In the heart of South Africa, where the Waterberg Mountains tower majestically over the savanna, lies one of the country’s hidden gems — Marakele National Park.
This pristine reserve, tucked away in Limpopo Province, is not just a sanctuary for diverse wildlife but also a beacon of hope for one of the most endangered species on the planet — the rhinoceros.
Thanks to the efforts of the MORE Family Collection and their Rhino Conservation Experience at Marataba Luxury Lodges, this iconic park is playing a crucial role in rhino preservation.
Marakele, which means “place of sanctuary” in Tswana, lives up to its name. The park covers more than 67,000 hectares, straddling the transition zone between the dry western regions and the more humid eastern regions of South Africa. This unique location creates a diverse ecosystem that is home to an incredible range of flora and fauna. From towering yellowwood trees and rare cycads to thriving populations of elephants, leopards, and Cape vultures, Marakele is a wildlife lover’s dream.
However, its most urgent mission centers around the conservation of rhinos. Both the black and white rhinos, two of Africa’s most iconic species, face constant threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Marakele has become one of the few remaining strongholds where these animals can roam freely, thanks to rigorous anti-poaching measures and dedicated conservation programs.
The MORE Family Collection has partnered with the park in a collaborative effort to not only protect these magnificent creatures but to involve visitors in the cause.
The MORE Family Collection is renowned for offering luxury safari experiences that don’t just showcase Africa’s wildlife but also actively contribute to its preservation. Their Marataba Luxury Lodges, set within the boundaries of Marakele, provide an unparalleled experience where adventure, sustainability, and conservation intersect.
For visitors staying at Marataba, conservation isn’t just a distant concept — it becomes a personal journey.
“Through initiatives like the Rhino Conservation Experience, we aim to inspire our guests to become active participants in the protection of our natural heritage.”
Robert More
The Rhino Conservation Experience, offered from April through September, allows guests to step beyond the role of a mere observer and become active participants in safeguarding rhinos. It’s an adventure that leaves a lasting impression, not just because of the adrenaline it offers but because of the tangible difference it makes.
The Rhino Conservation Experience is more than a typical safari — it’s a hands-on conservation adventure. Visitors work alongside expert veterinarians, rangers, and wildlife monitors in real-life rhino protection activities. This includes tracking rhinos on foot, and participating in vital veterinary procedures like ear-notching (which helps identify individual animals), and horn micro-chipping (a critical anti-poaching measure).
One of the most heart-pounding aspects of the experience is the opportunity to witness or assist in the darting of a rhino for these procedures. Under the careful supervision of professionals, guests may even have the chance to feel the coarse, grey skin of a sedated rhino and help gather essential data for its ongoing protection.
This close encounter with such an ancient and vulnerable species is both humbling and empowering. It’s not just about watching conservation from afar — it’s about playing an active role in it.
The conservation efforts at Marakele have already yielded promising results. The park’s rhino population, both black and white, has remained relatively stable despite the ongoing poaching crisis that plagues much of southern Africa. This success is due in large part to the comprehensive approach taken by the park and its partners, combining advanced technology, on-the-ground patrols, and community involvement.
One of the cornerstones of Marakele’s rhino conservation success is the use of micro-chipping. Every rhino that is tracked and micro-chipped represents another step in securing the future of the species. Micro-chipping horns acts as both a deterrent to poachers and a crucial tool for tracking and monitoring individual animals. Additionally, the information gathered during these procedures is used to improve overall conservation strategies across South Africa.
The involvement of tourists through the Rhino Conservation Experience has proven invaluable. Not only do guests provide essential funding for these initiatives through their participation, but they also become ambassadors for conservation efforts worldwide.
Many return home with a renewed passion for wildlife preservation, supporting global rhino conservation campaigns or even becoming involved in other initiatives that protect endangered species.
Why focus on rhinos? These animals are considered a keystone species, meaning their presence is critical to the balance of ecosystems in which they live. They are grazers that help shape the African landscape, ensuring that grasslands remain healthy and that other species can thrive. Their extinction would lead to dramatic changes in the ecosystem, affecting everything from plant life to other animals.
However, rhinos are more than just a critical part of the environment — they are a symbol of the larger conservation battle being fought across Africa. Since the start of the 20th century, rhino numbers have plummeted due to poaching, fueled by the demand for rhino horn in illegal markets. Despite global bans, the killing of rhinos continues at an alarming rate, making the work being done at places like Marakele National Park more urgent than ever.
The MORE Family Collection ensures that their conservation efforts are not just focused on wildlife but extend to the communities that surround Marakele National Park. Their sustainability model includes employment opportunities for local people, education programs about conservation, and responsible tourism practices that minimize the environmental impact of lodges and safaris. This holistic approach ensures that both wildlife and local communities benefit from the protection of natural resources.
Guests at Marataba can rest assured that their visit contributes directly to these efforts. Every stay helps fund anti-poaching units, wildlife monitoring programs, and local community initiatives, ensuring that the conservation of the park’s rhinos is sustainable in the long term.
The Rhino Conservation Experience at Marakele National Park offers more than just an adventure — it offers the chance to make a real difference. For those who crave both thrilling encounters with nature and the knowledge that they are part of something bigger, this is the journey of a lifetime.
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