Ranger walks 1,000km to raise awareness of rhino poaching

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It is designed to increase awareness of the massacre of the rhino population in Southern Africa, while simultaneously offering support to rangers who spend their days on the ground protecting rhinos in the nearby Manyeleti Game Reserve and Western Kruger National Park. Since then, head ranger at Tintswalo Safari Lodge Fritz Breytenbach has embarked on a 1,000km walk-about through the Manyeleti and, with the involvement of renowned photographer and documentary/film maker, Steven Lyon, this amazing journey was captured on film.

On 1 May 2013 he embarked on his biggest journey yet, walking 1,000km through the two game reserves to raise further awareness of the plight of the rhino. Reaching his target on 10 July 2013, an inspired Breytenbach decided to continue walking, allowing him to share his message further with more people in the local communities.

Lack of awareness

"Along my journey I learnt that awareness in rural communities, especially amongst the youth, is lacking. In response to this, I wanted to continue to engage with the locals to ensure they fully understood the importance of preserving South Africa's rhinos and the role that they can play in protecting these incredible creatures," explains Breytenbach.

A portion of the 1,000km documented by Lyon includes visiting local villages and schools. At the schools they talk about conservation and specifically rhino poaching. Books are distributed, aimed at educating the teachers as well as the children of the communities. Spending time with the children and camping in the villages, documenting community life Breytenbach feels will furthering the cause. The aim of the project is not only to raise funds for the rhino population in the two reserves, but also to help boost education and correct misconceptions around the rhinos and the usefulness of their horns.

Community projects

Tintswalo Safari Lodge shows continuous involvement and passion for local communities. "We have several community projects, all aimed to educating and uplifting the local communities. Children from the surrounding schools are brought into the reserve where several enhancement coursers are on offer as well as our food program and game drive experience which helps to educate them about wildlife," says general manager, Rory du Plessis.

By the continuous support and funding from the public, Lyon can produce his full length feature on the TREC journey as well spreading awareness of rhino poaching. "Through TREC, Tintswalo Safari Lodge is committed to ensuring that South Africa's rhino population doesn't become a distant memory. It is only through a collaboration with corporate South Africa that we can make a tangible difference in protecting our rhino population," says Gaye Corbett, owner of Tintswalo Lodges.