Category Archives: Limpopo Province

Day Two of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017

Charity fundraising event, Limpopo Province, Waterberg

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~ A young male white rhino on Ant’s Nest game reserve being protected by armed guards ~

One aim of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017 was to raise funds for Save The Waterberg Rhino. On the second day of the ride we split up into two groups of six riders with the aim of observing rhinos in their natural habitat and learning about their plight.

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As the rhino are accompanied by a 24 hour armed guard, in constant radio contact with game rangers, it was not difficult to find a pair grazing on the reserve.

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The horn of each rhino on Ant’s Nest has been chipped and treated with chemicals that render it poisonous for consumption in order to destroy its commercial value and help protect the animals from poachers since the horn can be traced by Police and customs officials.

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We moved on, coming across other wildlife such as this rare sable antelope bull.

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We also saw waterbuck, kudu, eland, impala, blesbok, zebra and warthog with piglets.

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Because the rains had come unsually late, many animals had given birth in January. We saw this female wildebeest with her own calf and a nursery of young.

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Finding water for the horses was not a problem as waterholes were beginning to fill.

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We spotted a number of kudu, but photographying them wasn’t so easy.

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Just before lunch the rain fell on us but we made it to the lodge at Ant’s Hill where the horses were untacked at the sables and we could dry our shirts by the fire.

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Thunder began to roll, lightning cracked overhead and heavy rain began to fall, causing watercourses that had been dry for months to flow with much needed water.

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After drying off, the riders were treated to a delicious lunch. We were pretty tired after a total of only about six hours in the saddle. How where we going to cope with another twenty- four hours? At this stage we had about a hundred and thirty kilometers to go.

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The rain passed and as we walked out on the horses we came across a family of giraffe.

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Riders were able to watch them peacefully browsing on fresh acacia leaves.

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It was a good opportunity for the sculptors taking part in the ride to watch the animals natural behaviour and take reference photographs.

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There was also quite a bit of fast riding. By the end of the day, the group riding with Ant Baber had covered 36 kilometers on horseback. After a quick change of clothes, Juliet Maddan and the riders presented Tessa Baber of Ant’s Nest with one of the limited edition Elfinglen trays made especially to raise funds for The Waterberg Trust’s projects.

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We had gathered for an illustrated talk by Kelly Abram of Save The Waterberg Rhino.

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The facts and figures are startling and the need for action clear.

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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

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As a UK registered charity, The Waterberg Trust can claim Gift Aid on eligible donations, and organise transfer of funds to South Africa efficiently. You can add a note to specify ‘Save the Waterberg Rhino’ or ‘Lapalala Wilderness School’ or another project with your donation.

twt-ride-day-2-talking-about-rhino-horn-with-jess-TWT Riders learing about Save The Waterberg Rhino from Jessica Babich –

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Riding through Ant’s Nest Game Reserve on Day One of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017

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We started spotting wildlife the moment we drove in through the gates of Ant’s Nest, a private game reserve in the Waterberg. This young roan antelope was in our path.

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Twelve riders had flown out from the UK and Australia, at their own cost, to learn about the Waterberg by riding across the plateau with Ant Baber and his experienced guides,

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TWT Trustee Sophie Neville, who was once a horse safari guide in the area, met the group at Johannesburg airport and explained about projects supported by the Waterberg Trust, as she accompanied riders on the expedition.

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Although we covered some distance on the first afternoon, the important thing was for riders to try out their horses and get used to the long-distance saddles while there was still a chance to make changes. Juliet Maddan, who had gathered the group together, was also wearing a hot-weather helmet for the first time.

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It was a delight to come across wild animals who are used to grazing in the reserve with the horses and allow riders to get very close.

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The wildebeest were unperturbed by our presence and the horses were relaxed.

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We saw a variety of plains game and had time to take a few photographs without dis-mounting

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Some riders came across white rhino with Ant Baber that very afternoon, and were able to learn a bit about their territorial behaviour.

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Disaster struck at the end of the day when a gasket blew on a landcruiser as it was going up a steep slope. With no engine power the vehicle slid backwards but the riders were fit and jumped out as the guide steered it into a bush. It proved the start of an adventurous week.

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That night there was plenty to talk about as we gathered around the fire and made plans for the long ride ahead of us.

