Kariega Private Game Reserve

Spread Some Rhino Love | Adopt Thandi and Family

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 03:37:00 +0200

We were inspired to spread some rhino love ahead of Valentine's Day with this heart-warming footage of the first glimpses of rhino-super-mum and poaching survivor Thandi with her fourth calf Siya.

This little rhino was born at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa on 4 January 2021. He joins three other white rhino siblings in Thandi's growing family. Little Siya is named after the much loved South African Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi.

Thandi’s story of survival after both of her horns were hacked off by poachers in March 2012, and the surprising birth of each of her four calves continue to serve as beacons of hope for rhino conservation globally.

Siya's birth comes as some much needed positive news as shocking rhino population statistics reveal that the world’s largest population of rhinos — found in South Africa's Kruger National Park — has diminished by nearly 70% over the past decade, mainly due to relentless and barbaric poaching.

We hope that his birth will motivate you to show rhinos some love and adopt Thandi and her family.

Shocking South African Rhino Statistics | Show Rhinos Some Love

The latest South African National Parks annual report included rhino population statistics for the two million hectare Kruger National Park, home to the world’s largest population of rhinos. These show that rhino numbers in this area have diminished by nearly 70% since the census in 2010, mainly due to poaching.

Over the past few years reports have given the rhino crisis a positive spin by focusing on the declining number of rhinos poached each year, but have failed to report on the cumulative impact of the poaching’s on total population size.

The Kruger National Park population census, released in February 2021, estimates that there are 3,549 white rhinos and 268 black rhinos. This suggests that the decline in poaching is largely due to the rapidly diminishing number of animals.

On 4 February 2021, the customs unit of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) made a bust of rhino horn worth an estimated R53 million in a shipment destined for Malaysia. While this in itself is a victory, the fact that so many rhinos lost their lives is not.

Both pieces of critical information serve as a grave reminder that the rhino species is facing extinction. The species urgently needs rhino protection and conservation efforts to trump poaching so that rhino populations can grow and thrive unthreatened once more.

This highlights the enormous contribution that private game reserves, such as Kariega Game Reserve, are making to rhino conservation. As a result of our holistic approach to rhino protection, conservation and preservation, Kariega Game Reserve has not lost a rhino to poaching since Thandi’s attack in 2012.

Join the Fight | Spread Some Rhino Love

So, what is the solution to the extinction crisis? Although there is not a simple answer to that question, one thing we do know for sure is that we need more warriors to join the fight.

There are many effective measures and projects on the ground in South Africa working to eradicate poaching and save rhino, but each requires resources (particularly financial) to keep going and growing so that the overall goal of saving an iconic species can be achieved.

You may not be in the position to join an Anti-Poaching Unit, or quit your day job and start a charity! In truth, such drastic steps are not necessary. It is little bits of support from many people on an on-going basis that in the end add up to a lot.

Your little bit counts and this year you can join the fight by simply spreading a little bit of love!

Instead of sending a Valentine’s Day card or gift, why not surprise your loved one with a Thandi adoption package through international charity Helping Rhinos?

It takes just few easy steps:

Go to Thandi’s adoption page: https://www.helpingrhinos.org/adopt-thandi/
Click on the Adopt button
Choose the adoption package that suits you best
Add the names of a friend(s) who want to share the responsibility (if required)
Follow the online check-out process to register and pay online.

You can then forward your loved one this beautiful video with a message of love and the news that they are now an adopter of Thandi and her family!

What Does Your Rhino Adoption Support?

Kariega Game Reserve and the Kariega Foundation have adopted a holistic approach to rhino protection, conservation and preservation.

Our protection pillar includes running a professional, well trained and resourced anti-poaching foot patrol and canine unit; as well as an extensive dehorning programme.

Our conservation efforts focus on environmental education – reconnecting communities to their natural heritage and igniting the will and passion to preserve and protect the natural environment as well as creating job opportunities within the wildlife protection and eco-tourism sectors. The Kariega Foundation is currently working on a Kariega Conservation Centre which will be a base for ecology and wildlife camps as well as leadership academies. These are designed to reconnect, activate and inspire the conservationists of our future. It is also a training base for a vibrant internship programme that gives eight carefully selected community members the opportunity of a year-long internship at Kariega Game Reserve, inclusive of numerous training courses that aim to open doors to employment opportunities.

Lastly, the preservation pillar is engaged in the long term vision if habitat expansion and restoration so that as populations grow, they are supported by sufficient habitat.

Funds raised through Thandi’ adoption go to supporting the Kariega Foundation's rhino conservation pillar, including environmental education and the internship programme.

If you would like to find out more about the Kariega safari experience, please contact us on reservations@kariega.co.za. If you would like to get in contact with our Kariega Foundation, please email foundation@kariega.co.za. Thank you so much for your support and happy Valentine's Day!

Images thanks to Brendon Jennings and Marlina Moreno. Video thanks to Ferg Clarke.

Do Giraffe Make Trees Talk to Each Other?

