It’s a heart-stopping moment. Watching this enormous creature heave itself back up surprisingly quickly and walk off into the bush as if nothing had happened. Yet this remarkable encounter is an incredibly rare opportunity to witness this animal’s plight and contribute directly to its survival. It is a humbling, awe-inspiring experience that reveals the true fragility of one of Africa’s most iconic animals: the magnificent rhino.
For years the numbers of these gentle giants have continued to decline, and that’s why rhino conservation in Africa is so vital. For Explorations, the conservation of endangered wildlife and their environment is paramount. If you’re looking for a truly life-changing adventure where you’ll participate in a hands-on experience, then this could be the holiday you’ve been looking for: a rhino conservation safari in the heart of South Africa.
"Along with game drives to find South Africa’s epic wildlife, the rhino conservation safari in the wild is a great privilege that few people will ever participate in."
We work with several highly reputable reserves across the country, in regions from Kwandwe in the Eastern Cape Province to Madikwe in the North West Province. The destination for your experience will depend on the location of the rhino that needs tranquilising and microchipping. Microchipping allows rhino conservation experts to track their location and monitor their safety to protect the rhino population. With our extensive network of contacts across South Africa, we will find the right project for you and your guests to participate in depending on your preferences.
Before setting out on safari, you will gain a unique insight into this critically endangered species during an overview from the specialist vet about the vital work you will be contributing towards. Learn new skills in conservation, zoology and veterinary science and gain an understanding of why the procedure is vital for tracking and protecting the rhinos from poachers. This is not an easy project – it involves highly trained professionals and a helicopter to locate and tranquilise the rhino before you can assist with checking its overall health and observing as it is microchipped. Afterwards, watch the rhino head off into the bush knowing that you have actively made a difference to their preservation.
All of this takes place in Africa’s scenic bush landscapes far from tourists. We can arrange for you to be accompanied by a private photographer for the duration of your safari to capture this memorable experience. During your travels, you can expect to witness a wide range of other animals which will vary depending on the location. In Madikwe Game Reserve, for example, you will likely find the ‘Big 5’ and the team are currently protecting both black and white rhino with rigorous conservation and anti-poaching programmes. In addition, there are large family groups of elephant, packs of wild dog and lion in healthy numbers.
For the duration of your stay, we will arrange luxurious accommodation to suit, such as exquisite exclusive-use lodges with a dedicated team of staff that include a private guide, tracker, chef, host and housekeeping. Children of all ages are welcome on game drives, so relax with sundowners knowing that the dedicated staff will ensure they are kept entertained with a whole host of activities from spoor tracking to biscuit baking and mini bush walks.
By the end of your time in the bush, you will have gained a detailed understanding of the ongoing rhino conservation efforts in Africa. Along with game drives to find South Africa’s epic wildlife, the rhino conservation safari in the wild is a great privilege that few people will ever participate in. Contributing directly to the conservation of this species is an unforgettable experience that you can enjoy exclusively with your family and friends.
