Pedalling for a purpose

The RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos 2023 shines a light on rhino conservation in Namibia

The dust has settled, the bikes have been given their much-needed lube services, and the 9th annual RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos has come to a triumphant close. From May 24th to May 28th and from May 29th to June 2nd, 2023, cycling enthusiasts and conservation advocates united in the vast and rugged Palmwag Concession in northwestern Namibia to raise funds for Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) Namibia and for Children in the Wilderness.

This year's event marked a significant milestone: for the first time two back-to-back multi-day rides were hosted, welcoming a total of only 36 riders, 18 per tour. The exclusivity added an air of anticipation and excitement, as participants geared up for an unforgettable adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of this vital rhino conservation area. In the vast and untamed landscapes of northwestern Namibia a timeless battle unfolds – a struggle for the very survival of the majestic black rhino. Against the backdrop of arid desert and rugged mountains, these enigmatic creatures face numerous threats, most notably poaching and habitat loss. Their numbers have dwindled perilously, pushing them to the brink of extinction.

In this precarious situation rhino conservation becomes paramount. Organisations such as Save the Rhino Trust Namibia have taken up the noble cause, dedicating themselves to the protection and preservation of these magnificent animals. But the task is immense. Through tireless patrols, tracking and community engagement they strive to ensure the survival of the last free-roaming black rhino population on Earth. The goal of the RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos is to raise funds and awareness in support of this endeavour.

Thanks to the generous title sponsorship by Wilderness (previously Wilderness Safaris) and RMB, the tour continues to exceed all expectations. Wilderness, renowned for its commitment to preserving and protecting the world's iconic wilderness areas, has been a steadfast supporter of the Ride for Rhinos since its inception in 2015, and so has RMB. Their unwavering dedication to rhino conservation and community initiatives shone through every aspect of the event.

The tour, an ideal event for avid mountain-bikers with an equally enthusiastic passion for nature and conservation, has an overarching theme which emphasises the importance of raising awareness for Namibia's black rhino population and the crucial role that community involvement and education play in conservation efforts, especially in this remote, rural region. The Ride for Rhinos serves as a powerful platform for collaboration and future partnerships between corporate entities, influential Namibians and the projects and associations that the tour aims to raise funds and awareness for.

Throughout the four-day event participants are treated to an immersive experience in nature, embracing the rugged beauty of the Palmwag Concession. Starting from a bush camp – where the group spends three of the four nights wild camping – nestled within this extraordinary landscape, cyclists embarked on daily rides of 40-50 km. The diverse terrains, including dry riverbeds and challenging single track game paths, tested their skills and rewarded their efforts with awe-inspiring vistas and wild encounters at every turn.

But this event is about much more than the thrill of the ride. The proceeds from the tour are equally divided between Save the Rhino Trust Namibia and Children in the Wilderness, reinforcing the commitment to both rhino conservation and community development.

Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp, the tour's final destination, holds a special place in the hearts of the organisers and past and present participants. It stands as a symbol of collaboration and success, a testament to the vital role played by Wilderness, Save the Rhino Trust and the Anabeb, Sesfontein, and Torra conservancies in protecting the desertadapted black rhino population. By supporting the camp, guests not only contribute to the preservation of these iconic creatures but also uplift the local communities through employment opportunities and sustainable growth.

Apart from the daily cycling routes, the tour also offers guests the opportunity to go rhino tracking with the Save the Rhino Trust team and enjoy life-changing encounters with the ancient denizens of these rugged terrains. On foot, the guests on the first tour had the incredible experience of approaching not one, but two rhino bulls and watching from an unobtrusive distance as they went about their afternoons. The next morning, for only the second time in nine years, the group came upon the same rhino while out on their bicycles. It is an incredible experience to be able to share the terrain with these special creatures. The second tour had equally magnetic moments with the event’s eponymous mammals.

As the event comes to an end, feelings of accomplishment and camaraderie permeate the air. Riders and organisers gather around the campfire, sharing stories of their experiences and reflecting on the impact they have made. The success of the 2023 Ride for Rhinos was made possible by the unwavering support of RMB Namibia, Wilderness, CYMOT (providing technical MTB support), Venture Media as tour organisers, and numerous other generous supporters. Their collective efforts and dedication to rhino conservation have propelled this event forward for nearly a decade.

With each passing year, the Ride for Rhinos grows in significance and impact. It serves as a beacon of hope, uniting individuals in the fight to protect these magnificent creatures and preserve the biodiversity of Namibia's northwest. The struggle for rhino conservation in that region is an arduous one, fraught with challenges and obstacles. However, it is a battle that must be fought. By supporting initiatives like Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, we can help protect these extraordinary animals, ensuring their continued existence for generations to come. Together, we can preserve the natural heritage of this region and safeguard the delicate harmony of its wildlife and ecosystems.

As we reflect on the accomplishments of the 2023 event, we look to the future with renewed determination, knowing that together we can make a difference for the black rhino and the communities that depend on its survival.

Elzanne McCulloch