Ride for rhinos

IT HAD been a great privilege to take part in the Save the Rhino fun ride. I had been informed four days before departure, after someone else's short-term cancellation. And so I could join my wife and take part on the so-called fun ride on bicycles through the rhino's home in rocky Damaraland.

My only thought was: Adventure! Afterwards, I can assure you that it had been much more than that. Physically, we were brought to our limits. But those constant “never again” thoughts swiftly disappeared during chats and conversations, and when starting to realise what the actual purpose of the trip was. The group of twenty bikers met on Saturday, 23 June at “Wêreldsend,” the home of Garth Owen Smith, who started the initiatives of establishing conservancies back in the 70's/80's. Although retired at this stage, we were very fortunate that Smith was around that Saturday to welcome us and let us feel at home. “Wêreldsend” was our base camp, where we left our vehicles and other equipment not to be used for our standing three-day biking/camping trip, which was professionally organised by part of the main sponsors. In that regard, this was highly luxurious, with Wilderness Safaris not only providing the camping equipment, but also delivering the related services. Travel News Namibia provided the logistics and day-to-day touring operations in the person of Elzanne Erasmus, who in her young, sparkling personality made us all constantly feel welcome and part of it; even when we “old crocs” often felt to be a burden to carry.