Having just returned from South Africa, please forgive the radio silence! Project Rhino and myself partnered together on this exclusive safari-conservation adventure where we travelled deep into the South African bush with several clients and embarked on some great safari game drives and participated in unique conservation-philanthropic work which was incredible to be a part of.

We were most grateful to have been able to go behind the scenes with wildlife conservationist Grant Fowlds from Project Rhino, along with top wildlife veterinarians and ranger teams. They really spent a lot of time with us discussing some of the critical issues that are threatening Africa’s wildlife and local communities, and explained their day to day challenges and triumphs! and how conservation is ever-changing in today’s ecological landscape; from preventative- medical procedures performed on wildlife, to the relocation process of an endangered species just as cheetahs, to jumping into planes, helicopters, and enjoying exciting safari games drives and sundowners! It was truly a privilege to experience this kind of a journey.

The Fun we had!

• Safari Game Drives in x3 different reserves and stayed x5 different wonderful lodges.
• Visits with Project Rhinos Anti-Poaching Ranger unit and K9 (Dog) team.
• Jumped in the Anti Poaching ZAP Wing plane and saw how their pilot monitors the land for safe keeping.
• A helicopter Ariel flight; for more monitoring (a Robinson 44).
• Checked out a Rhino Orphanage (the care that's being given to these rhino calfs is exceptional and heartwarming).
• A local community visit. Met great locals...
• Participated in a necessary (responsible) medical procedure performed on Africa's critically endangered rhino.
• Cheetah monitoring and lion monitoring.
• A historical visit to Dundee Fugitives Drift. Such fascinating history. And more!

Hanging out with Grant Fowlds?

There's never a dull moment! In addition to him being an exceptional conservationist, speaker, author, educator, he's also an excellent storyteller, funny, and politically astute. And the list goes on!

See this collared lion? Let me explain why lion collaring is happening in some reserves in Africa and some of the key conservation benefits:

Enhanced Protection

• Collared lions are closely tracked, keeping them safe from dangers and reducing threats to humans and livestock.

• High Survival Rates: Lions in conservation areas with collars have 'higher survival and productivity' due to constant monitoring.

Reduced Human-Wildlife Conflict

• Collaring can prevent livestock attacks, as collars help herders avoid lion prides, again, reducing attacks on cattle.

• Minimized Retaliatory Killings: Collars can alert 'Maasai pastoralists' to a lion's presence, thus preventing any retaliatory killings that may occur.

Trimming rhino horns has been proposed as a method to deter poaching. Here are the key points:

How It Works

• Horn Trimming: The procedure involves safely and humanely removing a portion of the rhino's horn which is made out of keratin like our nails, and grows back over time.

Potential Benefits

• Reduced Poaching Incentive: By trimming the horn, the value of the rhino to poachers decreases, as they seek larger horns to sell on the black market.

• Non-Lethal Method: This method does not harm the rhino and can be repeated as needed since the horn regrows, generally every 18 months.

Challenges and Considerations

• Some poachers may still target rhinos even with smaller horns.

• Regular Trimming Required: Since horns grow back, trimming must be done regularly, which can be logistically challenging and costly.

• Ethical and Conservation Concerns: There are debates about the impact on rhino behavior and the message it sends regarding horn use.

The Impact

• While trimming rhino horns can be a useful tool in reducing the incentive for poaching, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes stronger law enforcement, anti-poaching patrols, and community engagement to effectively combat poaching. This is today's reality of what it takes to protect endangered rhinos.

Moving on.

Im my opinion, conservation and safari game drives are deeply interconnected, and the integration of the two provides significant benefits for wildlife, visitors, and local communities.

As you might be able to tell, I like to create carefully planned private adventures by collaborating with some of my most trusted conservation and safari industry specialists. They help make these trips quite unforgettable. I hope one day you will join me!

Reach out to me to find out more at

lisa@headedtoafrica.com