Corne Schalkwyk SA tourism consultant in conjunction with EcoTraining and SA tourism took selected international and South African media to Karongwe Game reserve to educate them about Rhino conservation.

A selected group of journalists, naturalists and biologists spend 6 days at the EcoTraining Karongwe camp from the 11 -16 of September this year to attend a training program to inform them about Rhinos.

South African Tourism in conjunction with EcoTraining's specialist guides and trainers provided the international media with in-depth insight into Rhino conservation and the species in general. South African tourism felt that it was time to educate the media internationally about the plight of the Rhino with the upcoming world Rhino day on the 22nd of September. EcoTraining as the pioneers and leaders in this field created a 5 day training program to ensure the journalist understand Rhino and the issues surrounding the conservation efforts.

The aim of the course was twofold. First, to provide an in-depth education suitable for journalists,guides, rangers, tourists, and academics on the two African rhinos and the conservation thereof. Second, to establish and teach non-invasive methods for monitoring rhino populations.
The main method of instruction was hands on participation in a rhino monitoring project. This was supplemented by lectures. The goal of the monitoring project was be to establish identikits for all rhinos within a given research area.

Journalist received practical training to track and approach dangerous game in the reserve on foot. They learned about their habitat, movement patterns, water sources and territories.

The training also included crime scene investigation and situational awareness exercises to ensure they understand the dangers and the info needed for prosecution.

Topics to be covered during the course would include:

1. rhinos of the world
2. rhino biology
3. evolution of Rhinocerotidae and subtaxa
4. rhino behaviour (black and white rhinos)
5. poaching and anti-poaching
6. conservation issues
7. conservation research and research methods
8. tracking and trailing
9. rhino habitats & ecosystems

For more information please contact Erick Van Zyl or Corne Schalkwyk (SA Tourism consultant) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photos available for publication – Please contact Corne Schalkwyk.