World Ranger Day 2024: One Year of Traveller Donations
Mahlatini has donated more than $6,800 in one year to rhino conservation!
Since 2013, Mahlatini has proudly partnered with Save the Rhino International, dedicating ourselves to the protection of this magnificent endangered species. In 2023, we amplified our commitment, pledging $10 for every couple travelling with Mahlatini (no matter their destination) to support Save the Rhino and protect all rhino species.
As we commemorate World Ranger Day 2024, we celebrate the profound impact your journeys have had over the past year and honour the invaluable work of rhino rangers on the front lines of this critical mission.
Rhino Populations Are On The Rise
Together with Save the Rhino, we’ve witnessed some incredible successes:
- Mahlatini has donated more than US $6,800 / £5,300 for important rhino conservation activities over the past year
- Black rhino populations have increased from just over 4,000 in 2007, to 6,487 at the last official count
- Poaching numbers across Africa have dropped by 50% since 2017
Inspiring Stories of Positive Impact
The incredible thing about Mahlatini's partnership is that the donations are open, meaning Save the Rhino can allocate funds to wherever they're needed most. From Kenya to Namibia, your journeys with Mahlatini are making a significant impact on rhino conservation across Africa.
Black Rhinos Relocated to Loisaba Conservancy: In a historic moment for rhino conservation in Kenya, 21 black rhinos have been translocated to Loisaba for the first time in 50 years. Mahlatini Co-Founder Gregory Fox was personally invited to witness this incredible achievement: “Being the only Tour Operator represented was a huge honour. We've been eagerly following along as they settled into their new home!”.
Developing a Mounted Patrol Unit: Establishing a Mounted Patrol Unit (MPU) with mules at Save the Rhino Trust (STR) in Namibia was challenging but rewarding. Mules, skilled at travelling long distances and more disease-resistant than horses, can trek into remote areas, boosting the Trust’s presence and monitoring capacity across the 25,000 km² landscape.
Rhino Dinners for Ol Jogi’s Rangers: Meals often celebrate special occasions like new jobs, marriage proposals, or graduations. At Ol Jogi Conservancy in Laikipia, Kenya, the new ‘Rhino Dinners’ focus on celebrating ranger teams. These dinners boost motivation, team morale, and a sense of pride and ownership in their vital work.
Supporting Our Rhino Rangers
Supporting rhino conservation starts with supporting the rangers. Every donation, big or small, helps ensure that rangers can continue their crucial work, safeguarding rhinos for future generations. Your journeys help fund surveillance and security IT equipment to reduce poaching incursions, ranger salaries, accommodation, and essential training. They also provide vital equipment such as fuel, uniforms, rations, vehicle repair costs, and air surveillance.
“I want to protect animals for future generations to see. I don’t want to have to show them drawings; I want to be able to show them the animals in real life.” - Mensley, Rhino Ranger in Namibia
Knowing the shocking statistic that one rhino is poached every 16 hours on average is a powerful motivator as we strive to sustain our partnership with Save the Rhino. Thank you for choosing to travel with Mahlatini; your journeys continue to make a difference in rhino conservation!
