Conservation & Rewilding
Expedition Host & Mentor
Grant Fowlds
Renowned Rhino Conservationist & Author · Project Rhino & Rewilding Africa Ambassador
Author of "Saving the Last Rhinos" and a passionate voice for African wildlife, Grant has spent over twenty-five years on the frontlines of rhino protection and community conservation across southern Africa. He bridges state park rangers, tribal chiefs, and international conservationists.
★ Expedition Mission & Wilderness Overview
Join author and Project Rhino ambassador Grant Fowlds for an extraordinary, behind-the-scenes conservation expedition into Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park — the protected sanctuary that saved the southern white rhino from the brink of extinction. Rather than an ordinary tourist safari, this journey embeds you directly with anti-poaching rangers, veterinary ecologists, and Zulu community leaders. You will experience dawn tracking on foot, inspect remote camera traps, monitor rhino calf populations, and spend evenings discussing the geopolitical and community realities of rewilding Africa.
★ Expedition Highlights
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Track white and endangered black rhinos on foot with armed conservation rangers
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Participate in non-invasive camera trap surveys and telemetry receiver tracking
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Exclusive behind-the-scenes briefing at the historic Centenary Game Capture Centre
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Dialogue with Mpukunyoni Community Trust leaders on communal land conservancies
★ Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
🏨 Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Arrival in Durban & Journey to the Rhino Heartland
Meet Grant Fowlds and your expedition team at King Shaka International Airport (Durban). Scenic transfer through the rolling KwaZulu-Natal hills into Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Check into the 50% community-owned Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Sunset welcome drinks overlooking the iMfolozi valley followed by an introductory briefing on the park’s Operation Rhino heritage.
Day 2
🏨 Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Dawn Tracking & Anti-Poaching K9 Demonstration
Early morning game drive focusing on black rhino habitat. In the afternoon, meet the Project Rhino canine anti-poaching unit for a demonstration of scent-tracking dogs used to protect park borders. Dinner discussion on community ranger employment.
Day 3
🏨 Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Foot Patrol with Armed Rangers & Telemetry Work
Embark on an extended dawn walking patrol through the iMfolozi wilderness alongside senior Ezemvelo rangers. Learn to read white rhino spoor and middens. Afternoon visit to the Centenary Centre to inspect veterinary holding facilities and understand genetic translocation.
Day 4
🏨 Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Mpukunyoni Community Engagement & Loziba Corridor
Travel to the neighboring Mpukunyoni communal lands. Meet traditional leaders and visit local schools and clinics supported by the lodge bed-night equity fund. Tour the proposed Loziba wilderness corridor connecting community land to protected reserve.
Day 5
🏨 Mpila Camp
Deep Wilderness Transition to Mpila Bush Camp
Move into the heart of the southern iMfolozi sector. Check into rustic, authentic canvas chalets at Mpila Camp. Night drive seeking leopards, hyenas, and foraging nocturnal wildlife along the Black iMfolozi River.
Day 6
🏨 Mpila Camp
Camera Trap Retrievals & Fireside Conservation Debate
Retrieve camera trap memory cards deployed across key wildlife corridors. Review predator and rhino footage with resident ecologists. Farewell boma braai under the southern stars with Grant Fowlds reflecting on Africa’s rewilding roadmap.
Day 7
🏨 Return to Durban
Final Dawn Safari & Departure
Sunrise farewell safari through the river valleys. Breakfast at camp and private return transfer to Durban airport for onward international flights.
★ Direct Community & Conservation Funding
Mandatory Impact Remittance
Where Your Expedition Investment Goes
$650 per guest directly funds Project Rhino canine units and Mpukunyoni community scout salaries. Every expenditure is accounted for transparently and shared with participants during the journey.
Verified Non-Profit Trust
Zero Intermediary Commissions
Community Co-Governed
★ Inclusions & Logistics
What’s Included
- 6 nights luxury & bush camp accommodation (Rhino Ridge & Mpila)
- All gourmet meals, bush dinners, and select regional wines/beverages
- Private hosting throughout by Grant Fowlds and senior conservation rangers
- Exclusive access to anti-poaching canine base and Centenary Centre
- Twice-daily private game drives and walking safaris
- Private air-conditioned road transfers from/to Durban
- Park fees, conservancy permits, and $650 direct Project Rhino donation
What’s Excluded
- ✗ International flights to Durban
- ✗ Personal travel insurance
- ✗ Gratuities for local guides and rangers
