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Verity and Dean Cherry had an African dream in 1999 and started Nhongo Safaris® to eliminate the logistical challenges of international visitors on safari. We provide a once in a lifetime experience for wildlife enthusiast that demand quality overnight safaris in South Africa and most particularly the Kruger National Park. We want to enrich our visitors’ experience by providing Luxury Safari Packages or African Safari Holidays and maintain our position as leader in Kruger Park Safaris.
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Some of Nhongo Safaris Fleet of Open Safari Vehicles
The photo shows some of our fleet of Open Safari Vehicles used while on safari in the Kruger National and Hwange National Parks. These ve...
Friday, 5 July 2013
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Rhino Poaching Update
#RhinoPoachingUpdate: The total number of rhinos poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year has increased to 461. Since the start of 2013, a total of 288 rhinos have been poached in the Kruger National Park. A total of 51 rhinos have been poached in North West, 47 in Limpopo, 41 in KwaZulu-Natal, 31 in Mpumalanga, 2 in the Eastern Cape and 1 in Gauteng.
Of the 137 alleged poachers arrested, 60 have been caught in the Kruger National Park. Five people have been charged with being receivers.
South Africa cannot continue to be held hostage by the syndicates slaughtering our rhinos, said Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa.
South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005 , 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Of the 137 alleged poachers arrested, 60 have been caught in the Kruger National Park. Five people have been charged with being receivers.
South Africa cannot continue to be held hostage by the syndicates slaughtering our rhinos, said Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa.
South Africans are urged to report incidents of poaching and tip-offs to the anonymous tip-off lines 0800 205 005 , 08600 10111 or Crime-Line on 32211.
For media queries contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Minister Edna Molewa Briefs The Media
Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Minister Edna Molewa briefs the media on cabinet approval of the Rhino Trade Proposal for consideration at CITES COP17 in 2016.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,
South Africa is a Party and founding member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a trade convention that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
The aim of the convention aligns with, and reinforces the principle of sustainable utilisation, which is enshrined in the Constitution and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act as an integral part of biodiversity conservation.
Due to sustainable utilisation and adaptive management practices, South Africa has developed and maintained a proud conservation record, and communities have contributed to the conservation of species while benefiting financially from the restoration and protection of species. Ironically, the very success of our national conservation effort which has resulted in over 73% of the worlds’ Rhino population being conserved in our country has, in turn, resulted in South Africa being targeted by international criminal Rhino poaching syndicates.
South Africa is committed to further enhance its role as a global conservation leader and strengthen its role in influencing decisions and decision making processes of CITES parties to ensure that this trade convention fulfills all its objectives.
The on-going illegal killing of rhino has highlighted the need to take action in terms of addressing demand for rhino horn. In March this year, we were part of the 2 000 delegates from 178 countries at the 16th Conference of Parties of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Thailand.
Prior to our departure to the CITES COP 16 we launched an international discussion on the future of South Africa’s rhino population, particularly the issue of legal trade in rhino horn, or not. During the COP, South Africa engaged various countries on the issue of rhino conservation, rhino security and rhino trade.
The establishment of a well-regulated international trade could assist in this regard, if implemented in conjunction with all the other interventions to curb rhino poaching.
To this end, Cabinet approved the development and submission of a proposal to the 17th conference of parties to CITES, scheduled to take place in 2016 in South Africa, to introduce regulated international trade in rhino horn. This decision is informed by recognition of the contribution of biodiversity to our country’s sustainable development imperatives. Furthermore during the 16th COP to CITES, discussions relating to a possible trade, as an integral part of South Africa’s long term conservation strategy for rhinos, were initiated.
We will have to work in partnership with stakeholders and experts to ensure a feasible model for trade is proposed at the next CoP in South Africa, with due consideration of all the views expressed by interested and affected stakeholders in rhino conservation. Our appeal is that this should not be viewed in isolation from all our endeavours to save our rhinos.
South Africa cannot continue to be held hostage by the syndicates slaughtering our rhinos. We do have the ability to make this scarce resource available without impacting on the species, through the implementation of a regulated trade system. In addition, this will assist us in further promoting the conservation of the species and growing the population in South Africa and other range States.
Our government recognizes the role of the private sector and the NGO community in the protection of this valuable heritage and commit to working together with all partners in maintaining our successful conservation history.
The total number of rhino poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year has increased to 461.
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Media,
South Africa is a Party and founding member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, a trade convention that aims to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
The aim of the convention aligns with, and reinforces the principle of sustainable utilisation, which is enshrined in the Constitution and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act as an integral part of biodiversity conservation.
