23 September was “World Rhino Day” and 24 September was South Africa’s “Heritage Day”. For the Madikwe Reserve this was reason enough to participate in the celebrations and to raise awareness for a very important topic affecting the whole country: the protection of the rhinos. Many Madikwe guests participated in a 5km long walk through the reserve. So did Rhulani's guests Colin and Linda Dallas.

“Colin and I have now participated in two rhino walks, as this is an event we will not miss. It is a fantastic way to raise awareness for the terrible plight our rhinos are facing and to raise funds for the anti poaching unit in Madikwe”, says Linda.

Lots of information, activities, building up awareness, but above all, Colin says: “It is loads of fun and with all lodges in the reserve, day visitors for this specific ocasion and children from the community all taking part, there is an amazing atmosphere as we all join together to walk for a cause.”

The 5km walk was not difficult. Along the way there were crosses with photos of poached rhino and annual stats of rhino poached. After the walk the anti poaching unit gave a display and were honored for all they did and are doing.

“At the end of the walk, you get to eat as much as you like from all the different  lodge stands that have been set up, and there is also a bit of shopping”, says Linda.

It was a Saturday under the South African sun with hot temperatures. “This year was very humbling for me,” tells Linda and gives a personal thought, “as I was walking about 2kms into the walk I got very hot and started complaining. Just then two of the anti poaching men walked pasted, in full gear with smiles and a friendly greeting. I suddenly realized that this little stroll is nothing. These brave  men walk day and night and in any conditions and are proud and happy with the job they are doing. This is a day to celebrate all these men that are on the ground protecting our precious wildlife.”

According to the feedback from the park management, the event was a complete success: “Many thanks to you all for your generosity, support and encouragement for our Walking for Wildlife Rhino Walk. We had well over 400 people participate on the day and raised R24 290 in cash takings from walkers and donations and the EFT figure is at R R82 403.71. We are waiting for figures from Just Wear It for T-shirts and caps, but over 640 items of clothing were bought by lodges! Well done Madikwe!”

Colin and Linda left Madikwe the day after with great satisfaction. “We made already the reservation for next year again”, says Linda.

2017 Walking for Wildlife Rhino Walk will be celebrated on 23 September 2017. If you would like to participate, please contact our reservation office at reservations@rhulani.con or call at +27 82 907 9628 for making a reservation or for getting further information.