Travelling offers a wonderful escape from the everyday, a chance to dive into new cultures, and an opportunity to witness nature's wonders. But what if your travels could also contribute to the preservation of endangered species and support local communities? In Kenya, this vision becomes a reality through the thrilling experience of on-foot rhino tracking at Saruni Rhino.
The adventure begins with a fascinating lesson on the history of the Sera Rhino Sanctuary. Established with just ten black rhinos, the sanctuary has seen its rhino population double over the past nine years. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedicated conservation efforts of the sanctuary. Earlier this year, four white rhinos were introduced, and these together with the black rhinos are the magnificent creatures you will be tracking.
Before heading out, your guides will provide a comprehensive briefing. You’ll learn about the importance of dressing appropriately, avoiding scents, and keeping your phone and camera on silent. These precautions are vital to ensure a safe and successful tracking experience. Always follow your guide’s lead, as their expertise is essential in navigating the wild.
As you embark on this journey, you’ll be accompanied by a dedicated ranger. This ranger, armed for protection, will stay in the background, ensuring everyone’s safety. The experience begins with a thirty-minute drive from Saruni Rhino to the rhino sanctuary, a fenced area guarded by rangers around the clock due to the persistent threat of poaching.
The conservancy doesn’t use tracking devices on the rhinos. Instead, rangers monitor them on foot, reporting their whereabouts and health. By shadowing a ranger, you get an authentic glimpse into their daily work. Your guide will drive you as close as possible to where the rangers believe a rhino is, and then you will continue on foot. You’ll search for signs of rhino presence, from dung to broken sticks, and each tracking experience is unique. Sometimes you might walk for miles only to find the rhino has moved on, while other times, you might spot one after just a few minutes.
Beyond the thrill of tracking rhinos, guests are actively contributing to vital conservation efforts and supporting the local community. Rhino tracking at Saruni Rhino is not just about the adventure; it’s about participating in a significant conservation mission. Rhinos were once extinct in many parts of Kenya, but dedicated conservation initiatives have reintroduced them to regions like Sera Conservancy.
Thanks to these efforts, rhino populations are beginning to recover, symbolizing a triumph in wildlife conservation. The local community plays an indispensable role in this success, showing how conservation can thrive when local people are directly involved and benefit from the initiatives.
In addition, the Sera Conservancy’s model ensures that conservation efforts translate into tangible benefits for the local communities. Land leases and employment opportunities, particularly in tourism and conservation, provide a stable income for many families. Rangers, who protect the rhinos and the broader landscape, are pivotal to this initiative. By participating in on-foot rhino tracking, visitors directly contribute to the salaries of these dedicated guardians of the wild.
Saruni Rhino and the sister property Saruni Samburu in Kalam Conservancy, also employ local people, offering jobs ranging from guides to hospitality staff. This ensures that the benefits of tourism are felt widely. This approach not only aids in the protection of rhinos but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride within the community, ensuring the sustainability of conservation efforts.
Rhino tracking is more than just a safari; it’s an experience that connects you to the heart of Africa’s wildlife and the spirit of its people. It’s about feeling the ground under your feet, hearing the sounds of the wild, and seeing the world from a different perspective. It’s about making memories that last a lifetime while knowing that you’ve played a part in something bigger.
