Back from the Waterberg

In February 1992 I flew to the Waterberg, three hours north of Johannesburg and started writing the letters home that later became the essence of my memoir 'Ride the Wings of Morning'. 

The dream of riding through the game reserves of South Africa has not ended. This March it became a reality for twelve British riders when they took up the challenge of joining me in raising £1,000 each for Save The Waterberg Rhino and local community projects. 

The team was made up of experienced riders and was led by Ant Baber, who appears in the book.

Endless sandy tracks ensured the going was good and the pace was both fast and exhilarating.

The idea was to traverse 175kms  of remote country

while taking the opportunity to learn about rhino conservation and discover more about the Waterberg in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.

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

Author Sophie Neville riding with rhino, March 2016

Getting ready for The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016

Photo of new baby rhino by Ant Baber at Ant's Nest

We are packing our bags and making plans for The Waterberg Trust Challenge Ride 2016 , which is being organised to raise funds for Save the Waterberg Rhino along with associated community education projects, to help fight rhino poaching and teach local children about the conservation of these amazing animals at the Lapalala Wilderness School.

Over 5,000 rhino have been killed by poachers in South Africa alone. The Waterberg is home to a signification concentration of rhino, second only to Kruger National Park.

PROJECTS REQUIRING FUNDING & STRATEGIC PARTNERS:
Rhino horn treatment
Tracking devices for rhinos
Equipment, such as:
• Binoculars
• Night vision
• Thermal vision
• Hi Tech solutions
• Bullet proof vests
• Crime scene equipment
• Uniforms and kit for scouts
Anti-poaching scouts for rhino protection
Tracker Dogs
Training for Anti-Poaching UNITS
Management Courses for Rhino Owners

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP:

• Donate via The Waterberg Trust Justgiving page:

As a UK registered charity, we can claim Gift Aid on eligible donations, and organise transfer of funds to South Africa efficiently. Add a note to specify 'Save the Waterberg Rhino' with your donation.

• If you'd like to organise your own fundraising event, and learn more about the charity contact sophie@sophieneville.co.uk

• Support the project on Social Media and receive news:
• For Save The Waterberg Rhino's Facebook page, please click here.
• For The Waterberg Trust's Facebook page, please click here
• For the Lapalala Wilderness School's page, please click here

To find out about Save The Waterberg Rhino, click on the banner below: