Category Archives: Nature Conservation

Day 4 of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017

March 4, 2017Africa, Charity fundraising event, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Waterberg#wildlifephotography, Ant Baber, Horseback challenge, horseriding, hot weather riding helmets, Lapalala Wilderness, long distance horse ride, Long distance riding, Macellan saddle, McClellan saddles with bumnas, photos of female kudu, riding horses in Africa, riding in Africa, riding with game, The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017Sophie Neville

We were woken by weaver birds nesting above the lodge where we spent the night at Kwalata Game Reserve deep in the Waterberg hills.

We tacked up our horses, tying rain coats behind our long-distance McClellan saddles, and left head-collars underneath our bridles so we could tie the horses up in the bush.

We set off in good spirits and rode through Kwalata into Lapalala Wilderness, a private game reserve of approximately 100,000 hectares.

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Since the Waterberg is on an intercontinental convergence zone there is a greater variety of trees and shrubs on Lapalala than in the whole of Western Europe.

There is also a great diversity of birds, reptiles and mammal species with a range of different antelope from solitary steinbuck to herds of kudu.

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The annual amount of rainfall can be pretty much the same as in London but in the Waterberg it usually only rains in the summer months with occasional downpours.

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We enjoyed blue skies all day, walking beside the horses as we followed a rocky track down the escarpement as we made our way north.

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We rode up a small river, making a number of crossings until we came across a dam where it was safe to swim.

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By this time our leader, Ant Baber needed a break. He had missed breakfast.

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We rode on up the valley, coming to a bigger dam known for its population of crocodile and hippo.

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The horses were able to take a long drink before resting for a few hours at mid-day.

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We were grateful to find table set out by the water with drinks and bowls of salad.

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The riders, who were exhausted, appreciated the chairs and needed a sleep after lunch.

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We opted to take the scenic route that afternoon, riding past herds of giraffe, impala,

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kudu and wildebeest, while vervet monkeys were spotted in the trees.

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GPS readings revealed that we covered a total of 41 kilometers on this day when we grasped just how wild the Waterberg is.

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That evening the horses ate well, appreciative of the lush summer grazing.

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Ant Baber drove the group of tired but happy riders down the valley

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for a well-earned drink

and a swim at Kolobe lodge

before gathering around the fire

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where they met up with the back-up team and members of Save The Waterberg Rhino.

The director of Lapalala Wilderness School joined us, giving a short talk on what we could expect to see the next morning.

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To keep in touch with new of The Waterberg Trust, please Like our page on Facebook.

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

February 4, 2017Charity fundraising event, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Waterbergadventure travel, Ant Baber, Ant's Nest game reserve, Anthony Baber, challenging horse ride, Events, horse safari, Horseback challenge, horseriding, hot weather riding helmets, image of roan antelope, image of wildbeest, long distance horse ride, Long distance riding, photo of wildebeeste, photographing wildlife from horseback, photos of roan antelope, photos of white rhino, riders with rhino, riding horses in Africa, riding in Africa, Riding on Ant's Nest, riding with game, Safari, Sophie Neville, TravelSophie Neville

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

Another successful TWT challenge ride

January 24, 2017Africa, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Travel, Trustees, Waterberg, Youth#wildlifephotography, adventure, Africa, Ant Baber, challenge, challenging horse ride, Horse, horse safari, Horseback challenge, horseriding, Long distance riding, photo of rider, photo of roan antelope, photo of wildebeeste, photograph of wildebeest stretching, photographs of white rhino, riding horses in Africa, riding in Africa, Riding on Ant's Nest, riding with game, Riding with rhino, riding with wildlife, Safari, Sophie Neville, South Africa, Travel, Wildlife on Ant's Nest, wildlife photographySophie Neville

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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:

-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.

