WILDCHILD is a Good Kid

In our culture, describing a youngster as a "wild child" has some negative connotations, but in Africa, every WILDCHILD is better positioned to contribute to the salvation of that troubled continent. Conservation Corporation Africa (aka CCAfrica), a safari company that operates 40 lodges in six countries, spearheads and participates in numerous conservation initiatives. One that really intrigues me is WILDCHILD, which has thus far provided conservation lessons to more than 11,000 youngsters from communities near parks, wildlife reserves and other lands where CCAfrica has lodges. I'm not clear on whether each child gets one lesson or whether a series of lessons is involved.

The program is funded by the sale of wristbands to lodge guests. The wristbands cost about $10, which is small change in the context of a safari, that run to thousands of dollars. Instilling the value of preserving the land and animals that surround these children will help sustain their culture and the natural environment at their doorsteps, perhaps keeping them in their communities rather than succumbing to the temptation of Africa's troubled cities. In addition to being available at CC Africa Safari Lodges, wristbands can be purchased by writing to guestshopping@ccafrica.com.

A safari in Tanzania exactly 11 years ago remains one of the most memorable trips, and I long to return. A link from the main CCAfrica site to the SafariASAP site might provide an affordable way to do so. It features special offers ed Hot Packaged Deals, Safari Auctions, Safaris To Go, the ASAP Hot List and exclusive Offers of the Month. One of the parks we visited was Serengenti National Park, which -- coupled with Kenya's Masai Mara -- is one of the world's great wildlife preserves. A six-night itinerary (three nights each in two luxury tent camps - Klein Under Canvas, right) includes transfers to and from Arusha International Airport, to and from the park, accommodations, three meals a day, and game drives and bush walks in the park for $2,173 -- according to the website, $3,618 off the regular price. The tricky part is the August 16 start of the trip, which doesn't allow much time for advance planning, but for anyone who is flexible and can get a good last-minute air fare, that's a terrific value.

Another link from CCAfrica's site took me to WILDWATCH, great for vicarious travel to Africa. It includes postings by the firm's guides describing wildlife sightings, updates on the great migration and more. A definite plus for anyone passionate about Africa and travel to Africa.