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For an overview of the Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017 please click here

If you would like to make a donation to support the work of the trust please click here

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Another successful TWT challenge ride

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-Ant Baber leading The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017-

Twelve intrepid riders from around the UK, and one from Australia, successfully completed the third Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride covering 181 kilometers at some speed, crossing rivers and rocky terrain.

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-Riders from Yorkshire crossing the Melk Rivier on horseback-

The six-day expedition proved a real adventure, traversing four different private game reserves and stretching everyone to the limits.

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-Climbing up from the Palala River on Jembisa game reserve-

The horses were beautifully looked after by the guides and back-up team from Ant’s Nest who hosted the expedition.

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-Riders from Yorkshire encountering white rhino at Ant’s Nest on the third TWT Challenge Ride-

Riders, who paid their own travel and safari costs, had to raise a minimum of £1,000 each for The Waterberg Tust to support community projects in the Waterberg.

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Funds raised will be divided between Save The Waterberg Rhino, Lapalala Wilderness School and Lethabo Kids Club in the township of Leseding, with support also being given to other health, welfare and educational projects. The 2017 riders were able to visit projects already supported by The Waterberg Trust. They all took part in an inspirational workshop on the importance of wildlife conservation at Lapalala Wilderness School on the Palala River.

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-Meeting the educators at Lapalala Wilderness School-

The Waterberg Trust riders’ fund-raising efforts in 2016 made it possible for 125 children and their teachers to attend a residential course here. We met the first group from Meetsetshehla Secondary School in Vaalwater:

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-Some of the 125 students sponsored by The Waterberg Trust-

Students from Mokolo Primary School in Vaalwater will be able to come another week. As The Waterberg Trust also paid for pupils’ transport, local children from all backgrounds will be able to gain a grounding in environmental awareness, develop leadership skills and establish contact with a mentor who can help with wildlife issues.

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-Pupils from Meetshesethla Secondary School learning about treats to wildlife-

Having said goodbye to the horses, riders saw an anti-poaching security post donated to Save The Waterberg Rhino by The Waterberg Trust Riders in 2016.

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-Save The Waterberg Rider’s new security point ready to be manned on a 24 hour basis-

They also met children at Lethabo Kids Club in Leseding township who showed-off the school uniforms purchased with grants from The Waterberg Trust in 2016 to ensure every child goes to school.

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-Lethabo Kids Club that has been running for 15 years in the township of Leseding-

The needs of older students who have shown more than ten years commitment were discussed. Some are seeking sponsorship for tertiary education.

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-Meeting the youth who help with Letabo Kids Club in Leseding-

It was a joy to meet the people of the Waterberg, learn of their cultural heritage and explore the bushveldt so rich in natural history.

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-TWT Riders on Jembisa-

The ride was led by Ant Baber following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather E.A. Davidson, who explored the area on horseback in early 1900’s.

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-Ant Baber who has been leading horse safaris for more than twenty years-

The Waterberg Trust, a registered UK charity, was represented by trustee Sophie Neville who, along with the twelve other riders, whould like to extend heartfelt thanks to our hosts, the land-owners and all those who sponsored the ride, especially Ant’s Nest and Jembisa.

If you would like to make a donation to support The Waterberg Trust please click here.

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Objectives of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017

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On 15th January 2017, twelve intrepid ladies from around the UK set off on horseback across the Waterberg Plateau in South Africa to gain an understanding of this pristine wilderness and learn about challenges faced by the rural community. Lying three hours drive north of Johannesburg, the Waterberg is home to the third highest population of rhino in the world. As up to four rhino are being poached in South Africa every day, it is imperative to guard this upland area where they can be protected.

A challenging section of the Waterberg Charity Ride

Would you help us to raise funds for Save The Waterberg Rhino, who are combating anti-poaching, Lapalala Wilderness School, who help ensure local children grow up with an understanding of nature conservation, and other community projects in the region?

LWS pupils with python

The twelve riders paid their own way, so every penny raised in sponsorship will go straight to The Waterberg Trust, a UK registered charity who can send donations, plus any Gift Aid, to these small but effective projects in South Africa. Funds go a long way to really make a difference in the Waterberg where they are administered by trusted conservationists with years of experience. You can meet those who are striving to Save The Waterberg Rhino and protect the wilderness while uplifting communities in the Waterberg, here:

Those taking part in The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017 were able to observe a number of white rhino living on Ant’s Nest game reserve, while being updated on anti-poaching initiatives by Tess and her husband Ant Baber who is leading the six-day ride.

