Honeymooners Lovestruck By Voluntours

First it was the adventure honeymooners who decided to veer away from traditional beach stays, but now newlyweds are ringing in the changes again with a move to voluntours. Perhaps it’s the feel good factor associated with starting a new life together that makes charity and conservation trips sound so appealing – couples struck down by cupid, feeling that they want to give something back to the world.

Acacia Adventure Holidays is launching a dedicated Voluntour section in their 2009 brochure, the new trips covering conservation, anti-poaching, education and other charitable concerns in Africa.

A chance for couples to get more actively involved in tourism, Acacia Adventure Holidays’ Anti Poaching Voluntour begins with a romantic sunset cruise on the Zambezi River before being briefed by the VFAPU in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. Honeymoon volunteers will join scouts to sweep the park for snares and check on animal populations and water sources. Some modern day couples have chosen to wed tied to the wings of an aeroplane, however, even if the big day was set on terra firma – newly weds can still take the skies at the end of the trip, and treat themselves to a spot of optional sky diving or bungy jumping.

The 5-day itinerary costs £375pp + local payment from £38pp with one-nights atmospheric camping on the Zambezi River and three-nights youth hostel accommodation. Upgraded accommodation is available. Year-round departures. The price includes all highlights, transport, accommodation, airport transfers, camping equipment in Zambezi National Park, meals as indicated, services of a driver/ guide and qualified anti poaching staff. Excludes visas, travel insurance, flights, departure taxes, tips, drinks, optional activities & items of a personal nature.

Alternatively, honeymooners can opt to stay in the backpacker haven of Cinsta on the beautiful wild coast of South Africa. Acacia Adventure Holidays' Conservation Voluntour itinerary allows couples to make a real difference on the African continent with opportunities to get involved in species reintroduction, raptor and mammal rehabilitation and avian monitoring. The itinerary also incorporates optional activities on evenings and weekends, including village visits with the local Xhosa people, canoeing and hiking. The itinerary, which departs on Mondays, year round ends with a team barbeque and a toast – although we’re guessing this one will be reserved for the newly weds. The 13-day trip costs £525pp with 11-nights shared accommodation in eco lodges or cottages and one-nights camping/village stay.

The price includes all highlights, transport, accommodation, meals as indicated and services of qualified project staff. Excludes visas, travel insurance, flights, departure taxes, tips, drinks, airport transfers, sleeping bag, optional activities & items of a personal nature.

Contact Acacia Adventure Holidays on 020 7706 4700, email info@acacia-africa.com or visit www.acacia-africa.com for further information. ATOL No. 6499 and ABTA No. W4093 PROTECTED.