Tswalu : Rhino conservation experience, South Africa

Tswalu : Rhino

Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve, has a conservation experience that works with generic data collection of endangered rhino populations of the Southern Kalahari ecosystem. 

From April to September, guests can join the rhino notching initiative to analyse and support the genetic integrity of the protected rhino populations across South Africa. 

The experience sees trained trackers and veterinarians set out across the Kalahari to dart young rhinos, ideally between two and three years old. 

After marking and associating the rhino with a recorded number, the team plants a small microchip under the skin and horns for future identity and security purposes. 

DNA samples are then collected and later added into a global DNA database that helps track and prevent illegally traded rhinos.

During this encounter, guests form part of the ground crew and take part of this microchipping experience that includes helping to monitor the rhinos body temperature and breathing. 

Tswalu practices low-impact, high-value approaches to sustainable ecotourism to help fund the critical conservation work for future generations.

Its conservation goals focus on restoring the natural environment, re-establishing and protecting biodiversity, and maintaining the Kalahari’s characteristic ecological processes. 

This is achieved through research supported by the Tswalu Foundation. 

Tswalu Kalahari Tswalu Kalahari, in the green Kalahari, has two camps, The Motse and Tarkuni, Tswalu. These accommodate 30 people and has the lowest guest footprint in South Africa. 

www.tswalu.com and 

www.tswalu.com/tswalu-foundation 

Annabel Goldie-Morrison at annabel@kittenandshark.com