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 01:12:00 +0200

Asking if giraffe make trees talk to each other may sound like a strange question. However, the answer is amazingly - yes! The phenomenon of trees communicating with each other has been studied by researchers since the 1970's, and there is a growing body of evidence that trees can “talk” to each other.

While you won't hear trees talking to each other while on safari at Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa, studies by scientists have shown that some trees can change the tannin levels in their leaves and emit ethylene into the air, which results in nearby trees also increasing their production of leaf tannin. This chemical can send a message to trees within 50 metres (55 yards) and cause a reaction in 30 minutes. These amazing adaptations kick in when animals feed on the leaves and help to result in lower browsing rates, particularly by giraffe and other antelope.

Fortunately you don’t need to be a scientist to see this in action. You can observe this while watching giraffe feed while on a Kariega safari. Giraffe will often only spend a few minutes at each tree before moving on to another to avoid the increase in tannin levels. Giraffe also tend to feed upwind to avoid the bitter leaves from trees that have already received the distress signal and upped their tannin levels.

The plant hormones that activate this response are called jasmonates and “Jasmonation” is the name given to the process of the trees “talking” to each other.

Giraffe Understand African Acacia Trees Talking to Each Other

This form of communication between trees has been studied in a variety of African acacias, re-named in 2011 to Verchellia and Senegalia species. Certain animals, particularly giraffe, have learned to interpret the trees’ signals and adapted their browsing strategies.

African acacia trees have been documented as the preferred food source of giraffe. This is thought to because these trees have higher protein levels in their leaves than many other trees. A study conducted Kariega Game Reserve in 2005 found that giraffe in the area also prefer leaves from the genus Acacia (Acacia karroo), especially during the summer months.

South African zoologist Wouter van Hoven and wildlife ecologist Deon Furstenburg published a study in 1994 on the feeding behaviour of giraffes in the Kruger National Park. They found evidence that African acacia trees produced increased leaf tannin as a defence against excessive browsing. These higher levels of tannins can be lethal to giraffe and other browsers. The researchers noticed that giraffes moved on from the trees as the tannin levels increased due to browsing disturbance.

Prof van Hoven also documented that African acacias emit ethylene into the air. This warns trees downwind that a herbivore is nearby and they increase their own production of tannins. The increased tannin levels mean that the leaves don't taste good to the giraffes and the tree protects itself from the threat of excessive browsing.

Under laboratory conditions, van Hoven found that damaged leaves produce 20 times more ethylene than uninjured ones do. He noted that "When an intact plant is exposed to the [high levels] of ethylene, the tannin levels increase within 30 minutes."

African acacia trees also have other adaptations including long spines and hooked thorns.

Lots of Giraffes and Trees in Five Eco-Systems

Kariega Game Reserve is a 10,000 hectare wilderness area in the malaria-free Eastern Cape with five luxury lodges for safari guests. Guests enjoy all-inclusive daily activities with qualified and experienced guides. These include twice daily game drives in open vehicles, guided bush walks, boat cruises on the two rivers, kayaking and river fishing.

The private conservation area includes five different eco-systems (riverine forest, valley bushveld, savannah grasslands, fynbos and acacia woodlands) and is home to giraffe, lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, hippo, zebra, warthog, eland and a wide variety of wildlife and birds.

If you are looking for a South African safari destination we would love to assist you to plan and book your malaria-free safari at Kariega Game Reserve. View our safari special offers, check availability and rates online, book via our secure online system or contact us via email on reservations@kariega.co.za for more information. We also offer assistance with South African tours and can put you in touch with experienced and trusted tour specialists. Contact us to plan your guided South Africa safari today!

Connect with us via our social media channels including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to find out more about giraffes and other interesting African wildlife. We would love to share the incredible African wilderness with you.

Images thanks to Kariega guide Jone Haesslich and guests Doreen, Daniel & Niki.

2020 Insta Wildlife Photo Competition Winner

Mon, 18 Jan 2021 03:17:00 +0200

We are delighted to announce that the winner of our 2020 Insta wildlife photo competition is Michael J. Mortimer with the image of the mother and young giraffe (above).

Michael's Instagram profile reads: "Professor, Traveler, and Photographer. It’s best when I get all three going at one time." He combined all three of these when he visited Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa in July 2019.

Michael is a professor at the Center for Leadership in Global Sustainability (CLiGS) based in Arlington, Virginia in the United States. He travelled to South Africa with a group of masters students and took this delightful photograph during their stay at Kariega Game Reserve. He posted this giraffe image on his Instagram profile and entered it into the competition.

Michael shared with us that he doesn’t typically photograph wildlife, but remembers the interaction between the giraffe mother and calf being a lovely moment to capture. The image was taken with a Fuji GFX-R and a Fuji 100-200mm GF lens.

Michael comments: "I began serious photography in the early 1980s with 35mm film and a darkroom in my parents' basement. Today I shoot exclusively digital and focus on mostly travel, landscape, and urban scenes. I’ve been to 50 countries for work and leisure, always with camera in hand. South Africa is one of most photogenic places that I routinely visit."