They then crossed the Waterberg hills on horseback, traversing Kwalata private game reserve to Lapalala Wilderness run by Anton Walker, who also appears in this film. He cares for wildlife reintroduced to the area thirty years ago by his father, the author and conservationist Clive Walker seen here speaking to TWT riders in 2016:

LWS meeting Clive Walker

While on this reserve, riders visited the Lapalala Wilderness School where teenagers from Vaalwater come for a residential course on wildlife conservation sponsored by TWT. Students testify how this experience changes their outlook on life, giving them an appreciation for their environment and the future of South Africa’s wild animals. The children take their enthusiasm into the community whose support is essential if poaching is to be combated.

After thirty-two hours in the saddle, the ride ended at the Palala River on Jembisa private game reserve.  Before leaving, riders visited Lethabo Kids Club in the local township of Lesiding who minister to the poorest of the poor and ensure all children attend primary school.

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TWT riders with Alastair Fothergill who gave a fundraising talk on his BBC series The Hunt

50% of funds raised by the sponsored ride are going to Save The Waterberg Rhino and 50% to support community projects in the area.

Riding safaris at Ant's (60)

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

donate_white Justgiving button

As a UK registered charity, The Waterberg Trust can claim Gift Aid on eligible donations, and organise transfer of funds to South Africa efficiently. You can add a note to specify ‘Save the Waterberg Rhino’ or ‘Lapalala Wilderness School’ or another project with your donation.

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TWT Challenge Ride March 2016

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Horse swimming

Not everything on The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride went quite as expected.

Giraffe at Ant's Nest

Taking photographs on horseback is not always as easy as it looks

Horse scratching

What the wildlife thought was beyond us.

Banded Mongoose

No one guessed we would be actually handling reptiles

LWS Anne with python

or riding a spotted animal

Dom on Kwalata

It is difficult to take picture of horses cantering – but it felt we were flying

Horse flying

We faced unexpected challenges

wrapping up the saddles

along with a bit of precipitation

Loving the rain

Although some admitted to getting a little tired

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others graciously hid the fact they were  exhausted.

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Despite the thought of hidden danger

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the intrepid wildlife photographers survived

Hippo hunting

the hippo remained safely in the water

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We had time to relax

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and read a bit

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as did the animals.

Cotswold Life's South African readership

Everyone enjoyed being in the African bush,

Dom with giraffe by Anne Lester

no one was eaten by a crocodile

Susie swimming

and good fun was had by all.

Ant after doing the ant dance

We made it safely through to live another day.

Sophie Neville

You can subscribe to these news articles below and follow The Waterberg Trust on Facebook. If you’d like to sponsor any of these intrepid riders, their Justgiving pages are still active – please click here.

Sundowners by Anne Lester

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Visiting Lethabo Kid’s Club in Leseding

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TWT rider with Letabo Kids Club

TWT Riders were able to visit Lethabo Kids Club in the township of Leseding, which has been run for the last sixteen years by Marilyn Cook – seen here in purple.

Finding out about the Back to School project

As it was the weekend before Easter we handed out Easter eggs as a treat. The youth who help on the project organised games and dancing for the children with vibrant music.

The children normally receive a glass of fresh milk and a peanut butter sandwich when they come to the club for stories and other activities each Wednesday.

Letabo Kids Club uniform

The Waterberg Trust is supporting a ‘Back to School’ project here, which has been working well and ensures all the children are equipped for the new school year in January.

Letabo Kids ClubThe state provide schooling but require each child arrive dressed in uniform, bringing a school bag equipped with stationary. Some families battle to find the money for this.

Letabo Kids club school bag

Lethabo Kids Club help by providing one item of clothing for each child. They first ask the children’s guardians to complete a form confirming they need assistance. So far, more than eighty children have been aided but the need is ever present. Some children have lost their parents and are being brought up by grannys, aunties or older siblings.

If you would like to make a donation to this project, please click here for The Waterberg Trust Justgiving.com page labelling your gift ‘Letabo Kids Club’.

Marilyn Cook with some of the kids

Thanks to the Back-up Crew

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TWT team 2016

Riders on The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016 could never have made it –

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without the help of a gallant back-up crew who brought along food for the horses, cool drinks and the baggage. This included tables and chairs!

