Black Rhino Conservation Experience in Victoria Falls

“The only way to save a rhinoceros is to save the environment in which it lives, because there's a mutual dependency between it and millions of other species of both animals and plants.” - David Attenborough

In Africa, two key species of rhino can be found, namely the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) and the black rhino (Diceros bicornis). Despite their names, they do not exhibit any actual colour difference. The white rhino, also known as the square-lipped rhino, is a grazer and has evolved to efficiently feed on grasses. It is currently classified as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), with an estimated population ranging between 17,000 and 19,000 individuals. The black rhino is smaller in size and possesses a distinctive hook lip, for browsing foliage from higher bushes and trees. The black rhino population is estimated to be between 5,000 and 6,000 and is considered Critically Endangered.

Zimbabwe boasts the world's fourth-largest population of black rhino, trailing behind South Africa, Namibia, and Kenya. This fact positions the country as a vital stronghold for the conservation of this species. At the heart of Zimbabwe's efforts, lies the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, the only private game reserve in the region. Established in 1996, it stands as a remarkable testament to conservation success, driven by a vision to preserve and support the area's exceptional natural heritage.

Conservation

In 2000, the reserve was designated as a rhino Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), and implemented a comprehensive monitoring and breeding program, alongside an Anti-Poaching Unit & Ranger Training Facility.

Despite the gradual growth of the global black rhino population, the persistent threat of poaching continues. Maintaining vigilant protection and monitoring is crucial to prevent black rhinos from disappearing from the wild forever. The unit responsible for safeguarding these iconic creatures is led by a team of highly qualified and extensively trained personnel. Among them are Zimbabwe's most experienced and decorated professional guides, complemented by an internationally recognized anti-poaching expert. Together, they form an unwavering force committed to the survival and well-being of the black rhino population.

The More Community Foundation’s Victoria Falls Black Rhino Conservation Project supports this critical work that includes vigilant monitoring, support of dehorning initiatives, relocation and repopulating of local conservation areas for genetic diversity, and inclusively educating local communities to stabilise and maintain community-wilderness buffer zones. The Foundation works with the park reserve management team and is partnered with Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel and Nakavango Conservation Programme working together to create awareness, raise funds and pool resources.

Close Encounters

To generate funds for this vital work, we bring you an extremely rare chance to see this critically endangered animal in the wild. The late afternoon activity includes an immersive talk with an expert Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve Guide, followed by a drive into the reserve in search of the black rhino. A portion of the funds paid for this unforgettable experience go towards the rhino conservation projects.

Along with once-in-a-lifetime black rhino encounters, visitors have a chance of viewing the rest of the Big Five, other iconic game, and an abundance of thriving bird species. Traversing its basalt plains, open grasslands and teak forests to meet the shores of the Masuwe River, we explore this 4000ha Reserve.

Black Rhino experience (drive only) $158 - 2023 | $174 – 2024 OR Black Rhino experience (with dinner at our restaurant 1871 at Stanley & Livingstone) $231 - 2023 | $254 – 2024.

Contact our travel specialists at concierge@more.co.za to book a stay at Stanley & Livingstone, and/or book a Black Rhino Conservation Experience,

To make a direct contribution to this critical conservation work, see the More Community Foundation website or contact info@more-cf.org