Michael and the group of students spent a few days at Kariega learning about conservation practices and community outreach efforts, and of course viewing game. Michael says, "It was the highlight of our 10 days in South Africa."

Michael is excited to travel to South Africa. He says, "I might even learn to properly pronounce the name of the game reserve on our next visit!The timing will be totally dependent upon how fast vaccines are available in the US and in South Africa, but the sooner the better."

Successful First Insta Wildlife Photo Competition

Our first Instagram wildlife photo competition was open from 1 July 2019 until 30 June 2020. We selected one photo each week resulting in a total of 52 weekly winners. Our panel of judges reviewed all of these photographs once the competition had closed and selected one overall winner. Our apologies for the delay in announcing the winner - it has been the most strange of years due to COVID-19.

Photographer and senior guide Brendon Jennings is one of the competition judges and comments, "The photograph captures a tender interaction between the giraffe. The angles and lines of the photograph flow down from the mother to her calf. The backdrop of the blue sky adds a good contrast."

Congratulations to 2020 Insta Wildlife Photo Competition Finalists

We were amazed at the talent of our Kariega safari guests who entered their favourite wildlife photographs into our first Instagram wildlife photo competition. An entire year of magical wildlife photos through the lenses of our guests reminds us of the incredible beauty of a Kariega safari, especially during this challenging year.

Thank you to everyone for submitting your photos. We were delighted by all of the images that were entered our first Instagram photo competition. We look forward to starting our next competition in 2021 once the reserve has fully re-opened to safari guests.

The 2020 Insta wildlife photo competition finalists were taken by the following guests (in order): Santiago Donovan, Sil Ke, Elli Knotts and Graham Harvey. Congratulations!

2020 Insta Wildlife Photo Competition Statistics

Here are some statistics from the 2020 Insta photo competition:

We selected 52 weekly winners from all the wonderful entries during the twelve months.
This was our first Instagram photo competition. We plan to open one in 2021 once the reserve has fully re-opened to guests.
We received photographs of 21 different bird, insect and animal species.
The three most popular subjects were lions (12 entries), elephants (8 entries), zebra (4 entries) and giraffe (4 entries).

2020 Insta Wildlife Photo Competition Prize

The talented overall winner has received a voucher for an all-inclusive two night stay for two people at our Ukhozi Lodge. This uniquely designed lodge is sculptured from stone, wood and glass and nestles subtly into the landscape. The lodge, 10 suites and beautiful rim-flow pool all offer spectacular views of the river plains and wildlife below.

If you have any questions regarding our 2020 Instagram Photo Competition leave your comment below or message us via our Kariega Instagram account!

Siya: Fourth Calf of Thandi Poaching Survivor

Thu, 14 Jan 2021 07:09:00 +0200

Rhino-super-mum and poaching survivor Thandi surprised us again on 4 January 2021 by giving birth to her fourth calf! The Kariega field guides, some of whom were the first to spot the newest addition to Thandi’s lineage, have named the bull calf Siya, after South Africa’s legendary Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi.

Siya is an abbreviation of the isiXhosa name Siyamthanda, which translates to ‘We love him/her.’ A most appropriate name for this calf considering:

We love him!
We love his mum, Thandi!
And, we love his name-sake Siya Kolisi!

Siya Kolisi was delighted at the news of the birth of the new rhino and said: "That is amazing and I would definitely love to meet Siya."

Thandi has been keeping little rhino Siya protected in the thicket since his birth on 4 January. These wonderful images were captured by senior field guide Brendon Jennings an hour after Thandi’s gave birth to rhino Siya.

Siya Kolisi and Thandi Have Much In Common

Thandi and Siya Kolisi have much in common. The Eastern Cape of South Africa is their birthplace, they have both triumphed in life despite adverse circumstance with the odds stacked against them, and they are both vibrant beacons of hope in a world hungry for inspiration and positivity.

Siya Kolisi led the Springbok rugby team to a historical 2019 Rugby World Cup victory which united South Africans and reminding us that it is our diversity and care for one another that makes South Africa truly great. Siya Kolisi and his teammates inspire us to use our skills and talents in service of our country and people. We are all part of the solution.

Similarly, Thandi’s being the first rhino to survive a brutal poaching and go on to birth four calves (to date) has inspired and united a global team of energised and passionate people to fight for the survival of her species. Like rugby, conservation is a team sport and Thandi has become one of the legendary leaders.

Now, through the birth of little rhino Siya, the legacies of Thandi and Siya Kolisi are connected.

Kariega Game Reserve and the Kariega Foundation will do all we can to ensure that rhino Siya grows to be as big and strong as his namesake, have the opportunity to live a long and peaceful life and grow his mother’s legacy and lineage by siring many offspring.

Timeline of Thandi’s Lineage of Hope

Here is the timeline of Thandi’s story, her growing lineage and powerful legacy of hope.

