Just before Christmas, two loyal returning guests of Rhulani Safari Lodge made a valuable contribution to the protection of rhinos. They notched a big white rhino, which turned into an unforgettable experience. We thank John and Suzie for the great support. Here is the story told by John of an exciting day.

The well-known and popular “Rhino Walk” of Madikwe Game Reserve took place last Saturday. The goal was to raise awareness of the threat to rhinoceros, show visitors what rhino conservation is all about and raise money for the Conservation Fund.

What spectacular news in the middle of the quiet winter time. During a recent game drive with our guests, surprisingly we found one of the cheetah females, as she was just having a rendezvous with the two males of the so called “Phinda Coalition”. “Finally,” one is tempted to say. We waited a long time for this moment!

Of the many activities related to Wildlife Conservation, «rhino notching» is one of the most important for the reserve, and one of the most attractive for guests. Last Friday Rhulani Safari Lodge supported such an activity and invited all our guests present at the lodge to this special, memorable experience.

Once again, Rhulani Safari Lodge supported a conservation activity yesterday to protect the endangered rhinos. For our guests, this has become an unexpected, educational enrichment of their safari holidays. But the long, exciting day also made headlines for another reason.

It was an urgent request of the reserve, and Rhulani provided quick and unbureaucratic help. In a few wild dogs strange tumors of unknown origin were detected. To be on the safe side, they should be removed surgically and analyzed for a more detailed clarification. The operation took place in the middle of the bush. Rhulani’s Ranger Sean was present with our guests.

Here is an update for all wildlife lovers, who are following our exciting “Female Cheetah Project”. The three wild cats continue to do well since the release. They are all still alive, hunt, eat, and they have even met with the males. But there are also some challenges…

We do not want to withhold this photo and the great news: Alasdair found the female cheetah sponsored by Rhulani Safari Lodge with a kill. This is a good sign! The challenging introduction in the Madikwe Game Reserve seems to go very well.

The gate of the boma was opened for the three cheetah females one week before Christmas. Now we are curious how these magnificent animals will live their lives in the Madikwe Game Reserve, in freedom. We show you the first photos right after the release.

Today we are at the “Lion Boma” in the very north of the reserve. Here we find the three female cheetahs who are getting used to the new environment. After many failed attempts, the hope of the reserve to finally build up a cheetah population rests on these three beautiful cats.