Due to sustainable utilisation and adaptive management practices, South Africa has developed and maintained a proud conservation record, and communities have contributed to the conservation of species while benefiting financially from the restoration and protection of species. Ironically, the very success of our national conservation effort which has resulted in over 73% of the worlds’ Rhino population being conserved in our country has, in turn, resulted in South Africa being targeted by international criminal Rhino poaching syndicates.
South Africa is committed to further enhance its role as a global conservation leader and strengthen its role in influencing decisions and decision making processes of CITES parties to ensure that this trade convention fulfills all its objectives.
The on-going illegal killing of rhino has highlighted the need to take action in terms of addressing demand for rhino horn. In March this year, we were part of the 2 000 delegates from 178 countries at the 16th Conference of Parties of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in Thailand.
Prior to our departure to the CITES COP 16 we launched an international discussion on the future of South Africa’s rhino population, particularly the issue of legal trade in rhino horn, or not. During the COP, South Africa engaged various countries on the issue of rhino conservation, rhino security and rhino trade.
The establishment of a well-regulated international trade could assist in this regard, if implemented in conjunction with all the other interventions to curb rhino poaching.
To this end, Cabinet approved the development and submission of a proposal to the 17th conference of parties to CITES, scheduled to take place in 2016 in South Africa, to introduce regulated international trade in rhino horn. This decision is informed by recognition of the contribution of biodiversity to our country’s sustainable development imperatives. Furthermore during the 16th COP to CITES, discussions relating to a possible trade, as an integral part of South Africa’s long term conservation strategy for rhinos, were initiated.
We will have to work in partnership with stakeholders and experts to ensure a feasible model for trade is proposed at the next CoP in South Africa, with due consideration of all the views expressed by interested and affected stakeholders in rhino conservation. Our appeal is that this should not be viewed in isolation from all our endeavours to save our rhinos.
South Africa cannot continue to be held hostage by the syndicates slaughtering our rhinos. We do have the ability to make this scarce resource available without impacting on the species, through the implementation of a regulated trade system. In addition, this will assist us in further promoting the conservation of the species and growing the population in South Africa and other range States.
Our government recognizes the role of the private sector and the NGO community in the protection of this valuable heritage and commit to working together with all partners in maintaining our successful conservation history.
The total number of rhino poached in South Africa since the beginning of the year has increased to 461.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
Obama Starts Campaign For Africa
Obama launches $10 million campaign to fight wildlife poaching and trafficking in Africa.. Follow the link for the full story http://www.theverge.com/2013/7/2/4485766/obama-announces-wildlife-trafficking-poaching-initiative-africa-elephant-rhino
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Unsung Heroes In The Poaching War
By Christopher de Wet
The question that is beginning to be asked is, how much worse would the situation have been if not for the countless fund-raisers, anti-poaching initiatives and organisations that have mushroomed all over the globe in recent years in aid of rhino conservation?
A local follow-up to the first question, would be how much of the intended funds that actually are raised under the banner of anti-poaching actually make its way to the frontline and the people who need it most?
If you have to ask the senior operational manager of the SANParks Honorary Rangers Support Services, Mr John Turner, what he thinks, he would tell you in no uncertain terms that the real heroes in this regard are the personnel of Unitrans Volkswagen.
If you take into account that the honorary rangers have received over R3.7 million in only a year and a half since the inception of the Unite Against Poaching (UAP) initiative, you could understand Turners answer.
In fact, with the acquisition of R2.3 million’s worth of ranger equipment, R1.5 million for ranger training and R540 000 for Dr Cindy Harper’s RhODIS project, you could even agree with him on his answer.
The story of the single largest contribution in SANParks history started in March 2011 with discussions around a conference table at the Unitrans offices in Johannesburg.
The goal of the corporation was to make a real sustainable investment and Turners plan as to provide the support that SANParks needed in order to conduct a modern bush war against relentless rhino poachers and greedy oriental buyers.
One of the architects of the initiative, Mr Brent Wilkins, general manager of Srijdom Park VW, was under no illusion of the immense task they had set for themselves. “This is a war. And we can only control what we can control.
“For us, its a short-term investment in order to get a long-term solution,” Wilkins said.
The first contribution from UAP came as early as September 2011, less than a month after the official launch of the initiative, when it forked out nearly R300 000 for the payment of Harpers staff salaries.
It was the same woman who in 2012 discovered a ay to extract rhino DNA from severed rhino horn, which could be used to convict suspected poaches by matching horns to carcasses. In November of 2011, UAP made a payment of 1.2 million in order to fit the entire KNP ranger section with standard kits. Many more payments were made since then, aiding in clandestine ranger training, the training and acquisition of fox hounds to aid in tracking, and with the acquisition of advanced kits for rangers. The way in which it spends its funds is what is key, according to Wilkins, as all money spent is on equipment or training only and is not just banked into an account from which funds could be diverted elsewhere.
