How and where to see rhinos in the wild
The Horn, Spring 2006
Choosing the perfect destination when planning your African safari can be quite a mind-boggling decision, with so many choices on offer. For us, there is only one criterion: can we see rhinos in the wild?
We know that most people won’t be quite so single-minded about their priorities, but perhaps you do want to do a bit more than sit in the back of a vehicle racing around in search of the Big Five. It’s certainly possible to visit some of the most beautiful locations and see the amazing wildlife that Africa can offer, including the critically endangered black rhinos, so why not do your bit for conservation whilst on holiday by visiting one of the projects we support. You never know, you might be lucky enough to spot a rhino!
Kenya – Laikipia District
The Laikipia District holds about half of Kenya’s critically endangered black rhino, with five major populations and four smaller ones, so you’re nearly guaranteed a sighting. This is eco-tourism heaven, as the Laikipia Wildlife Forum has developed numerous community-owned tourism projects. There are also over 50 traditional tourism operators in Laikipia, all members of the LWF. Given the remarkable integrity of the ecosystem with its immense wildlife populations, and the fact that the plateau is home to more endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa, we’re convinced that Laikipia will increasingly be seen as Kenya's foremost wildlife destination. Visit www.laikipia.org for more information. Baobab Expeditions or Vicky Stirling (sister of Dave Stirling, our Project Director) who runs Farside Africa, knows Laikipia well and recommend places to suit every interest.
Kenya – Tsavo East National Park
In the late 1990s, the Kenya Wildlife Service, together with various NGOs including Save the Rhino, reintroduced black rhino to the Park in a free-release programme. We continue to support this project and our annual “Rhino Climb Kili” overseas challenge, organised by World Odyssey in conjunction with the African Walking Company, (see elsewhere in this issue of The Horn) ends with a visit to the Park, so that the exhausted climbers can see for themselves the project their hard-earned funds are helping to support.
Kenya – Chyulu Hills National Park
As you’ll read in this issue, the rhino project in the Chyulus is doing well, and you can visit the Chyulus for yourself. The place to stay is Ol Donyo Wuas, Richard Bonham’s luxury lodge; visit www.richardbonhamsafaris.com for more information.
Discovery Initiatives is running a special “Rhino Retribution Safari” to the Chyulus. Led by Alex Hunter, grandson of the legendary J A Hunter, whose government-appointed job in the 1950s was to exterminate rhinos from much of their range. A donation will be made to the Chyulus for every participant. Moving through some of Kenya’s most beautiful landscape, using superb eco-lodges and comfortable classic camping, you’ll drive, walk and track animals including elephant, lions, leopards and of course rhinos, through some of Kenya’s most visionary conservation efforts.
Uganda – Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary
The Rhino Fund Uganda, with support from Save the Rhino and numerous other partner organizations, has reintroduced the rhinoceros to Uganda at the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary and at present holds four Southern white rhinos. The sanctuary is located 170 km northwest of Kampala, along the tarmac road to Murchison Falls, one of the main tourist destinations in Uganda. This makes the Sanctuary a perfect stopover for overnight travellers on their way to Murchison Falls, or to see the mountain gorillas. You can travel with Baobab Expeditions to reach this destination.
Tanzania – Mkomazi Game Reserve
The little-visited Mkomazi Game Reserve is located in north-eastern Tanzania, on the Kenyan border. The Rhino Sanctuary and African Wild God breeding programme there is run by legendary conservationist Tony Fitzjohn. The Reserve is about to get National Park status, which may mean that more accommodation options become available; for the moment perhaps your best bet is to go with Baobab Expeditions.
Tanzania – Selous Game Reserve
The Selous is one of the most beautiful places in Africa; vast, with mixed habitat, and the chance to go on a five-day walking safari here shouldn’t be missed. The Kidai Ranger Station (see elsewhere in this issue of The Horn) is about 40 minutes upriver from luxurious Sand Rivers Lodge. The only video footage of a black rhino in the Selous in recent years was, in fact, taken by a tourist, so why not try for yourself? Enquire with Nomad Tanzania about booking.
Namibia – Palmwag Rhino Camp
Namibia holds more than a third of all the black rhinos remaining in Africa, and numbers are steadily increasing. Save the Rhino Trust has partnered with Wilderness Safaris to organise desert rhino expeditions, in which you join vehicle-, foot- or camel-based teams of local trackers to monitor the rhinos. A share of the proceeds goes to support SRT’s work.
Zimbabwe
Despite the uncertain political situation, Zimbabwe’s lodges are still very keen to see visitors, and you’d know that your tourist dollar was making a very real contribution to the local economy. Try visiting Matusadona National Park, Save Valley, Chiredzi River, Bubye or the Midlands Rhino Conservancy, for an insight into how conservationists are managing to continue their good work, irrespective of the difficult conditions.
All the travel companies listed below support our work in some way, either by making a contribution per visitor to each project, or by making donations direct to the project visited. The text above suggests particular companies for each trip, but virtually all of those listed below can put together an itinerary for any of these destinations. Enjoy researching your trip!
Baobab Expeditions: www.baobabexpeditions.com
Discovery Initiatives: www.discoveryinitiatives.co.uk
Farside Africa: www.farsideafrica.com
Nomad Tanzania: www.nomad-tanzania.com
Tim Best Travel: www.timbesttravel.net
Wilderness Safaris: www.wilderness-safaris.com
World Odyssey: www.world-odyssey.com
Worldwide Experience: www.worldwideexperience.com
For airlines, please check routes via:
Kenya Airways: www.kenya-airways.com
British Airways: www.britishairways.com
Air Namibia: www.airnamibia.com/
South African Airlines: www.flysaa.com
Petra Fleischer
Corporate Fundraising Manager