Wilderness Safaris Malawi has created a Rhino tracking trip for guests staying at Mvuu Camp and Mvuu Lodge in Liwonde National Park.
The experience comprises an introduction to the plight of the black rhino, a three-hour guided walk into rhino territory with armed Rhino Protection Team scouts and Wilderness Safaris guides, and ends with a bush breakfast or dinner.
It is designed to give guests the opportunity of tracking black rhino and seeing them on foot, while also getting involved in the practicalities of monitoring.
By taking part guests will be contributing directly to rhino conservation as 90% of the fee will be donated.
In the late 1980s, the last black rhinoceros disappeared from Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve in the Lower Shire Valley of Malawi. In the early 1990s, Malawi’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and South Africa National Parks (SANParks) joined forces to create the Liwonde Wildlife Project to introduce six endangered species, including the black rhino, into a breeding sanctuary in Liwonde National Park.
Young animals would then later be moved to other protected areas in Malawi. In 1993, the first breeding pair of black rhino was airlifted to Liwonde from South Africa.
Thanks to the success of the sanctuary Liwonde and Majete Wildlife Reserve have the beginnings of stable population
Wilderness Safaris Malawi managing director Chris Badger said: “Liwonde’s black rhino breeding programme can lay claim to being one of the most successful in Africa.
“However, the continued threat of poaching remains very real and this new activity will raise funds and awareness, which we hope will contribute to the long-term survival and sustainability of Malawi’s black rhino population.”
The experience is limited to two guests of 18 years and above.
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