5 minute read
Mountains, Rivers, and Rhinos: An Adventure for Conservation
The landscape is vast and varied. As we gaze across the valley below, the ephemeral Aba-Huab River, with its towering Ana trees, winds its way through rugged mountains along its southern banks. Further north, the terrain transitions to the red rocky hills quintessential to Damaraland. In between lies a wide strip of soft sand. These terrains and varied landscapes played host to a group of adventurers on mountain bikes as they set off on a four-day journey into Namibia’s rugged wilderness… to ride for rhinos.
In the heart of Namibia's rugged wilderness, the 2024 RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos event took a group of adventurers on a remarkable journey through the stunning landscapes of Damaraland. From 5-9 June, twenty enthusiastic mountain bikers, accompanied by an experienced crew, embarked on a four-day expedition through diverse terrains. This journey was not just an adventure but a mission to raise funds and awareness for rhino conservation and the communities that live and fight to protect this special species.
A DECADE OF DEDICATION
This year marked the 10th edition of the Ride for Rhinos, a tour that has grown significantly since its inception in 2015. Created by Venture Media and supported by title sponsors RMB Namibia and Wilderness, along with technical support from CYMOT, the event has consistently championed the cause of rhino conservation. The tour's primary goal is to support Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT) and Children in the Wilderness, ensuring a future for both Namibia’s black rhinos and the next generation of conservationists.
AN INTIMATE ENCOUNTER WITH NATURE
The RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos offers participants an unparalleled experience in nature. Guided by experienced mountain-bike guide Johan Fourie, riders traverse challenging terrains, experiencing firsthand the beauty and harshness of Namibia’s landscape. Evenings are spent in a wild camp set up by the tour crew, where participants enjoy delicious meals and fireside conversations about conservation, Namibia, and the plight of the black rhino.
Joining the riders are rangers from Save the Rhino Trust, who share their expertise on rhino conservation. These rangers, who patrol the rugged terrain on foot for 21-day shifts, provide invaluable insights into the daily challenges of monitoring and protecting the black rhino. The experience highlights the contrast between the riders' hightech bicycles and the rangers' relentless dedication on foot, underscoring the difficulty and importance of their work.
A CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENTS
The tour culminated in a celebration of its 10-year milestone, bringing together longtime tour supporters and partners, such as Conrad Dempsey, head of FirstRand Namibia and one of the tour's founders, and Philip Chapman, head of RMB Namibia; Axel Theissen, Group Chairman of CYMOT; Alex Henderson, MD of Wilderness Namibia; Alexandra Margull, Group COO of Wilderness; Andrew Malherbe, COO of Save the Rhino Trust; and Agnes Tjirare, Project Lead of Children in the Wilderness.
This final evening was a testament to the success and impact of the Ride for Rhinos. It celebrated not only the tour's decade-long journey but also the accomplishments of its beneficiaries. The gathering underscored the collaborative spirit and commitment of all partners involved, highlighting the tour's role in fostering a community dedicated to conservation.
A LEGACY OF CONSERVATION
The Ride for Rhinos was born from a conversation between Rieth van Schalkwyk and Elzanne McCulloch of Venture Media, who sought to address the surge in rhino poaching by creating a platform that engaged Namibian companies and individuals in conservation efforts. Their vision was to blend adventure tourism with a meaningful cause, drawing on Namibia’s natural beauty and the growing popularity of mountain biking.
Partnering with Wilderness and CYMOT, the tour quickly gained traction, with enthusiastic support from sponsors like RMB. Over the years, the event has evolved into a significant conservation initiative, raising funds and awareness while providing participants with a transformative experience in nature.
THE IMPACT OF RIDE FOR RHINOS
Beyond the thrill of the ride, the event has a profound impact on rhino conservation and community development. Save the Rhino Trust's efforts in monitoring and protecting Namibia's black rhinos are bolstered by the funds and inkind materials raised through the tour, as well as the links and connections made between the organisation and tour participants and their respective companies. Additionally, Children in the Wilderness empowers young Namibians to become future conservation leaders, fostering a deep connection to their natural heritage.
As the Ride for Rhinos celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration and dedication. The participants, sponsors, and organisers have all played a part in this incredible journey, riding not just for the thrill of adventure, but for the preservation of Namibia's natural treasures and the future of its wildlife.
The 2024 RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rhinos was a celebration of conservation, community, and the enduring spirit of adventure. As the riders departed, they left with a renewed sense of purpose, having experienced the beauty of Namibia and the importance of protecting its precious wildlife. Together, they have made a lasting impact, ensuring that the black rhino, and Namibia’s wilderness, will continue to thrive for generations to come.