Back up crew

Lunch cooked in the bush was much appreciated

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as riders were hungry and the food fresh.

Lunch in the bush for tired riders

Those looking after the horses took it in turns to ride the spare horses.

Amanda

The days were long and could be hot

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but members of the support crew were able to find time to enjoy the bush and even take a dip in the Palala River

Taking a dip

One of the biggest tasks was trailing the horses home again at the end of the ride.

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We are really appreciative of this along with all the work that went into planning the ride and ensuring it was such a success. Our thanks go to the team at Ant’s Nest and Ant’s Hill as well as all those who helped at Kwalata, Lapalala Wilderness and Jembisa game reserves.

Ant Baber receiving directions

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Last Day of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride

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After six long days in the saddle, TWT riders made it back to the luxury of Jembisa lodge where they were able to kick off their boots and relax.

reaching Jembisa

The delicious food and beautiful interiors were appreciated all the more for being hard-won. Since Jembisa was sponsoring the ride it was interesting to meet the staff and learn more about the game reserve that stretches up into the hills either side of the Palala River.

Jembisa Lodge

The lodge itself was equipped with anything you would need while staying in the African bush. There was even a salt-water pool where riders could sooth aching muscles.

Pool at Jembisa

Jembisa normally offers safaris for families wanting to explore the African bush. TWT riders enthusiastically grabbed the opportunity to find out more about the Waterberg –

Jembisa

finding out about dung beetles and termite activity

Termite mound

and climbing down the rocky cliffs above the Palala River

Riders on foot

to explore sites inaccessible on horseback.

Intrepid explorers

It was under these overhanging rocks that ancient Bushman paintings were discovered,

Bushmen paintings

along with stone tools and shards of pottery used by the San or ‘People of the Eland’.

Bushman paintingJembisa have been staunch supporters of The Waterberg Trust who aid a range of projects in the region and are doing all they can to help in the battle against rhino poaching by fundraising for Save The Waterberg Rhino. If you would like to know more, please contact us using the Comments box below.

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Riding through Jembisa on Day 6 of the TWT Challenge Ride

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As the weather was relatively cool, Anthony Baber decided to ride north up to the Jembisa wetlands in the morning.

Map of Jembisa

This entailed a bit of hard exercise as we walked up a stony hill past an old Iron Age fort.

Walking uphill on Jembisa

It was worth it to reach a view point that enabled us to look down over the Palala River Valley and the way we’d come.

Sophie Neville

We saw wildebeest, zebra, impala and blesbok along with interesting birds

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and returned to the lodge where Tess Baber and Kelly of Save the Wwaterberg Rhino Trust joined us for lunch outside.

Lunch on Jembisa

That afternoon we rode fast alongside the airfield on Jembisa and along winding tracks through seringa woodland in the low evening light.

Galloping

We saw red heartebeest on our way to a view point where the staff of Jembisa had champagne waiting for us to celebrate the fact that riders had covered more than 175kms.

TWT team after 175kms

Mark, Pippa and Chris

We rode the last 5kms back under dark skies and bid farewell to our gallant horses who were trucked home, two by two.

Campfire

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Riding from Lapalala to Jembisa game reserve on Day 5 of the TWT Challenge Ride

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Visiting Lapalala Wilderness School was much appreciated by TWT Riders who could see that in four days children and their teachers are given an experience that is truly life changing.

Sophie's saddle

We drove back to find our horses that had been saddled up for us and heaved ourselves on board.

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Ant Baber led us through Lapalala, riding fast along the river and up through thick bushveldt until we stopped for break by the Palala River that cuts through the Waterberg

Ant Baber

on its way north to the Limpopo. Recent rain had swelled its capacity in the last week.

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The brave cooled off and all enjoyed a barbeque lunch in the bush.

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Here the horses had a good feed and were able to relax.

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We rode on through the reserve gates, into Louis Nel’s beautiful cattle farm

Becky Overy-Owen

before crossing onto Jembisa game reserve near Kingfisher Cottage. Here we rode past hippo and spotted vervet monkeys in the trees.

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The horses were fed at the manager’s house where there is a good garage for the tack.

Sophie Neville photo Susie Airy

The riders were driven up to Jembisa Lodge where they enjoyed deep baths and dinner on the thatched roof of the veranda. It was hugely appreciated by all.

Dinner at Jembisa

Please click here for The Waterberg Trust Facebook page

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