Rhino Conservation in South Africa

Assist a veterinarian and conservation manager as they dart a rhino, take measurements of the sedated rhino for research, and monitor the rhino to ensure its safety

About this project

This private reserve currently supports a healthy, growing population of black and white rhinoceros, which were introduced to the reserve in 2000. The succulent thicket provides black rhino with ideal nutrition.

Led by one of the eco-team specialists, the Rhino Monitoring Drive will focus on finding and discussing specific individual rhinos within the rhino population. Unique features and habits for each animal are observed via personal experience and radio telemetry. These findings are used by the eco-guide, ranger and tracker to identify and track individual animals. Share in their knowledge and identify the unique traits of each animal you spend time with.

This unique drive is conducted in a private vehicle, allowing for time flexibility and a personalized experience to get to know the intricacies of looking after a population of these highly endangered creatures. The continued existence of these 2 species of rhinoceros now depend heavily on the dedication of remarkable humans, technology and significant financial resource combined with expertise and your support.

Then, for an immersive experience that will bring you close to these incredible creatures, a full conservation briefing precedes the experience and you are assigned a specific role in the day’s events before accompanying a vet in their conservation efforts.

Keep your eye on the African landscape and help the team quietly spot the rhino for darting. Once sedated, you and the specialist team on the ground administer medication, take measurements for scientific and medical purposes, and monitor the animal. These essential tasks will ensure the safety of these magnificent mammals.

Your main activities:

Identifying and tracking individual rhinos (in a vehicle)
Administering medication to a sedated rhino
Taking scientific and medical measurements
Monitoring a sedated rhino
Observing ear notching and microchipping of the horn by the vet

Key information:

The typical number of days on this inspiring wildlife conservation project is two, but you can spend longer
It involves 3-4 hours out in the field each day
The tracking and identifying can be done any time of year; the rhino notching and microchipping is available from May to September
Children of all ages can participate in tracking and identifying rhinos; children must be 12 and older for notching and microchipping
This project with purpose blends well with safari in the reserve

Successes to date:

Both black and white rhinos are thriving in this reserve – populations of both species are healthy and growing, introduced here in 2000.
Rhino notching and microchipping, combined with armed poaching patrols, have enabled the populations to grow – a stark contrast to declining populations in other parts of Africa.

This project is for you if:

You are looking for a project that enables you to learn an enormous amount about rhinos
You would like an experience that enables you to get up close to a sedated rhino
You love being out in nature and the open air

Nearby activities:

Wildlife safari – other animals to spot include lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, cheetah, giraffe, and antelope
Night safari to see aardwolf, aarvark, and porcupine
Birdwatching such as fish eagle and blue crane

Suggested Itinerary for South Africa

Price: US$11,970 per person, based on a family of four

This adventure enables you to bond as a family by helping conserve critically endangered black and white rhinos, plus you get to explore the wildlife highlights of South Africa

Trip Highlights

Rolling up your sleeves and caring for rhinos
Tracking, observing and monitoring rhinos in the wild
Wildlife Big 5 safari, plus cheetah, giraffe and more
Private guided sightseeing of Cape Town, customized for you
Champagne breakfast atop Table Mountain
Private cycle tour of Cape Peninsula
Close encounter with penguins

Price Includes

Luxury accommodation throughout
Private transfers
Expert local guides
Breakfasts and meals as specified
Give-back project costs

Note: the price excludes international flights, but we can arrange these for you, including private jet

Day by Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Cape Town. Stay at the One & Only
Day 2: Champagne breakfast atop Table Mountain, followed by private guided sightseeing around Cape Town, customized for your family (B)
Day 3: Private guided cycle tour of Cape Peninsula and visit penguins(B,L)
Day 4 Fly to Gqeberha, transfer to Kwandwe Private Reserve, stay at Ecca Lodge in a Family Suite. Afternoon game drive safari (B,D)
Day 5 Morning and afternoon game drive safaris (B,L,D)
Day 6-7 Rhino conservation volunteering: track and monitor a rhino one morning, and the following morning, participate in rhino notching and microchipping with a vet (B,L,D)
Day 9: Morning wildlife game drive, and fly out (B)

Note: This is a sample itinerary only, and we delight in crafting unique itineraries to meet your family’s exact requirements

Note – this is a sample itinerary, designed to give you a flavor of South Africa, and we delight in crafting trips to your exact preferences.

You can customize this trip to suit your specific requirements, in fact any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation.

Got a crazy request, or an off-the-radar place you have longed to visit? Just let us know – we delight in delighting you!

Here are some suggestions to customize this itinerary:

Drive from Cape Town along the stunning Garden Route to Kwandwe Reserve
Explore the winelands
Go whale watching on the Garden Route
Experience a totally different safari in the Kalahari

Discover more about South Africa

If you like the sound of this adventure, make it a reality