World Rhino Day Walk

WORLD RHINO DAY WALK23 September 2023

Rhino poaching is a global tragedy causing devastation all over the world. The heartless action of the ignorant and the greedy whose only goal is to profit regardless of the dire consequences, is causing the cruel death of majestic animals and leaving some youngsters motherless. Unable to protect themselves against this onslaught, it is the duty of each and every one of us to protect rhinos in whatever way we can, to ensure their survival. If we do not attempt to stop this foolishness we will not be able to leave behind a truly diverse natural heritage for generations to follow.

Three rhinos are poached EVERY day and there will be more poaching before World Rhino Day.

The Field Rangers and Counter Poaching Unit of Madikwe Game Reserve are working day and night with limited financial resources and often under adverse conditions. Aside from dealing with the human threat of armed poachers, they face potentially life-threatening encounters with the very animals they are trying to protect, biting insects and sweltering temperatures in summer (as much as 40°C and above) with windy cold nights in winter that can drop to -3°C or colder.

In honour of World Rhino Day, the lodges of the Madikwe Game Reserve would like to create awareness and are proud to present the seventh annual Rhino Walk. The event is being held to raise funds to help combat rhino poaching in Madikwe Game Reserve.

The participation Entry fee for this event is R200 per person. The start and finish point is at the same location (Ambush Alley Pan) and this will serve as the gathering area. There will be two routes: a short route under 5km and a longer route of about 7km. For those interested in taking part in the fund-raising day, but not able to do the walk, they are welcome to stay at the gathering area enjoying what is on offer at the stalls and meeting the locals. Local handmade crafts, food and drinks will be available to purchase (cash only) and the Counter Poaching Unit will demonstrate their capability in combat.

The Rhino Walk will take place on the 23rd of September 2023 and will kick off in Madikwe Game Reserveon Derdepoort Main Road at Ambush Alley Pan and ending at the same location. All participants will start arriving at 06:00am and the Rhino Walk commences at 06:30am. We have made an exception for the people from outside of the reserve to join in on the festivities as well, they can enter through Abjaterskop Gate, Derdepoort Gate and Molatedi Gate at 05:30am and directions are at the gates. (The normal entry fee for day visitors will be waived for this fundraising event, the R200 participation fee is payable on arrival at the event.) Participants entering through the reserve’s gates will be following the arrows to the location where officials will point out the designated parking area.

The Madikwe Field Rangers and CPU will secure the area before the Rhino Walk takes place as well as during the event. There will be Field Guides on hand to pick up anyone who decide they no longer want to continue the walk and rather have a lift on a game drive vehicle back to the market.

For more information please e-mail Ezelle van Dyk via email: rhinowalkmadikwe@gmail.com

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