population of desert-adapted black rhinos. Their numbers dipped to fewer than 50 individuals in the 1980s, when Save the Rhino Trust was established. On IE's Namibia Desert & Dune Safari, travelers join experienced members of the Save the Rhino Trust to track rhinos by foot and vehicle in an area with Africa's largest free-roaming black rhino population during a stay at the intimate Desert Rhino Camp. This stellar camp offers private verandahs, candle-lit dinners around the open boma, and a swimming pool with sweeping views of elephants, giraffes and predators.
Successful conservation and anti-poaching efforts have helped East Africa's population of black rhinos begin to rebound, but the species is still considered critically endangered.
"Since 1960, the black rhino has been reduced by 97.6%," said wildlife expert Joan Embery. "Since my first trip to Africa I have seen the steady decline of rhino and the need to engage the public for spreading awareness and supporting conservation. Together we as humans can navigate the issues and alter the landscape in a positive direction for both these animals and ourselves."
Travelers' best chance of spotting black rhino is in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, where an abundance of food and fresh water supports the entire "Big Five"— lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino and leopard. IE's Kenya & Tanzania Safari includes thrilling game drives in the Crater and a picnic lunch to savor the scenery.
For additional information on International Expeditions' journeys, visit IEtravel.com or contact 800-633-4734.
About International Expeditions
Celebrating 36 years of nature travel, International Expeditions specializes in small-group journeys to Earth's most exhilarating destinations. A pioneer of environmentally responsible travel, IE is committed to preserving natural habitats and improving the welfare of the people and communities it visits. International Expeditions has been named to Travel + Leisure's list of "World's Best" tour operators & safari outfitters seven times and to National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine's list of "Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth."
About the TUI Adventure Division
The TUI Adventure Division offers experienced-based expeditions for active travelers. In addition to International Expeditions, the division includes Quark Expeditions and Zegrahm Expeditions; European adventure specialists Exodus Travels, Headwater, World Challenge, Sawadeee, Trek America and Grand American Adventures; as well as US-based destination management company American Adventures. From reaching the top of Kilimanjaro and canoeing on the Zambezi, to tiger cub sightings and breaking ice en-route to the North Pole, the TUI Adventure Division offers inspirational experiences that create lifelong memories.