-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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A fundraising talk by wildlife film producer Alastair Fothergill

December 5, 2016Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Nature Conservation, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized#wildlifephotography, behind the scenes in tv and film, behind-the-scenes, Charity fundraising, Charity fundraising event, Charity fundraising talk by Alastair Fothergill, Elfinglen trays, Fundraising event, Fundraising for the Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride, How the BBC series 'The Hunt' was made, inspirational talk, Juliet Maddan, make a difference, Making a Difference, natural history filmmaking, Nature Conservation, new techniques in wildlife filming, Save the Waterbeg Rhino, Talk on wildlife filmmaking by Alastair Fothergill, television producer, wildlife conservation, wildlife filmmaker, wildlife filmmaking, wildlife photographySophie Neville

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Multi award-winning filmmaker Alastair Fothergill, who’s produced most of the landmark natural history series presented by Sir David Attenborough, along with five feature films for DisneyNature, flew from Los Angeles to speak at our charity fundraising event in Yorkshire hosted by TWT rider Juliet Maddan and her amazing team.

sophie-neville-alastair-fothergill-and-juliet-maddan — TWT Trustee Sophie Neville with Alastair Fothergill & Juliet Maddan

Every penny raised by the talk went go straight to The Waterberg Trust who have a cost-effective way of sending it to projects in South Africa.

50% of funds raised went to Save the Waterberg Rhino and 50% went to educational projects benefiting the rural community including Lapalala Wilderness School and Lethabo Kids Club

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Sponsorship was found for the drinks reception held before the talk when TWT riders served wine and canapes

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This enabled people to meet Alastair and learn about projects in the Waterberg

caroline-gardner-with-peter-scrope-vice-lord-lieutenant — Former High Sherrif Mrs Caroline Gardner with Vice Lord Lieutenant Peter Scrope

The Yorkshire Party Company supplied delicious things to eat, while others kindly donated wine. Asygarth School gave the use of their auditorium and facilities free of charge.

canapes

Juliet Maddan saw everyone was settled in their seats

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before Alastair’s multi-media talk on his series ‘The Hunt’ made for BBC Television.

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It featured animal behaviour never before captured on film.

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We also learnt quite a bit about how the sequences were made.

A couple of questions from the audience were taken after the talk.

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A fundraising raffle run by Jolenta Henderson was drawn for a case of proseco donated by Edward Theakston, Alastair’s book, an Elfinglen tray and other lovely prizes.

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TWT rider Mairi Hunt painted two watercolours of rhino for the event, one of which is depicted on this special limited edition Elfinglen tray, now available for £100

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To buy one of these large handmade trays made in aid of The Waterberg Trust please contact Elfinglen by clicking here.

Limited edition bird trays are also for sale for £100 each

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A sculpture of a rhino with her baby by Unity Heald was sold in a secret auction.

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Very many thanks to all who supported this memorable event

that has been covered by The Northern Echo and other regional newspapers.

Here are some of the film clips Alastair showed us:

Objectives of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017

October 4, 2016Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Community projects, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Travel, Uncategorized, Waterberg, YouthCharities in the Waterberg South Africa, Charity fundraising event, Charity fundraising talk by Alastair Fothergill, combatting rhino poaching, Grassroots conservation projects in South Africa, Lapalala Wilderness School, Letabo Kids Club Leseding, Making a Difference, Nature Conservation, Save the Waterberg Rhino, Sponsored ride, Talk on wildlife filmmaking by Alastair Fothergill, The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2017, Wildlife filmmaker Alastair FothergillSophie Neville

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.

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:

Support the project on Social Media and receive news:
Share posts on The Waterberg Trust’s Facebook page, please click here
For Save The Waterberg Rhino’s Facebook page, please click here
For the Lapalala Wilderness School’s page, please click here
Find out more by clicking here: Save The Waterberg Rhino
Make a donation to The Waterberg Trust, please click here for address
Donate via The Waterberg Trust Justgiving page

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.

Visiting Lapalala Wilderness School on Day 5 of the TWT Challenge Ride 2016

April 26, 2016Africa, Community projects, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, WaterbergAfrica, Clive Walker, eco school, endangered wildlife, environmental education, Limpopo Province, Making a Difference, Nature Conservation, Rescued python, rhino skulls, South Africa, WaterbergSophie Neville

Lapalala Wilderness School

While the horses enjoyed their grazing the riders paid a visit to Lapalala Wilderness School.

Lapalala Wilderness School display

A number of rhino skulls were included in an environmental display in the lecture room.

