Over the last few years Africa Safaris and their safari partners have noticed a marked increase in the demand for a hands-on participatory conservation experience. We are pleased to showcase some of the most exciting aspects of preserving our natural heritage in our “Conservation Watch” tours. Our detailed research ensures that our tours offer the finest experience possible whilst meeting our stringent eco-tourism criteria. New projects are continuously developed and evolved so please contact us for updated information at ecosafari@tulipweb.com.

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Eco-safari 01: Rhino Darting safaris
Eco-safari 02: Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles
Eco-safari 03: Game Capture and relocation
Eco-safari 04: Black Eagle Project Roodekrans
Eco-safari 05: Elephant collaring / Rhino Microchipping
Eco-safari 06: Game counts

Phinda Private game reserve has a population of approximately 55 White Rhino, a stronghold of one of Africa’s endangered species. The innovative rhino darting program allows conservation minded guests to participate in the essential microchip implementation project. Phinda’s rhino darting safaris are conducted in partnership with the Endangered Wildlife Trust and under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon. Prior to the event, expert provide guests with information on the role that darting plays in conservation, EWT’s involvement in the program and on what to expect from the darting process itself. The veterinarian darts the rhino from a 4x4 vehicle. Once the animal is safely anesthetized, guests join the team around the Rhino and are assigned tasks to assist in the process. This project runs throughout the year and will continue into the Mkuze Reserve. The three day program includes talks on darting's role in conservation management, practical rhino tracking and taking care of the rhino once darted.

RHINO DARTING AT PHINDA
This opportunity is created by the conservation requirement to identify all of Phinda’s rhinos. Aimed at encouraging a culture of participative wildlife management by guests, in line with the CC Africa care ethic, which aims to facilitate the integration of wildlife management actions with the tourism industry

Conditions:
Children 6 years and older are permitted to participate in this activity.
Children will be charged the full participative fee
Vehicles with children will however remain further away than those with adults only
Once darted, children will be allowed near the rhino. (note: this applies only if the situation is judged to be safe and not dangerous in any way)

Accommodation: Phinda Mountain Lodge

*** Note: R550 of each fee will be donated to the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

The Ndumu reserve in Northern KwaZulu Natal is the ideal location to view the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. In the month Nov-Jan, giant Leatherback and the endangered Loggerhead turtles drag themselves up onto the beaches at night to lay their eggs, returning to the sea before sunrise. During the months Feb-Mar, guests can go out in the evenings and observe the tiny turtle hatchings digging their way out of their deep nests and running a gauntlet of predators as they make their way to deeper waters. If possible, guests may assist in tagging these hatchlings before release into the sea.

The capture and relocation of wildlife from one area to another has played a vital role in the preservation of species in Africa, largely through the establishment of scientifically run game ranches. This process is of paramount importance in maintaining the delicate balance of nature on the southern tip of the African continent. All game capture is done on a sound ecological basis, inline with the latest trends in protecting the wild and in keeping the wonders of the African bush alive for future generations. The core activity of the projects, is to observe and participate in the capture and relocation of wildlife, although other conservation activities are offered. A professional wildlife photographer is available for those who have an interest in this field. Experience the capture the relocation of a full spectrum of animals in Southern Africa, including Zebra, Impala, Warthog, Nyala, Rhino and Lion. A hands-on experience is encouraged, where guests participate in the actual handling of animals. The areas where these projects operate include KwaZulu Natal, North West Province, Northern Province, Northern Cape and Mpumalanga and take place consistently between the months of March-October and capture teams may be joined at any stage during this period.

One of the highlights of the safari is the real life situation in which guests are placed, during the capture. The welfare of the animals is of primary concern and adverse weather conditions might prove hazardous to the safety of animals during capture. During these times, alternative activities are arranged including game drives, nature walks, horse trekking, lunch a pristine beach and river cruises, all depending on what is available in the area.

The Witwatersrand National Botanical Garden was established in 1982 and Black Eagles were found nestling on the cliffs adjacent to the imposing Witpoortjie Falls. The recording information on these Eagles started in 1988 and evolved into the Black Eagle Project Roodekrans. The project educates the public on the Black Eagles, conserves, monitors and obtains vital information on the breeding cycle. This project has proved how much can be achieved by the voluntary efforts of a passionate team. Our Safari Partners are proud sponsors of this initiative and a percentage of all guided tours to the Botanical Garden with one of the committee members is donated back to project.

Elephant and Rhino are regularly darted in the Pilanesburg, Madikwe, Makalali, Garonga and Thornybush game reserves. These animals will be captured for the purposes of either replacing old radio collars, fitting of new radio collars, microchipping etc. These management fuctions need to be done to enable the research staff to monitor and observe these animals. The results of this search will be used by the conservation agency to determine carrying capacity of the park, behavioral patterns etc. In each instance, guests will receive a briefing from the conservation staff capture team on why the capture is taking place, effects of the various drugs used in the capture, role of the helicopter and veterinarian in the operation and will all have a chance to fire the dart gun at a target. Guests follow the helicopter in open game drive vehicles, witness the darting of the animal from the helicopter and assist the capture team with various procedures once the animal is safely immobilized.

This forms a very important part of any conservation management plan. Depending upon what areas are to be counted, the time of the year and the objective of the census, this could entail counts from either from a helicopter or a vehicle. In each instance, guests undergo a short training course prior to going out on the count. The function of gridlines, graphs, etc. will be explained and guests will have the opportunity to put these lessons into practice.