VISIT US!

The rhinos you'll meet are part of a much larger conservation and community development ambition; by visiting them you are helping these efforts to become a reality.

 

This is an opportunity for you to:

* take great photographs of the rhino

* learn more about the local people

* contribute to this exciting initiative

* support community-based conservation efforts

* meet our Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts

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Thuza and Kusasa

Meet Thuza and Kusasa, our first two white rhinos pioneering the reintroduction of the species to the Hwange ecosystem! We’re confident in saying this experience will exceed expectations - guests often say the rhino activity was a highlight of their African safari.

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The Cobras

Meet the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Unit - a highly trained team recruited from nearby villages.  They are proud, motivated and each one has a story to tell. The Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts guard Thuza and Kusasa 24/7 and know them the best. You’ll be able to meet them and learn more about their training and their important job.

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The activity

Visitors’ experience starts at the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection Unit HQ, where guests hear about the project to date and about its ambitious community and conservation goals, and find out more about our two celebrity rhinos.The whole activity will typically last about two hours – but can extend well beyond that as visitors become immersed in the story of these two animals who were pals long before their move to Hwange.

A short walk will link visitors with the Cobras guarding Thuza and Kusasa, who may be walking, grazing or snoozing.

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Guests staying at Imvelo's Camelthorn lodge sometimes enjoy a surprise visit at the lodge itself, or even during a meal! At midday, they rest in a shady woodland spot, moving out to graze in the afternoon. Rhinos have poor eyesight but extra sharp hearing and smell – the approach of several tons of nearly two-metre-tall white rhino bulls will get hearts racing.

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K9 unit

Three trained dogs are part of the Unit and support the Cobras scouts in their work. There is an opportunity to see these dogs during their training: bite work, agility course, or tracking.​

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Visitors come away humbled but inspired with the realisation that the future of the Ngamo Plains and Hwange once again includes one of Africa’s most iconic large mammals. The actual activity is subject to conditions on the ground.

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Includes:

• Visit the sanctuary headquarters and home of the Cobras – hear a short talk on the CRCI project, rhino security, and future plans.

• Walking tour to join the rhino and the Cobras guarding them – lots of photo opportunities and time to appreciate Thuza and Kusasa in their new home. (How close visitors will be able to get to the rhino is subject to conditions on the ground.)

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