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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.