2 March 2012

Thandi and two other rhino were found in pools of blood with their horns savagely hacked off. One bull died during the attack, the second bull Themba suffered injuries that caused his death 24 days later. Thandi survived. It was the start of a harrowing and painful journey which included numerous painful treatments and surgeries. Despite all the odds stacked against her, Thandi made a full recovery. Her name means ‘to be loved’ in our local isiXhosa language.

13 January 2015

Thandi surprised us with the birth of her first calf, a much needed beacon of hope for all involved in the fight again poaching. Thandi’s first calf was named Thembi, meaning hope in isiXhosa.

24 January 2017

Within days of the passing of the beloved founder and visionary of Kariega Game Reserve, Colin Rushmere, Thandi gave birth to her second calf, a boy who we named Colin in memory of a man who was loved and admired by many. The name Colin means ‘victory of the people’.

3 April 2019

On this Wednesday in 2019 we celebrated the surprise birth of Thandi's third rhino baby. We decided to name him Mthetho, which means justice in isiXhosa. This name was chosen to commemorate the conviction and sentencing of three rhino poachers which coincidentally took place on the same day in nearby Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown).

21 October 2020

In October 2020 Thembi gave birth to her first bull calf, making Thandi a granny! He was named Umkhosi, meaning army in isiXhosa by the winner of a fundraising contest to help raise funds for rhino protection and conservation.

4 January 2021

In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, Thandi gifted us with a much needed beacon of hope and birthed her fourth calf. We named this calf Siya, after Springbok rugby captain Siya Kolisi. Siya is an abbreviation of Siyamthanda, which means ‘we love him’ in isiXhosa.

Join The Team | Support Rhino Conservation

There are three ways in which you can join our conservation team and help ensure Thandi and her families protection.

1. MAKE A DONATION

You can make a donation of any size directly to the Kariega Foundation in any of the following ways. Please email our Foundation on foundation@kariega.co.za if you need help with anything.

1. Transfer a Donation to our Bank Account

KARIEGA FOUNDATION TRUST
First National Bank (or FirstRand Bank Limited)
Account No: 62275606526
Branch: Newton Park
Branch code: 261050
Swift/IBAN: FIRNZAJJ or FIRNZAJJXXX

Bank Head Office Address: FNB Bank City, Simmonds Street, Johannesburg, 2000

Please add your name and RHINO as the reference.

2. Donate via Credit Card

Make an online donation via credit card with GivenGain, our online fundraising partner.

Download and complete this credit card authorization form and email to foundation@kariega.co.za or fax to +27 (0)41 581 2601.

3. Donate Online via EFT

Click on the DONATE NOW button on our Kariega Foundation page. This will allow you to make an EFT donation in your currency via a secure online payment gateway called Exchange4Free. You can also request for us to send you an email link to make the online transfer.

Please email us on foundation@kariega.co.za to find out more or to ask questions about donating. We so appreciate your support.

2. ADOPT RHINO THANDI & FAMILY

Support us and adopt Thandi and her family via our partners Helping Rhinos. Funds raised will benefit our APU and our Kariega Foundation environmental education programme in neighbouring community schools.

How to Adopt Thandi & Family

Thanks to the Helping Rhino Adoption Centre you can adopt Thandi and her family in a few easy steps.

Go to Thandi’s adoption page: https://www.helpingrhinos.org/adopt-thandi/ or Mthetho's page: https://www.helpingrhinos.org/adopt-mthetho/
Click on the Adopt button
Choose the adoption package that suits you best
Add the names of a friend or two who want to share the responsibility (if required)
Follow the online check-out process to register and pay online.

We are grateful to our partner Helping Rhinos, a non-profit organisation committed to delivering tangible results in rhino preservation, for making this possible.

If you would like to keep updated on the progress of rhino Siya please connect with us on social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also subscribe to our blog so you will never miss out on news and stories from Kariega Game Reserve.

Photo credits: Kariega senior guide Brendon Jennings.

10 Fascinating Facts About Cape Buffalo

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 06:30:00 +0200

Safari guests visiting Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa often ask to see the Big 5 - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. The term Big 5 was originally used by hunters, and refers to the five most difficult African animals hunt on foot. Although no hunting is allowed on our private game reserve, the expression "Big 5" is regularly used by safari guests.

One of the most commonly seen members of the Big 5 is the Cape buffalo. These large bovids can regularly be spotted as they graze in herds on the African plains. We have included 10 fascinating facts about Cape buffalo.