LWS staff

We met staff working at the eco-school along with the writer and artist Clive Walker who founded the project with Dale Parker thirty years ago.

LWS meeting Clive Walker

Clive gave us an illustrated talk on the plight of the five different species of rhinoceros.

LSW Talk on Rhino

Having established Lapalala Wilderness as a rhino sanctuary, Clive also founded the Endangered Wildlife Trust, the Elephant and Rhino Foundation and Chaired a number of other conservation bodies in South Africa.

LWS Clive with riders

Riders were then introduced to one of the schools teaching assistants – a Burmese python.

LWS python

Pupils at the school never forget handling such a large reptile.

LWS pupils with python

It is a highlight of their four-day residential course when they have fun while learning about the importance of nature conservation and re-cycling. Their stay leaves a lasting impression. Some pupils take up a career working in conservation as a result.

LWS pupil

Looking around the well-established project was certainly memorable for TWT riders

LWS looking around

and we are grateful to the Director, Mr Mashudu Makhokha, for making it possible. To find out more about Lapalala Wilderness School please click here.

LWS Mashudu

Wildlife spotted on The Waterberg Challenge Ride 2016

April 9, 2016Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Travel, Uncategorized, Waterbergadventure, Africa, Baby rhino at Ant's Nest, Charity, Charity fundraising, Charity fundraising event, endangered wildlife, Fundraising event, Game viewing at Ant's Hill, Game viewing at Ant's Nest, horse safari, Horseback, Limpopo Province, Long distance riding, photo of Livingstone eland, photos of buffalo, photos of rhino calf, photos of white rhino, Riding, riding in Africa, riding with game, South Africa, Sponsored ride, Watching rhino at Ant's Nest, Waterberg, wildlife, Wildlife at Ant's Hill, wildlife conservation, Wildlife on Ant's NestSophie Neville

Buffalo by Anne Lester

Anne Lester, who came on The Waterberg Challenge Ride in South Africa this March, has just sent in some of the photographs she took of wildlife encountered on horseback.

Giraffe by Anne Lester

We rode close to giraffe, and were able to watch a group of eleven browsing.

Livingstone eland by Anne Lester

This is a breeding herd of rare Livingstone eland, the largest antelope species found in South Africa. We also spotted waterbuck, kudu, nyala, grey duiker, sable, roan, blessbok, oryx, red heartebeest and numerous herds of impala.

Riding with rhino by Anne Lester

You can see how close we were able to get to animals on Ant’s Nest game reserve, a sanctuary for white rhino. Poaching in South Africa has become such a threat that these rhinoceros have had their horns impregnated with poison so they have no market value.

Rhino cow by Anne Lester

The rhinos are accompanied by armed guards 24 hours a day. This is expensive but meant that the animals are well habituated to horses and we managed to get very close.

Baby Rhino by Anne Lester

The good news is that the rhino are breeding well and are in good condition. This calf was born two months ago after a two-year birthing interval.

Riding up to a rhino calf by Anne Lester

We are currently fund-raising for Save The Waterberg Rhino who are striving to protect this special area as well as organising community projects so that local children can learn about the importance of nature conservation and ecology. If you can help, please go to The Waterberg Trust Justgiving.com page here. We have a Facebook page here.

Riding through Ant’s Nest in the Waterberg

April 6, 2016Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Travel, Uncategorized, WaterbergAchievement, adventure, Africa, challenging horse ride, Charity, Charity fundraising, Charity fundraising event, Fundraising event, Game reserve, game viewing, horse safari, Horseback, Limpopo Province, Long distance riding, photo of baby wildebeeste, photo of rider, photo of sable antelope, photo of wildebeeste, Riding, riding with game, Safari, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sponsored ride, The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016, WaterbergSophie Neville

On the second day of The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016 we mounted our horses and rode through Ant’s Nest game reserve up to Ant’s Hill in two groups consisting of 8 or 9 riders each: the tortoises and the hares.

Ant Baber showing us the ropes

Those going on the fast ride, led my Ant Baber, found themselves cantering alongside a herd of giraffe, which was exhilarating and covered more than 11 kms in about 3 hours.

