I have devoted my life to protecting ecosystems and species. That's my primary goal. What I've learned is that one of the best ways to protect the things I love is to share them with other people and share that love.
This is a journey with a specific mission: to save lives. During the first six month of this year 229 rhinos were killed by poachers in South Africa alone. You are about to join the experts fighting to save them.
How do we stop the extinction of our iconic species? This is the kind of work that changes the narrative. We are at a time in history when elephants are losing habitat, and experts warn that they could go extinct in our lifetimes. It is also a critical time for our last black rhinos, an ancient and critically endangered giant. There are only 6000 black rhinos left on earth. White Rhinos are not as threatened, but are equally prized by poachers. This is a trip designed to take you into the front lines of fighting to protect these species.
The Buffalo Kloof Reserve is over 50,000 acres of habitat. Unlike the Amazon this is a fenced property, where wildlife must me monitored, defended and protected. We work with the leading experts to use cutting edge science to protect the three herds of elephants that call the reserve home (over seventy elephants!).
On this trip you'll get to walk in the footsteps of giants. Join the anti-poaching units walking fence lines and searching for poachers. We will ride in helicopters and join world-renowned veterinarians as they work with endangered megafauna like rhinos and elephants in the field. We'll also get to see iconic African highlight species like giraffes, wildebeest, zebra, hippos, and all manner of impala and gazelle.
This is the hands-on, action-packed kind of wildlife work that everyone dreamed of doing as a kid. This is the kind of experience that is usually only accessible to professionals. The kind of encounter that will stay with you the rest of your life.
As will all Tamandua and Junglekeepers endeavors, this experience is an effort I have already vetted, supported, and am fully committed to. The missing element is you. By coming on a trip like this we make it possible for the ground teams to continue doing their patrols, for the veterinarians to care for the animals, and create a future on this earth for the species we love.
Further info:
Buffalo Kloof is a private, family owned game reserve. There is some hunting on the premises for species like zebra and gazelle and buffalo. This revenue funds the fences and anti-poaching force that protect the elephant hers and all the rhinos (black and white). Unlike large national parks that have dozens of game drive vehicles and thousands of tourists, Buffalo Kloof is an exclusive setting. They cater to high-end clients, and there are no tourist vehicles on the reserve. That means we get to experience a kind of intimacy and authenticity with the wildlife that is almost unprecedented. It's like nothing I've ever seen before.
The deposit to secure your spot on the trip is non-refundable for any reason.
The balance of payment is due no later than 60 days before the trip begins. The balance of payment is non-refundable for any reason 45 days or less before the trip begins.
The meeting point for this trip is Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa. Please book the earliest arriving flight that is available when flying to Port Elizabeth. When departing Port Elizabeth, book a flight that is later in the day. Please wait until you hear from us before you book your flight.
Depending on your flight details, you may need to book a hotel during your layovers in Johannesburg. This is NOT covered in the cost of the trip. We recommend: City Lodge Hotel at OR Tambo International Airport. Please book your own accommodations if needed.
You would need to book this the night before arriving in Port Elizabeth and the day of departing Port Elizabeth.
Arrive in Gqeberha / Port Elizabeth. Our team will pick you up at the airport directly and drive you to the reserve and you'll settle at the center of the reserve in an incredible setting blending high end comfort and ultra-closeness to the wilderness