The first of four Rhino Conservation Participation Experiences will take place at Tintswalo Lapalala in the Lapalala Wilderness Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo Province), between the 7th and 9th of May 2021. (Other dates: June 18-20; July 16-18; August 20-22). Guests will have the unique opportunity to assist the conservation team in important rhino research and monitoring activities.
South Africa is home to the majority of the world’s rhino population and the conservation work conducted in the Lapalala reserve makes an important contribution to global research and the fight against poaching. The veterinary team will dart and immobilize white or black rhino, with participants assisting during the process of monitoring the animal/s after capture. DNA will be collected as part of the Rhino DNA Indexing System (RhODIS) – a forensic tool that stores a unique genetic fingerprint for every rhino that has been sampled using blood, tissue, and horn.
The Lapalala Wilderness Reserve is located within the Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the past 40 years, the reserve has become a beacon for wildlife research and conservation in South Africa. Recognised as one of the largest and most scenic private reserves in southern Africa, its abundance of flora plays home to a vast array of wildlife that is protected within its 48 500 hectares. This includes 300 bird species, 50 fish species, 147 mammal species, 114 reptile species, 33 amphibian species, and various breeding projects.
Eco-friendly Tintswalo Lapalala is operated off the grid to accommodate only 16 adults and four children, and as one of only two lodges within the reserve, it guarantees a rare, and personalised wilderness experience. Based on the minimum requirement of eight participants, the cost of the Conservation Experiences is R16 000 for two people, to be added to the accommodation costs of a minimum stay of 3 nights. (Numbers are limited, subject to availability).
