Azamara Teams Up With World Wildlife Fund for South Africa Conservation Cruises, Excursions

(5:33 p.m. EST) -- Beginning in fall 2020, Azamara Club Cruises passengers will have a new way to experience Africa's wildlife -- and to support it.

Under Azamara's new extended partnership with the World Wildlife Fund, cruisers can take cruises and shore excursions with a strong conservation focus in what the line is calling People to People Excursions and Voyages. The line will donate $100,000 from its cruises and $30 from each excursion to support the fund's conservation efforts.

The programming aims to expose passengers to conservation issues. For example, a two-day rhino conservation excursion will visit Phinda Mountain Lodge in Richard's Bay, South Africa, where passengers can join a tracker to see the highly endangered black rhino and have a chance to see other rare species like the cheetah.

Another trip takes travelers on a 4x4 through Addo Elephant Park in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, which is home to nearly 500 elephants and the remaining Big Five species: lions, leopards, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo.

Then, beginning in early 2021, the line will offer six conservation-themed trips designed inspire personal commitment to environmental conservation. Onboard programing will cover topics like sustainable agriculture, conservation-focused vineyards, water resources, sustainability and wildlife. The themes will carry into dining with South Africa-themed dishes and even include World Wildlife Fund-themed trivia sessions.

"At Azamara, we collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to the planet, its people, oceans, land and wildlife, and we are thrilled to further our partnership with WWF to reinforce this commitment" Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara, said in a statement.

The Azamara donations will help support the fund's South Africa conservation work, which includes protecting rhino populations, reducing the impact of the illegal wildlife trade and contributing to sustainable seafood initiatives.

"WWF South Africa is delighted to partner with Azamara to provide passengers a peek into the vital work we are undertaking to protect our natural resources -- oceans, land, wildlife -- so that we can continue to benefit from food, energy and fresh water," says Dr. Morne du Plessis, WWF South Africa CEO.