Riding up to Ant's Hill

The tortoises rode more sedately, coming across zebra, warthog and rare antelope such a herd of Livingstone eland as well as a lone sable bull:

Sable at Ant's Hill

We rode on, encountering impala, blesbok and more zebra before reaching a dam. The hares arrived hot on our tails having spent time watching the behaviour of a herd of buffalo.

Dam on ant's Hill

Some of the riders were able to take their horses in to cool off during the heat of the day.

After being treated to a delicious lunch of homemade sausages cooked out in the bush

Bush breakfast at Ant's Hill

we had coffee at Ant’s Hill where we received a talk about the Waterberg Biosphere.

Ant's Hill

As we rode out that afternoon, we saw more game including a family group of bat-earred foxes. This was very special as the guides had only seen them once before on the reserve.

We spotted quite a few wildebeeste along with their calves who, at a few moths old, almost look like a different species:

Wildebeeste calf

It was the group of tortoise riders, going at some speed, who made it to the north of the reserve first, clocking up 26.3kms and reaching the top of the escarpment, 4,500 feet above sea-level. As the horses found hay-nets waiting for them in the paddocks of an old Transvaal farm, the riders returned in a game-viewing vehicle for one last comfortable night at Ant’s Nest and packed their bags for the next two days on the move.

Tsede riding on Ant's Nest

If you would like to find out more, The Waterberg Trust have a Facebook page here. Riders are raising sponsorship for community projects in the Waterberg on Justgiving.com here

Learning about rhino conservation

March 31, 2016Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Uncategorized, Waterberganti-poaching, anti-poaching unit, Nature Conservation, photographs of white rhino, rhino, rhino charity, rhinos, Riding with rhino, save the rhino, Save the Waterbeg Rhino, Waterberg Biosphere, Waterberg Charity Ride, waterberg plateau, waterberg rhino, white rhinoSophie Neville

Learning about rhino conservation

Before The Waterberg Trust Challenge team members set off on their epic ride they received an introductory talk about conservation from Tessa Baber, chairman of Save The Waterberg Rhino who gave t-shirts to each fundraiser.

Save The Waterberg Rhino T-shirts

Meeting the white rhino was an extraordinary experience. They are accompanied by armed guards 24 hours of the day and have had their horns saturated in poison to render them worthless in an extreme measure to prevent their illegal killing.

Rhino and calf

White Rhino

Riders were given an update on the poaching situation and urgent needs for extra protection in the Waterberg, which is home to the second highest population of white rhino in the world.

Talk on Rhino While there are a number of complex issues to take on board, we all determined to do what we can to protect this iconic species.

Raising awareness

Meeting the animals themselves is an unforgettable experience being made available to hundreds of children in the Waterberg as well as those fighting for their conservation.

Sophie Neville meeting several rhino

If you would like to get involved or find out more The Waterberg Trust have a Facebook page here. Riders are raising sponsorship on Justgiving.com here

Report on the second Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016

March 24, 2016Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising event, Education, Limpopo Province, Nature Conservation, Nonprofit, South Africa, The Waterberg Trust, Travel, Uncategorized, WaterbergAchievement, activity holiday, adventure, Africa, Charity, Charity fundraising, Charity fundraising event, Community Programmes, Donate, Fundraising event, Game reserve, game viewing, horse safari, Horseback, Limpopo Province, Long distance riding, make a difference, Making a Difference, Riding, riding in Africa, riding with game, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sponsored ride, Transformed Lives, Travel news, WaterbergSophie Neville

Sophie Neville and wildebeeste

The dream of riding through the game reserves of South Africa became a reality for twelve British riders this March when they took up the challenge of raising £1,000 each for Save The Waterberg Rhino and local community projects.

Zebra by Sophie Neville

The team was made up of experienced riders

uphill

and, being led by Ant Baber,

Ant Baber

the pace was fast whenever the terrain allowed.

Cantering

The idea was to traverse 175kms of remote country

Walking uphill

while taking the opportunity to learn about rhino conservation

Sophie Neville watching rhino

and discover more about the Waterberg. For further detail and more photos of this ride, please see subsequent posts. Photographing giraffe

If you would like to get involved or find out more The Waterberg Trust have a Facebook page here. Riders are raising sponsorship on Justgiving.com here