Are you wild about rhinos? Travelers who are passionate about these rare pachyderms will rejoice at Nat Hab’s new Rhino Discovery Itinerary on select Secluded Botswana Safaris. These special departures offer an inside look into protecting this critically endangered species.
After relocation efforts by the Zambia Wildlife Authority and a series of breeding successes, more than ten white rhinoceroses now safely reside in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Travelers will be engaged in an in-depth discussion with the rangers that are charged with guarding these rhinos around the clock. There will also be prolonged opportunities to venture out of the vehicles and experience more intimate rhino encounters as the guides search for signs of these large mammals’ presence and follow their movements. Another added feature is a 45-minute helicopter flight over the Linyanti Channel, where guests will gain an aerial perspective of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). World Wildlife Fund is a conservation partner of KAZA, the world’s largest transboundary protected area at 170,000 square miles, spanning across five countries: Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Thirty percent of KAZA lies within Botswana—initiatives include working to reduce poaching and human-wildlife conflict, much of which can be achieved through wildlife research, conservation agriculture and community-based conservation. After learning more about WWF’s impact in this species-rich region, it’s on to the Okavango Delta, the most extensive inland water system on the planet.
During a stay at Jacana Camp, a green oasis with striking views of the floodplains, the group will be joined by Sebastian “Baz” Sandenbergh, Director of the Botswana Rhino Reintroduction Project. Baz will elaborate on the history of rhinos in Botswana and the success stories of their recent reintroduction. A final thrilling addition is a one-hour doors-off helicopter flight over the Gomoti River. With a dramatic vantage of one of Africa’s most lush animal habitats, travelers will look for tracks and potentially spot an elusive black rhinoceros.
The first departure launches this week at the tail end of the dry season in Botswana—allowing for peak visibility from vehicles and helicopters and thus granting guests optimal chances of viewing rhinos. Adventurers wishing to seek out these horn-bearing herbivores will delight in an itinerary specially crafted for the rhino enthusiast.