10 Fascinating Facts About Cape Buffalo

There are five subspecies of buffalo in Africa: Cape buffalo, Congo buffalo, Sudan buffalo, Nile buffalo and Virunga buffalo. The subspecies found at Kariega Game Reserve is the Cape buffalo, which is the largest of all the buffalo subspecies.
A cow or female Cape buffalo can weigh up to 530 kg (1168 lbs) and a bull can reach up to 830 kg (1830 lbs).
Buffaloes prefer the stay in large groups. The collective term for a group of buffalo is called a herd but can also be called a gang, troop or an obstinacy.
Buffalo calves suckle from between the back legs of their mothers. This is an adaptation to help make feeding easier for the calf as their mother, and the rest of the herd, is on the move all the time.
The Cape buffalo is sometimes referred to as the mafia of the bush. They have the tendency to take revenge when messed with and have been known to circle back, stalk and attack or kill hunters. Talk about the hunter becoming the hunted!
You can distinguish between adult males and females by looking at their horns. If the base of their two horns come together and form a solid structure (called a boss) then it is a male. The horns of an adult buffalo cow don't touch. When male Cape buffaloes fight they use their horns and their massive muscular bodies to administer heavy blows to their opponents.
Buffalo are excellent swimmers and won't hesitate to cross a river to escape a predator or to reach new grazing lands.
A buffalo has a four-chambered stomach. They are called bulk feeders as they need to eat a large amount of grass to sustain their body size. They also need to drink about 40 litres of water per day to keep their digestive system operating optimally and ensure that they can produce enough saliva to swallow and regurgitate their food for re-chewing.
Buffalo have to constantly manage the external parasites on their bodies. This is done by wallowing in the mud to kill off ticks and other parasites on their skin. They also have a secret weapon to help keep them clean. They allow oxpecker birds to eat the ticks on their legs, tails, backs, inside their ears and even inside their noses!
The main predator of Cape buffaloes is the lion. It usually takes quite a few lions to bring down an adult buffalo. Buffalo will defend themselves fiercely and are capable of killing a lion.

We hope you have enjoyed learning more about these big bulky bovines. We look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends to Kariega Game Reserve to show you these and many other unique creatures during your safari. If you would like to make an enquiry or booking at any of our five safari lodges please contact us via our online form.

Share your Cape Buffalo Photographs

If you have been to Kariega Game Reserve before and had the opportunity to see Cape buffaloes, please share your photographs with us and we will enter them into our annual Kariega Facebook Photo Competition. This year's competition opened on 1 May 2020 and will close on 30 April 2021. Wildlife photos from any Kariega safari are welcome. Photos do not have to be taken during this time period. The prize is an all-inclusive two night stay for two at Ukhozi Lodge.

To keep up to date with Kariega wildlife follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. You can also subscribe to our blog so you will never miss out on news and stories from Kariega Game Reserve.

Photo credits: Kariega guide Jo Haesslich. Kariega guests Harold Moses and Fabio Franciosa.

2020: Happy Safari Greetings

Wed, 23 Dec 2020 22:40:00 +0200

We are finally reaching the end of a challenging year! It is time to wish our friends from all over the world a very happy Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year. We send happy safari greetings and our love from Africa to you all. May the new year be filled with safe and joyful adventures. We wish peace and prosperity to you and your families… always.

Covid-19 has taught us the importance of perspective. Focusing our attention on what is going well, and where we can act in service and support of people and wildlife in need. We have much to be grateful for at Kariega Game Reserve.

All travel restrictions to South Africa have been lifted.
We have welcomed our first international guests who revelled in the Kariega safari experience and the opportunity to travel once more.
Our Covid-19 protocols are being implemented seamlessly, with no impact on guest experience.
The reserve is looking as beautiful as ever after soaking rains and the wildlife is abundant and thriving.
Our Kariega Foundation has done an outstanding job of keeping our wildlife and endangered species protected through the pandemic and supporting our neighbours with community food support programmes as well as much needed social and emotional support in schools.

Kariega Game Reserve Offers Safaris with Purpose

Kariega Game Reserve is unwavering in our commitment to sustainable ecotourism.

Through booking a safari you become our partners in conservation and community upliftment and join our legacy of rejuvenation for our people, planet and wildlife. Together we make a difference.

Enquire now. Our reservations team would love to accommodate your needs and make their Kariega safari a reality. Please contact us at reservations@kariega.co.za or call +27 (0)46 636 7904/5/6.

Goodbye 2020: Hello 2021 - Filled with Possibilities

Thank you for your continued support of Kariega Game Reserve, especially over the past year. We value and appreciate you greatly. We wish you a very happy festive season and are excited to welcome 2021 - a new year filled with potential and possibilities!

If you would like to keep connected to the wildlife and people at Kariega Game Reserve please follow our updates on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitter. You can also subscribe to receive our blogs via email or comment on the section below.

Video thanks to Ferg Clarke. Images thanks to Brendon Jennings and Sophie Smith.

Rhino Tears Jewellery | Changing Lives

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:22:00 +0200

Are you looking to buy a loved one a gift that is beautiful and purposeful? Check out Rhino Tears Jewellery and find out how they are changing lives at Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa.

Sarah Cobden-Ramsay, creator of Rhino Tears Jewellery, was inspired to design and make solid silver “rhino tears” after meeting poaching survivor rhino Thandi on safari at Kariega Game Reserve.

Sarah reminisced about the experience saying: “I encountered a rhino called Thandi quietly grazing with her calf. I learnt that she had been subjected to a brutal poaching attack - she was darted with a tranquilizer gun and her face hacked to remove her horn. Thanks to swift specialist care and numerous operations she survived. Nearly two years later she miraculously gave birth to her calf Thembi (meaning hope) and has subsequently another two calves, Colin and Mthetho. Thandi still bears the scars, a constant reminder of the suffering she endured.”

