RMB RIDE FOR RHINOS 2021

The arrival of riders for the 2021 RMB Ride for Rhinos coincided with World Rhino Day on Wednesday 22 September. While the theme for this year’s World Rhino Day is Five Rhino Species Forever, the yearly RMB Ride for Rhinos is an event that is intended to create awareness for the plight of one rhino species in particular – the black rhino.

The last free-roaming population of black rhino is found in Namibia. To achieve this feat, tremendous efforts went into saving and protecting what was left of a decimated population in Namibia’s northwest during the late 1980s. Thanks to the tireless work of the Save the Rhino Trust, and later through the conservation efforts of conservancies and other organisations, the black rhino population in this area could grow to what it is today. In recent years, however, illegal trade in rhino horn has once again called for extraordinary endeavours to protect this valuable species for future generations.

This year marked the 7 th RMB Ride for Rhinos. It took place in the Palmwag Concession with Wilderness Safaris Desert Rhino Camp as the base camp treating riders to its luxurious lodging facilities. As always, this exclusive event is limited to a small group made up of cycling enthusiasts who are up for the challenge of riding in the extremely tough and rocky terrain of Damaraland. The three routes of the three-day event consisted of everything from bumpy jeep and game tracks to some riverbeds and even a King of the Hill section to test the already tired legs of the participants. Though challenging, the opportunity to see the stunning terrain of the Palmwag Concession from the seat of a bicycle is an exceptional experience not had by many. An experience that builds a camaraderie and creates lasting friendships.

Being in a protected area, wildlife sightings of springbok, ostrich, gemsbok and giraffe are part and parcel of the ride. Over the last seven years some riders have been lucky enough to see elephants and lions and, of course most importantly, black rhinos.

The 2021 RMB Ride for Rhinos took place from 22 to 26 September. Ride for Rhinos is an initiative by Venture Media in partnership with main sponsor RMB, Wilderness Safaris and CYMOT. Funds raised through the ride are invested into various black rhino conservation projects in north-western Namibia.