Honouring World Rhino Day at Madikwe Game Reserve

02.

Ker & Downey Africa : What does the Rhino Walk entail?

Ezelle van Dyk : The Rhino Walk is a scenic and informative walk that allows guests to experience Madikwe and unique flora and fauna. The walk is escorted by armed field rangers on foot, as well as field guides with game drive vehicles, through the heart of the Reserve. Guests are escorted just in case the curiosity of Madikwe’s wildlife gets the better of them or if we need to provide transport to a safe area in order for guests to continue their walk. This year there is a choice between two routes, the 3km Blue Route and the 6km Red Route. The walk will start and finish at Ambush Alley Pan, where a market will be set up for guests to purchase refreshments and interact with conservation stalls. The end of the event is signed off with our counter-poaching unit conducting a demonstration of their skills used in protecting our wildlife.

05.

Ker & Downey Africa : Why do you think it is important to involve local communities in this conservation initiative?

Ezelle van Dyk : Most people within the local communities have not set foot in Madikwe Game Reserve due to its exclusivity and high rates associated with the lodges. As a result, many community members are unaware of the conservation struggles and the importance of their contribution. By involving local communities in conservation efforts, we can encourage small changes such as lifestyle adjustments and lead by example in preserving our planet. In addition, by involving the community with the Rhino Walk and making it accessible to the public, we create the opportunity to educate people on how to contribute to conservation and spread awareness. Lastly, our hope is that the Rhino Walk creates a sense of pride amongst the local community in realising the essential roles they play in preserving Madikwe Game Reserve.

06.

Ker & Downey Africa : How can travelers aid the plights of rhinos in South Africa this World Rhino Day?

Ezelle van Dyk:

• Getting involved in fundraising events like Madikwe’s Rhino Walk.
• Spreading the word of these endangered animals’ plight and encouraging family and friends to get involved – not just on World Rhino Day, but all year round.
• Becoming informed by contacting conservation organisations, offering your assistance and asking for guidance.
• Sponsoring a rhino darting procedure to assist conservationists in collecting DNA and notching of the ears for easy identification.
• Sponsoring GPS collars which aid in the monitoring of injured animals.
• Participating in efforts such as the “Adopt a rhino” programme from an institution like “The Rhino Orphanage” that raises the calves who are orphaned as a result of poaching.

07.

Ker & Downey Africa : Have you always had a passion for wildlife and conservation, or how did you find yourself in this line of work?

08.

Ker & Downey Africa : Do you see this project evolving into something bigger in the next ten years?

Ezelle van Dyk : Absolutely! We have already seen progress since the first Rhino Walk in 2015. We learn from every Rhino Walk and react pro-actively to the feedback we receive from guests attending. Four years after our first walk, we now have guests pre-booking accommodation specifically to attend the annual Rhino Walk for 2020. Bookings like these attribute to the community as a whole and demonstrate the growth of this initiative.

09.

Ker & Downey Africa : Being a female guide, why do you think it is important that more women become involved in conservation?

Ezelle van Dyk : Ultimately, the more people we have at hand to contribute to conservation, the better the results will be. Conservation is not a gender orientated effort and I would like to encourage all women to get involved.