How Rhino Tears Jewellery is Changing Lives

Sarah’s Rhino Tear design is dedicated to Thandi. A hallmark is engraved on the back of each item - a triangle with a T in Thandi's honour. Sarah’s hope is that Thandi’s story and the money raised from the sale of Rhino Tears Jewellery will make a difference to protect and conserve rhino.

And it does!

Rhino Tears was founded in 2016. Since then funds from the sale of jewellery have been donated to numerous rhino conservation and community education projects around Africa, and to projects run by our Kariega Foundation. We are hugely grateful to Sarah, the Rhino Tears team, and everyone who has purchased Rhino Tears Jewellery.

Sarah and the Rhino Tears jewellery supporters are now funding training for the Kariega Foundation anti-poaching unit (APU) and 2021 Conservation Intern Programme. The most recent donation of R80,000 means that Sarah will be changing the lives of four woman (affectionately referred to as the matriarchs) and four men from rural communities by giving them the opportunity to further their education and open the door to employment opportunities.

Gift a Rhino Tears jewellery piece to a loved one this year, and join Sarah in helping to protect rhino and change peoples lives for the better.

Kariega Foundation APU and Conservation Internship Programme

The Kariega Foundation APU and Conservation Internship Programme is a pioneering project being implemented in collaboration with the national South African YES4YOUTH initiative. This scheme seeks out ground breaking ways, through innovation and technological best practice, to reignite the economy and give youth a dignified first chance.

Eight youth have been accepted as 2021 Kariega Foundation APU and Conservation Interns. They are all excellent candidates who had to work their way through a rigorous selection and interview process.

The four male APU interns will focus on wildlife protection and conservation practices. The four female conservation interns (pictured above and nicknamed the matriarchs) will focus on community conservation education, training to support community gardening initiatives, as well as conservation practices and APU support during their internship year.

Rhino Tears Jewellery Donation Funds Youth Training

In February 2021 the group will complete the following three training modules funded by the donation from Rhino Tears Jewellery:

PSIRA Grade E-C: A mandatory training for all individuals working in private security.
Firearms: Knowledge of the act, carbine basic and carbine business. This is mandatory training for any individuals carrying firearms.
Anti-Poaching training.

The anti-poaching unit training will be hosted by the Kariega Foundation at the newly completed Kariega Conservation Centre. The course will be run by Global Conservation Force. This training team are experts in this field and have donated the full value of this training course.

After the training the 2021 internship year at Kariega Game Reserve will begin. The group will be guided by the Kariega Game Reserve and Kariega Foundation teams and the year will be funded by YES4YOUTH.

The objective is that by the end of their internship year, the participants will have the qualifications and experience to earn full time employment in the wildlife protection or environmental education sectors in South Africa.

The Kariega Foundation APU and Conservation Internship programme is a true collaboration that is set to deliver outstanding outcomes for our people and our planet.

Join us to Change Lives and Rejuvenate our Planet

In the words of Sir David Attenborough: “It is our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home, not just for us, but for all life on earth.”

Thank you to Sarah and every person who has bought (or will buy) a piece of Rhino Tears Jewellery. Together we are creating a legacy of rejuvenation for our people, planet and wildlife.

Keep updated on wildlife and various conservation and community projects via our social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

Images thanks to Jone and Daniel Haesslich.

Can Giraffe Swim?

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 03:56:00 +0200

We ask the question if a giraffe can swim as Kariega safari guide Wayne and his guests pondered this question when they found a male giraffe in the Bushman's river while on an afternoon river cruise at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape. Senior guide Wayne talks to wildlife raconteur James Hendry about what he did when he saw just the neck of a giraffe sticking out of the river.

This photograph has been one of the most popular on our social media channels. Join us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to see more wildlife antics at Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa.

Researchers Use Computer Model to Test if Giraffe Can Swim

Kariega Game Reserve spans across 10,000 hectares of African wilderness and includes two rivers. The conservation area is home to the Big 5 and an abundance of wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, hippos, lions, rhinos and buffalos.

The team of experienced Kariega safari guides have never seen a giraffe swim or even venture voluntarily into the river. Guide Wayne thus commented: "one of the craziest things to come across is a giraffe neck sticking out of the river!"

This giraffe had become stuck in the river mud and was rescued by the Kariega conservation team. There have been two previous incidents at Kariega Game Reserve where giraffe have moved into the river and drowned.

Elsewhere in Africa there is only rare footage of giraffes wading into deep rivers when they have to, and no deﬁnite observations of them swimming. It has thus been assumed that giraffes are one of the few mammals that cannot swim or float.

Two university professors, Dr. Donald Henderson and Dr. Darren Naish, decided to test the hypothesis that giraffes could not swim using a three-dimensional mathematical model.

The researchers found that "giraffes would be very poor swimmers, and that it might be assumed that they would avoid this activity if at all possible. Looked at another way, we conclude that giraffes can swim, but not at all well."

