DAR ES SALAAM -- The UK's Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, on Wednesday began a three-day visit to Tanzania as part of his mission to fight poaching and tackle illegal trade in wildlife.

A statement by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said Prince William was visiting the east African nation as president of United for Wildlife, which fights illegal trade in wildlife, and patron of Tusk, which promotes conservation.

During his visit, Prince William will raise awareness on the Illegal Wildlife Conference to be held in London in October, said the statement.

Tanzania is home to the African elephants, rhinos and other wildlife population that are facing threats from syndicates of local as well as international poachers.

During his visit, according to the statement, the Duke will meet with President John Magufuli to discuss the president's efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade in Tanzania.

He will also visit the Dar es Salaam port and Mpingo House, offices of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, where he will learn more about the work Tanzania was doing to combat illegal wildlife trade with support from the UK Government.

Prince William will also visit Mkomazi National Park and the College of African Wildlife Management in Kilimanjaro region in northern Tanzania.