In Africa, the rapid decline in tourism due to the COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on the continent's communities, livelihoods and iconic wildlife.

Rangers play a vital role in protecting Africa's endangered species, forming a thin green line between the animals and the poachers that hunt them for their tusks, horns and skins. As safari lodges, bush camps and national parks lie empty, keeping these incredibly brave men and women in the field has become increasingly challenging.

The tourism that sustained so many ranger jobs has disappeared, leaving their families and communities in need, and the iconic animals they protect vulnerable. If we cannot keep the wildlife rangers on the ground where they're needed, experts fear we will soon be facing a poaching epidemic.

Our team of travel writers, editors, photographers and PRs is proud to be joining the African travel industry to support African rangers and wildlife through the Ride4Rangers campaign.

Throughout August Bank Holiday weekend, we will be taking on individual cycling, running, kayaking and walking challenges to raise vital funds that will support the salaries and deployment of African rangers during this crisis. Tusk is aiming to support 5,000 rangers over the next 6-9 months, with generous match-funding doubling the impact of every penny given.

Heres how your support could help:
£100 could purchase a GPS-enabled camera to monitor wildlife
£200 could fund a Lion Guard Ranger's salary for a month
£250 could provide the materials for a predator-proof livestock enclosure
£500 could sponsor a four-person anti-poaching team for a month

Whatever you can donate will be much appreciated and make a huge difference – thank you so much for your generous support!

Travel Writers Ride4Rangers

Aaron Millar: 30-mile off-road cycle ride; Beth Higham: 25k hike; Daniela Resenterra: 10k run; Diana Jarvis: 50-mile bike ride; Isabel Conway: 10k hike; Jacqui Agate: 10k kayak; James Draven: 50k cycle ride; Laura Gelder: 10-mile run; Will Hawkes: 26k high-altitude run; Lauren Jarvis: 50k cycle ride; Lottie Gross: 10k kayak; Lynn Houghton: 10-mile hike; Rashmi Narayan: 30k run/hike; Rosie Bateman: 10k run; Siobhan Grogan: 20k bike ride; Stephanie Takyi: 10k hike; Steve Hartridge: 20k bike ride; Joanna White: 20k hike.