Christmas 2024: A Year in the Waterberg

CHRISTMAS 2024, A YEAR IN THE WATERBERG.

As we approach our 5th anniversary, Waterberg Rhino UK is pleased to report another successful year of fundraising, amounting to over £100,000 for the 3rd year running. This is down to our generous donors, who have continued to support the work we fund, protecting rhino and uplifting the community in the Waterberg.

While small, the charity works diligently to target projects that can bring the greatest effect, acting with a sense of momentum to make change and overcome challenges. A rhino is killed by poaching every day in South Africa, so time is definitely of the essence.

Improving and maintaining security for the rhino population in the Waterberg continues to be our main priority, acting in conjunction with community schemes that bring greater well-being and opportunity. The Waterberg Rhino Food Gardens go from strength to strength, while investment in education always proves worthwhile. 

Conservation through technology

These ANPR cameras are universally recognised as having a major impact on containing criminal activity in the region. Not only do they help protect rhino and other wildlife, but they also bring a greater sense of security for the whole community, as a first alert to crime. This year, we have funded the installation of a further 8 cameras at strategic points, working with Waterberg Security Initiative, adding to the comprehensive network of security clusters across the entire region. Overall this amounts to an investment of R1.7million, which includes solar battery upgrades and anti-poaching patrols.

Boots on the ground…

As many as possible, are without doubt a major deterrent to poachers. Training and equipment is vital to ensure the rangers are prepared and able to perform their difficult task effectively and safely. Over the last year, they have received bullet-proof vests, mobile cameras, uniforms, boots, medical leg-kits, thermal drone, night-ops torches, battery backs and bivvies.

‘An empty stomach has no ears’

The Waterberg Rhino Food Gardens Scheme, run in conjunction with Waterberg Biosphere Reserve, achieved new heights over the year, due to the success of a second garden competition in encouraging greater involvement. 16 schools and community gardens took part over various categories, the winners collecting cash prizes to reinvest back into the scheme. Over 3000 children benefit from extra nutrition on a daily basis, improving their ability to learn and progress at school.

And the winners are…

Judging carried out with the help of Lapalala Wilderness School, highlighted the incredible enthusiasm, promoting sustainable practices, environmental education and biodiversity conservation though hand-on gardening.
The overall winning school was Nelly Primary, with further awards given for most improved, biggest variety of planting, best lunch ladies, most sustainable, best orchard and a surprise category for the outstanding contribution of two exceptional volunteers. Every garden also received a certificate as recognition for taking part in the competition.

Certainly a highlight of the year was the visit of Zoe Carmichael to the Waterberg, in order to sculpt rhino calf Tyson at Ant Africa Safaris. The resulting limited edition bronze expresses Zoe’s extraordinary talent in capturing Tyson’s exuberant and inquisitive nature. 15% of each one sold is generously donated to Waterberg Rhino UK. For the opportunity to own this lasting tribute to these incredible animals please contact http://zoecarmichael.art.

Now nearly 2 years old, Tyson continues to thrive in the care of The Rhino Orphanage, where he has learnt to socialise and live alongside other rhinos of a similar age. He is being funded by the charity with the intention that he will return to Ant’s when the time is right. If you would like to contribute to his ongoing care at the Orphanage please donate via www.justgiving.com/campaign/babyrhinotyson

A moment on Ride for Rhinos 2024, caught by photographer Andrew Yates. This annual adventure is an established fundraiser for the charity, attracting high demand for places. 12 riders, 250km, 7 days, it is a chance to see the Waterberg and its wildlife in all its beauty from the back of a horse, while raising funds to protect rhino. Ride for Rhinos 2025 is set to start on 25.1.25, from Ant Africa Safaris. To watch its progress, please follow @ride.forrhinos, where all the action will be documented by filmmaker Harry Hough.

For the 2024 Ride he created ‘The Rhino Champions’, a day-by-day diary which can be watched on Youtube or below.

Working with the community to bring greater collaboration is of utmost importance, to effect further improvement for both people and wildlife in the Waterberg.

Our support of established educational organisations continues, with grants to the Waterberg Academy bursary fund, and to the excellent Lapalala Wilderness School in order to send 60 children for a 3-day conservation course. On a smaller scale we have organised anti-poaching talks and football coaching in local schools, with plans to do more.

As home to one of the last remaining populations of rhino in the world, the Waterberg requires united and wide-reaching support to achieve a sustainable future.

With heartfelt thanks to all our donors who have contributed so generously. Also worthy of a mention for giving much appreciated support: African Horse Safaris Foundation, Urban Rhino Gin, Blck Rhino, DvG Creative, Imperial Armour, Repton School, Zoe Carmichael, Andrew Yates Photography and Waterberg Rhino Golf Day.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.


Please follow us

@waterbergrhinouk @ride.forrhinos