The fight against the poaching of these majestic beasts in Namibia has recently flared up again, signalling to all that the battle is far from won. Thus it is imperative that the hard work done by the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) and the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is valued and supported. To this extent, the RMB Ride for Rhinos offers participants the chance to interact with individuals who are active on the frontlines of this battle as well as create a platform where issues hampering the conservation efforts can be discussed and possible solutions found on the side of the private sector.

This year marked the 8th RMB Ride for Rhinos. As evident by its name, the event centres around three days of cycling through the rugged, yet beautiful terrain of Damaraland. Cycling the carefully laid out routes allows participants to thoroughly take in their surroundings and sometimes test their skill with a tough climb or two – exhausting, but always done in high spirits. It also makes them appreciate the vast distances that SRT patrols do on foot every day, even though for the riders it is from the seat of a bicycle.

The 2022 RMB Ride for Rhinos took place from 22 – 26 July. This year saw the event return to its roots with the first three nights spent glamping at a picturesque campsite among weathered sandstone hills overlooking the Huab River Valley. While days were spent cycling, followed by game drives in the afternoon and rounded off with epic sundowners, evenings were reserved for chats around the large campfire. Regarding the current status of black rhinos in the northwest, insightful discussions were had with the CEO of SRT, Simson !Uri-≠Khob, who joined the group on the first night. Tommy Hall from the Blue Rhino Task Force was present for the duration of the event and gave an interesting talk on the use of mules for patrols in the area. This most recent initiative allows SRT to cover larger distances when out on patrol. With years of experience in rhino conservation, Hall’s anecdotes kept riders entertained late into the night.

After three days of traversing the challenging Damaraland terrain, the riders cycled into Wilderness Safaris’ Damaraland Camp where the pool and cold drinks were waiting. As always, the event finished with a spit braai on the last night, after which the riders retired to the luxurious rooms of the lodge for a well-deserved rest.

Venture Media conceived the RMB Ride for Rhinos in an effort to share the company’s passion for black rhinos and conservation in general with others in a meaningful way. The continued success of the event is attributable to the much-valued support from the main sponsor, RMB, and the partnership with Wilderness Safaris and CYMOT. Funds raised through the ride are invested in various black rhino conservation projects in north-western Namibia. TNN