They also concluded that "a giraffe could float but its head would be very close to the surface and it would have a bit of a struggle to keep its nostrils clear. The drag on the creature's long limbs would make it pretty ungainly in the water. It's not impossible that a giraffe could swim, but it would be strenuous, and I could see why they would be reluctant to do it."

The below diagram by Dr. Henderson and Dr. Naish illustrates the issues with a giraffes ability to swim.

Read our blogs to find out if hippo and elephants can swim:

How Did a Giraffe Get Stuck in the River Mud?

We will never know exactly how this giraffe managed to get stuck in the river mud. It is likely that he went down to drink, lost his footing and slipped into the sludgy river mud.

Giraffes are the world's tallest animals and have extremely elongated necks and long legs. Giraffes are only found in Africa and live in open savannahs and woodland areas. Having a drink is very challenging for a giraffe as they are over four metres (13 feet) tall and their necks are too short to reach the ground. In order to get to the water giraffes have to spread their front legs at awkward angles or kneel.

Giraffes only need to drink once every few days. Most of their water comes from all the plants they eat. Giraffes are herbivores and mostly feed on vegetation such as leaves, grass, twigs, fruit and roots.

This giraffe was unlucky to slip while drinking, but fortunately our conservation team were able to get him out and safely back to dry land.

Share your Giraffe Sightings & Questions

Did you have any delightful giraffe sightings on safari when you visited Kariega Game Reserve? Tell us about your experience on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube. If you have any questions about giraffes and their ability to swim you are welcome to leave a message in the comment below.

If you enjoyed reading this blog and would like to have our articles sent to you via email, please click here to subscribe.

Images thanks to guide Wayne and video thanks to Ferg Clarke.

Collaborative Efforts Raise Funds for Rhino Protection

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 06:47:00 +0200

On 1 August 2020, Global Conservation Force, Coyote Peterson from Brave Wilderness and the Kariega Foundation launched the Rhino Conservation Challenge, a collaborative effort to raise funds for rhino protection. Thanks to the generous contributions, the campaign raised over US$66,000 for rhino conservation in just three months.

This is testament to the power of collaboration. We are hugely grateful to Global Conservation Force (GCF), a US-based charity dedicated to saving wildlife from extinction through education, anti-poaching and conservation efforts, Coyote Petersen from Brave Wilderness and the Kariega Foundation for their efforts to raise funds for rhino protection.

Our thanks also to all of the Brave Wilderness fans and GCF supporters who took up the challenge to raise funds for rhino conservation. All contestants had three months to raise as much money as possible via an online fundraising platform. Participants were motivated by a grand prize of a five night safari for four people at the beautiful Kariega Game Reserve . An additional incentive was the opportunity to spend a day with Coyote Petersen while on safari in the African bush, filming an episode of his popular YouTube channel Brave Wilderness.

By all accounts the Rhino Conservation Challenge was a massive success, with a total of 573 registered campaigns raising a whopping US$66,238! The grand prize was awarded to seven year old Drew Belliston who raised a massive US$10,657. Drew will be visiting Kariega Game Reserve in 2021 with his fellow campaigners, Mum Krysta, Dad Deven and little sister Elizabeth!

All funds raised will be used to help sustain the Anti-Poaching efforts at Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, as well as a myriad of global rhino conservation and protection efforts supported by Global Conservation Force.

Rhino Protection Fundraising Winner Caught his First Snake at Two

Krysta Belliston describes her son as a kind, observant, intuitive and intelligent little boy, who genuinely cares about animals. “He would love to go fishing every day if he could and loves to find books or videos (including Brave Wilderness) that teach him more about animals and fishing.”

Drew is driven to save the rhinos, which is what motivated him to raise the funds that won him the Rhino Conservation Challenge competition. He was relentless in his approach. He spent every day after school calling all his family and friends, imploring them to donate and save the rhino, right up until the last possible hour. He asked them to spread the message to all their friends, and encourage them to donate. He even spoke with teachers and staff at his school, and succeeded in getting them to donate. Finally, he created several videos (with the help of his uncle) and went live on social media, to ask for donations.

We are so excited to meet Drew and share his first African safari with him and his family. For a little boy who caught his first snake at two years old and prefers to be outdoors, Drew is going to feel very at home amongst the abundant wild animals in the 10,000 hectare Kariega wilderness. He is most excited about seeing rhino and giraffe.

Drew wants to be a biologist when he grows up, but we have a sneaky suspicion he might change his mind after his first taste of the African bush and opt to become a game guide instead!

Known as an ‘animal whisperer’ by his friends and family and being very knowledgeable about a variety of animals, the Brave Wilderness episode his films with Coyote is sure to informative, entertaining and a big hit!

Thank You for Collaborating to Raise Funds for Rhino Protection

Although there can only be one winner, the success of this campaign was due to the amazing collaborative effort. We want to give a special shout out to every person who raised every single dollar in the Rhino Conservation Challenge. Your efforts will ensure the protection of the endangered rhino during a time when it was needed most.

