In an effort to assist with the rhino poaching epidemic, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is darting and micro chipping their rhino population.

The Timbavati will only be conducting these chippings from 1 May – 31 August next year as these are the cooler months that are beneficial to the rhinos preventing then from over heating and stress during the operation. The cost for this unforgettable experience is R60 000. To book or find out more please email us on info@makanyilodge.com.dedi988.jnb1.host-h.net 

From locating and darting the Rhino, to assisting with tasks such as pouring water over the Rhino and checking its temperature… you will be included in the entire operation. The vet will explain the whole process during this time and give you an opportunity to take up close and personal photographs with this magnificent endangered animal.

We are fighting an ongoing battle and the darting of the rhinos (implanting micro-chips in the horn, ear notching and collecting data on the Rhino), is a part of ongoing efforts to build a national DNA database of all South Africa’s rhinos. It’s all about gathering enough information about each creature to potentially build watertight criminal cases against criminals, should these animals be targeted. Any horns recovered by police in future would then be analyzed by forensic laboratories, and then matched against the growing national database.

This is not an income producing project for the Reserve, but a genuine conservation project where the Reserve endeavours to give back to nature by chipping as many Rhinos as possible.

YOUR INVOLVEMENT IN THIS ANTI-POACHING DRIVE WILL BE A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.