The funds raised also comes directly from the bottom line of Unitrans VW.
According to Wilkins, a sliding scale is used whenever a vehicle is purchased from the participating dealers and money from that sale goes towards the initiative. Wilkins added with the introduction of Gen Maj Jooste to the top ranks of the SANParks anti-poaching unit, the channelling of funds from UAP had also become more specific and needs orientated. Despite its contribution, the numbers of poaching incidents seem oblivious to the efforts that are placed and keep increasing – a tendency that Wilkins hopes will change in the next 18 months.
“UAP has become a worldwide brand and we have set up funds to attract foreign donations and we will expand.
“we hope to see a real reduction in poaching incidents and more arrests and convictions over the next year,” Wilkins said.
Although the numbers aren’t reflecting the work that is being done on the ground, he is adamant in his belief in an old saying that “all the world needs for evil to overcome, is for good men to do nothing”.
“This is a war where we are transforming conservationists into soldiers. UAP’s money eases this transition,” he concluded.
SANParks Times Newspaper June 2013
The question that is beginning to be asked is, how much worse would the situation have been if not for the countless fund-raisers, anti-poaching initiatives and organisations that have mushroomed all over the globe in recent years in aid of rhino conservation?
A local follow-up to the first question, would be how much of the intended funds that actually are raised under the banner of anti-poaching actually make its way to the frontline and the people who need it most?
If you have to ask the senior operational manager of the SANParks Honorary Rangers Support Services, Mr John Turner, what he thinks, he would tell you in no uncertain terms that the real heroes in this regard are the personnel of Unitrans Volkswagen.
If you take into account that the honorary rangers have received over R3.7 million in only a year and a half since the inception of the Unite Against Poaching (UAP) initiative, you could understand Turners answer.
In fact, with the acquisition of R2.3 million’s worth of ranger equipment, R1.5 million for ranger training and R540 000 for Dr Cindy Harper’s RhODIS project, you could even agree with him on his answer.
The story of the single largest contribution in SANParks history started in March 2011 with discussions around a conference table at the Unitrans offices in Johannesburg.
The goal of the corporation was to make a real sustainable investment and Turners plan as to provide the support that SANParks needed in order to conduct a modern bush war against relentless rhino poachers and greedy oriental buyers.
One of the architects of the initiative, Mr Brent Wilkins, general manager of Srijdom Park VW, was under no illusion of the immense task they had set for themselves. “This is a war. And we can only control what we can control.
“For us, its a short-term investment in order to get a long-term solution,” Wilkins said.
The first contribution from UAP came as early as September 2011, less than a month after the official launch of the initiative, when it forked out nearly R300 000 for the payment of Harpers staff salaries.
It was the same woman who in 2012 discovered a ay to extract rhino DNA from severed rhino horn, which could be used to convict suspected poaches by matching horns to carcasses. In November of 2011, UAP made a payment of 1.2 million in order to fit the entire KNP ranger section with standard kits. Many more payments were made since then, aiding in clandestine ranger training, the training and acquisition of fox hounds to aid in tracking, and with the acquisition of advanced kits for rangers. The way in which it spends its funds is what is key, according to Wilkins, as all money spent is on equipment or training only and is not just banked into an account from which funds could be diverted elsewhere.
The funds raised also comes directly from the bottom line of Unitrans VW.
According to Wilkins, a sliding scale is used whenever a vehicle is purchased from the participating dealers and money from that sale goes towards the initiative. Wilkins added with the introduction of Gen Maj Jooste to the top ranks of the SANParks anti-poaching unit, the channelling of funds from UAP had also become more specific and needs orientated. Despite its contribution, the numbers of poaching incidents seem oblivious to the efforts that are placed and keep increasing – a tendency that Wilkins hopes will change in the next 18 months.
“UAP has become a worldwide brand and we have set up funds to attract foreign donations and we will expand.
“we hope to see a real reduction in poaching incidents and more arrests and convictions over the next year,” Wilkins said.
Although the numbers aren’t reflecting the work that is being done on the ground, he is adamant in his belief in an old saying that “all the world needs for evil to overcome, is for good men to do nothing”.
“This is a war where we are transforming conservationists into soldiers. UAP’s money eases this transition,” he concluded.
SANParks Times Newspaper June 2013
Monday, 1 July 2013
Vulture, Thought Extinct, Seen In Kruger
A vulture declared regionally extinct in South Africa has reappeared in the Kruger National Park. follow the link to get the full story http://www.news24.com/Green/News/Vulture-thought-extinct-seen-in-Kruger-20130623#
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