Coyote Peterson expressed his appreciation to all the donors: “Speaking on behalf of myself and the entire Brave Wilderness team we are honored to have been a part of the Rhino Conservation Challenge and now that it’s come to a thrilling and successful conclusion, we find ourselves incredibly humbled by the amount of support this fundraiser received from an audience that was truly willing to fight for animal conservation!”

Eco-tourism, which is the main source of funding for wildlife protection, has been hit particularly hard by Covid-19, and most sources of guest related funding have dried up. Anti-Poaching Units have been funded exclusively through fundraisers of this nature in 2020.

We would particularly like to thank the top six Rhino Conservation Challenge fundraisers for their incredible efforts.

Drew Belliston raised $10,657
Julie raised $7,500
Mike Bona raised $6,250
Quinn Proppe raised $2,919
Maverick Nichol raised $2,795
Danner Greenfield raised $2,790

Coyote! We Could Not Have Done This Without You

In April 2018, Coyote Peterson and the Brave Wilderness team visited Kariega Game Reserve for a week to film material for their popular Brave Wilderness YouTube channel. It was the friendships made during this time that created the foundation for the success of this collaborative fundraising effort two years later.

The Kariega team is delighted that Coyote and crew will be visiting Kariega Game Reserve again to coincide with the Belliston family visit. We are deeply grateful to Coyote and his team for getting behind the Rhino Conservation Challenge with such enthusiasm. The popularity of Brave Wilderness, and Coyote himself, was a huge success factor.

Thank You Global Conservation Force

To Mike Veal, and the Global Conservation Force team… thank you. The Kariega Foundation and Kariega Game Reserve greatly value the work you do in training and resourcing our Anti-Poaching and K9 Units. We are excited about the future and our unified vision for wildlife protection in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Mike Veal summed up our shared emotions after the Rhino Conservation Challenge:

“I’m so relieved and excited about the amount of funds raised during the Rhino Conservation Challenge. It brought hope back for us after our most challenging year to date. It’s also inspiring to know that there are so many wildlife guardians out there willing to step up in a time of need.”

Thank you one and all.

South African Summer Safari Specials

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 01:56:00 +0200

It has been truly wonderful to be partially open for the last few months and to host our fellow South Africans. We have experienced first-hand just how lekker our locals are! The good news is that we have extended our South African summer safari specials to 31 January 2021. These are available to all South African residents. View details of the South African safari specials.

You can book any of our five safari lodges at anytime for a minimum of two night stays. Rates for the Christmas period from Monday 21 December 2020 to Sunday 10 January 2021 are:

Main Lodge (family and group friendly): R2,300 per person per night sharing
Ukhozi Lodge (uniquely designed four star superior lodge): R2,900 per person per night sharing
River Lodge (one of a kind river magic): R2,900 per person per night sharing
Settlers Drift (5-star tented luxury in the remote wilderness): R3,900 per person per night sharing
The Homestead (exclusive use lodge): R22,000 per night for up to 10 people

View details of the South African safari specials, contact us at reservations@kariega.co.za or call 046 636 7904/5/6 to enquire and book.

South African Summer Safari Guest Experiences

The reserve is looking abundantly beautiful after the significant rain, and we are all rejoicing - wildlife and birds included!

Here are some of the spring and summer safari experiences that have been enjoyed by our South African guests over the past few months.

Guests Jack Smith & Marina Kasyanova comment: "Kariega... you won’t want to leave..."

Kate and Matt Black comment: "Take me back to such an amazing honeymoon."

Aliya Ferguson comments: "I have been very privileged to visit the Kruger and Sabi Sands many times but not the Eastern Cape bush which boasts malaria-free safari's and the most healthy lions and game I have ever seen in my life! Kariega Game Reserve was lush and verdant and packed with all varieties of game and seriously some of the best looking giraffes and lions I have EVER seen! There are several camps to choose from here with different price points but access to the same reserve and the rangers and staff really couldn't do enough for us to make our stay memorable. This is such a great digital free holiday as you are up early for 3 to 4 hours of game drive and then again in the afternoon too... hanging out as a family, together ❤ Its very special to be so close to nature and in touch with its magic and vulnerability! The boys event went on a canoe safari! Kariega have extended their special local rates to the end of Jan now and if you can take the time and live in the Cape I urge you to take a peek!"

Nastassja comments: "Escape into nature and luxury, away from the noise of the world. Life is really a blessing and I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I’m falling in love with my province even more... this beautiful place is hidden in the Eastern Cape."

Book you South African Summer Safari

There has never been a more perfect time for South African residents to opt for a bush Christmas or New Year and enjoy a world-class safari experience while staying in one of Kariega Game Reserve's five luxury lodges.

We are pleased that the South Africa’s borders are now open to all international travellers. We look forward to welcoming international guests once more. We hope that you be able plan your 2021 visit during the holiday season and join us to delight in the wide open spaces of South Africa on your Kariega safari soon. We look forward to welcoming you back to Kariega Game Reserve. Contact us for enquiries and bookings.

Images thanks to guest Chloe Baxter and senior guide Brendon Jennings.