Tembe was our final park in the OLLI Frontier Rhino Ride 2017...
2000kms on a mountainbike in a month for Rhino Conservation
the last park before the final stretch via Kosi Bay to
plant our banner “Close the borders” at the Mozambique border.
The cycle to Ithala Game Reserve (Ezemvelo) had been particularly challenging with predominantly dirt roads so Wayne used one of his rest days to break the cycle from Ithala to Jozini Dam en route to Tembe Elephant Park and cycled part of the route a day earlier which turned out to be a very wise move. The following day took him up the 6km long pass overlooking the Dam past Digs Pascoe’s “Space for Elephants” and a further 20kms past the dam before returning to the Jozini Tyger Lodge where we were able to relax in our kindly sponsored accommodation and enjoy a spectacular view of Jozini Dam. Olli caused quite a stir in the small town with many locals crowding around him for selfies while we were replenishing our supplies and he was parked casually in the parking lot.
“There’s a huge need for people to work together and we are finding that there
is more and more synergy and people getting together and doing things.
United in looking after… elephants and rhinos
which are an important part of our heritage.
We will win this war!”
Digs Pascoe – Space for Elephants Foundation
The following day was a shorter 60km stretch to Tembe but the road was fairly flat and downhill towards the coast. It was quite busy and potentially dangerous so Wayne had to be very vigilant. Interestingly enough during this kind of experience his sense of hearing became incredibly heightened as he would have to anticipate vehicles approaching from behind especially when roads were in more rural areas without much of a shoulder to accommodate cyclists.
Our reception at Tembe Elephant Park was exceptionally warm and inviting.
Tembe’s Conservation Manager, Richard Schütte, along with Tourism Manager, Tom Mahamba, and the Tembe Team made us feel right at home.
“Together as a unit we shall protect and preserve our heritage.
Let us save what we have before it’s too late.
We will fight to the bitter end. We will win!”
Richard Schütte
Tembe Elephant Park / Ezemvelo Conservation Manager
It was great to catch up with old friends like Tembe’s District Ecologist, Catheriné Hanekom,
a fellow KZN SANParks Honorary Ranger from many years before.
“Rhinos epitoomise “conservation” and everyone’s efforts to protect all biodiversity,
even the smallest creatures which make up our amazing planet –
Thank you for your dedication.”
Catheriné Hanekom
