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Rhino Conservation Safari & Conservation Week

If you’ve had enough bad news about Africa’s rhinos, then here’s something to put a smile on your face: there is one place where both black and white rhinos thrive and you have an opportunity not just to see them but play a part in their conservation too.

Set in the malaria-free Waterberg, Marataba is a privately-managed game reserve in the Marakele National Park, an hour’s flight from Johannesburg. It is home to the Big 5 – lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros – and it’s these rhinos that really set this reserve apart. With Africa’s rhino population in sharp decline across the continent, Marataba’s rhinos have become a vital part to the survival of the species.

Expert Rhino Conservation Safari

Tranquilising a wild rhino is an exact science & is led by an expert veterinarian.

But a big healthy rhino population still needs looking after, and although Marataba employs expert, innovative conservationists, there is always a need for extra hands in the field. So to mark World Conservation Day on July 28th, Marataba is offering a unique Rhino Conservation Week, split into two experiences of three nights each: the first begins on July 13; the second on July 16 2023.

Tracking Rhinos

You’ll help the conservation teams locate Marataba’s rhinos via their internal microchip.

You’ll enjoy game drives and star-lit suppers of course but this is no ordinary safari: you’ll also be on foot in the bush, tracking and monitoring rhinos, collecting DNA samples from tranquilised animals and taking part in ‘notching’ – the process of marking a rhino’s ear to give it an identity and facilitate conservation. It’s an exciting, meaningful experience and very much part of the public-private conservation ethos that drives the reserve.

Baobabs on Kubu Island

There’s plenty of time to relax too: boat cruises are a great way to spot wildlife in the dry season.

How to do it? From either of Marataba’s safari accommodations: Founders Camp has riverside suites and can be booked on an exclusive-use basis for up to eight adults and two children; Explorers Camp can sleep up to twelve with two children and looks out over a productive waterhole. Safari programmes at the camps are flexible and built around interests and ages; there are both day and night drives as well as walking safaris and boat cruises, and the camps welcome children of all ages.

Rhino Conservation Safari

Game drives in open-sided safari vehicles offer excellent photographic opportunities.

This exclusive Rhino Conservation Week is offered only once a year so make an enquiry as soon as possible; you don’t need to book out the whole camp but can book on a room-by-room basis, making it easy for singles and couples to experience as well as groups and families. And don’t worry if you can’t make those dates in August: you can book a 3-day Rhino Conservation Safari at Marataba any time between February 1st and October 31st although the Conservation Week offers the best value.

If you are looking for a similar programme elsewhere in South Africa, then there are hands-on experiences in the Madikwe Private Reserve and the Eastern Cape as well as in KwaZulu Natal, long at the centre of rhino conservation – contact us for more information.

Hands-on Expertise

  • We’re based in Africa
  • Consultants Travel in Africa
  • Knowledgeable team
  • Expect great customer service

Accredited & Bonded

  • SATSA – Bonded Membership (2061)
  • Travel Save Compliant Certificate
  • Fully Independent & Owner Run
  • Travel Support from Start to Finish

Reviews

Walter has always been an excellent communicator and has supported us fully

We have been to Africa for 24 of the last 27 years so know a bit about what is involved. Walter has arranged the details for the last couple of years, and has done a superb job. He is always quick to respond and comes up with answers immediately……..no evasive tactics, always head-on!

Roger (UK)
Best trip I have ever been on. Highly recommend.

Would highly recommend. Safari online asked questions when booking and were efficient and knew exactly what we were looking for in terms of accommodation and animals were wanted to see. Gave advice on a few little extras with no pressure, which we did and am very grateful which make trip even more exciting. Would definitely recommend booking with them.

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From the very first contact we’re very happy about the respond time and quality of information from safari-online.com. Based on the received first tailor-made quote, which is a weblink with all the details about the flights, photos of the lodges etc. we knew that this is “our” partner for this trip. Our expectations were excelled!!!

Lukas (Germany)
It was a safari of a lifetime and exceeded all of our expectations!

Our mom grew up in Central and South Africa so we had visited the continent many times. My sister and I wanted to take our teens and husbands to Africa to experience the magic. We had a limited budget but big and specific expectations and by some miracle Walter was able to manage both.

Heather (USA)
An incredibly well organised tour with no hassles whatsoever.

Safari Online understood our needs and was able to present us with sensible options to choose from. It was evident that this tour operator has knowledgable and experienced agents who can arrange a seemless tour. We were provided with a professional online itinary which was comprehensive and easy to use, knew exactely what to expect, and encountered no stumble blocks along the way.

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Ann and Mario (Canada)
Very helpful good suggestions for holiday ideas always available for questions good organising

Excellent service and they supplied good suggestions for our holiday they also organised all internal flights and arranged check in for us so we had no worries while on holiday. We have had a most memorable holiday staying at wonderful places thanks to Sabrina and Safari Online. Would recommend Safari Online to organise your holiday.

Lorraine (UK)
Professional, patient, efficient and responsive. Met all our travel needs and requirements spot on

Communication was excellent – I asked A LOT of questions and did a ton of research myself and Walter was extremely patient with me and very responsive. he was straight forward and extremely professional. Tour itself was excellent – an incredible experience and one never to be forgotten. Everything was spot on.

Neena
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Our experience with Safari Online was excellent. After becoming very frustrated trying to search for a safari destination on our own, we turned to Karina for help and she was a lifesaver.  We had an amazing safari adventure at the lodge–the experience of a lifetime–and are so grateful for her help. We literally couldn’t have done it without her!

Chris (USA)
Safari Online made our fantastic family holiday dream come true!!

Safari Online have been nothing but professional and incredible from the time we made our first enquiry to the last day of our stunning holiday. Nothing was too much trouble for Walter. We are now starting to plan our next family Safari for 2019. Guess who we will be booking with??? Safari Online we hope you are ready!!!!!

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