22 Sep 2014
World Rhino Day is on Monday, September 22nd, 2014 and Aardvark Safaris has just got wind of an unusual Rhino Conservation Safari in South Africa. This is a rare chance for you and your family to work up close with these endangered animals in the company of specialist rangers, spot world-class game, and leave a lasting legacy with 100% of proceeds going towards rhino conservation.
Set in South Africa's malaria-free Eastern Cape Province amid 54,000 acres of prime wildlife territory, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve runs a three night/four day Rhino Conservation Safari programme perfect for families. Together you work alongside specialist rangers to track and dart endangered rhino. You can also help drill horn to insert microchips, perform ear-notch procedures, learn about rhino behaviour, and explore the reserve by helicopter. It's possible that this is the only chance you and your kids will ever have to touch a rhino.
Only 5,055 black rhino and 20,405 white rhino remain in the African wilderness with South Africa supporting 40% (1,916) and 93% (18,796) of the total population respectively. Large-scale poaching, slow breeding cycles and disappearing habitat continue to threaten their future so conservation programmes like this—part of an Africa-wide effort—are vital to the rhinos' recovery.
Kwandwe is a conservation success with a healthy, growing population of rhinos, notably of the critically endangered black rhino since its introduction to the reserve in 2000. The area's succulent thicket provides ideal nutrition and habitat for reproduction. Neighbouring Great Fish River Game Reserve has the third most important black rhino population in Southern Africa, demonstrating the importance of this region in black rhino conservation.
Aardvark Director Richard Smith says, “We plan safaris for singles, couples, multi-generational families, you name it, but for anyone who truly cares about wildlife this is a very rare chance to see how your money is making a difference to rhinos on the ground. And what a way to treat the kids or grandkids, enjoy a guilt-free holiday and really be a part of securing the future of this iconic animal.”
Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is also home to the Big 5 (elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo) and a wealth of bird species. In addition to rhino darting safaris and monitoring you can join traditional safari activities, 'big game' walks, boat rides, fishing, volunteer initiatives, and enjoy cultural trips. Stay in one of four small Relais & Chateaux accredited lodges, of which two are sole-use villas, providing understated luxury, views across the Great Fish River, and one of the highest guest-to-land ratios in South Africa.
Want to be part of this unique rhino monitoring programme? Simply get in touch on 01980 849160 and we'll organise the rest.
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Notes for Editors
Large scale poaching of the critically endangered black rhino saw a dramatic 96% decline in population from 65,000 in 1970 to just 2,300 in 1993. African conservation efforts have boosted these numbers to 5,055. (Save the Rhino) Figs according to IUCN for African rhino species
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