Ranger Course – July 2024

FEEDBACK FROM A MOM

I first wanted to thank you both. Leon – this was a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for all your efforts that went into organising everything. Our rangers were amazing – they went above and beyond the call of duty to make our trip so fabulous. Thanks Marileen for coming along and joining in on the fun and being the Mother hen to corral us all .  The boys learnt so much from Kel – he is so experienced and knowledgeable and the Chris was very kind and worked so hard behind the scenes to make all our activities come together. Bayala was amazing – the food was great, staff so helpful and friendly and such a lovely low-key lodge. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

THE DEHORNING: I found it to be highly memorable. The organisers were very good – laid down all the facts, processes and rules very clearly. The vet was very informative and seemed like he genuinely cared so much for these animals.  It was so well managed.  I found the actual dehorning – very emotional. My heart was breaking for this poor creature who has to endure this process because of Humans poor behaviour. I completely support dehorning to protect them but found it hard to see the process and how much stress these poor animals have to endure. The Rhino orphanage was also so informative and inspirational how much work and time these very good people put into trying to keep these animals from extinction!

Robbie absolutely loved the trip and just yesterday he said he thinks he wants to go into conservation – so maybe it has inspired him too. He has always loved the bush but he really enjoyed seeing all the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep it all going.

Thanks again and I hope you both have a great term.

Photo taken by the head game ranger of Bayala Private Safari Lodges and guide for the learners on the Ranger Course – Kelwan Kaiser

MORE FEEDBACK FROM TEACHERS AND MOMS

“My experience of the week was amazing and to be able to experience the work done at Phinda with regards the rhinos was amazing. The whole effort to care for the preservation of the rhinos is amazing and the dehorning and rhino orphanage was such a testimony to peoples efforts in this regards. I love the bush so to be able to experience this with guides who love and appreciate wild life is wonderful. Being able to walk in the game reserve and have an experience like that is truly memorable. Staying at Bayala lodge was such a treat and the whole team there was so willing to make our stay a wonderful one.”

“I found it to be highly memorable. The organisers were very good – laid down all the facts, processes and rules very clearly. The vet was very informative and seemed like he genuinely cared so much for these animals. It was so well managed. I found the actual dehorning – very emotional. My heart was breaking for this poor creature who has to endure this process because of Humans poor behaviour. I completely support dehorning to protect them but found it hard to see the process and how much stress these poor animals have to endure. The Rhino orphanage was also so informative and inspirational how much work and time these very good people put into trying to keep these animals from extinction! My son absolutely loved the trip and just yesterday he said he thinks he wants to go into conservation – so maybe it has inspired him too. He has always loved the bush but he really enjoyed seeing all the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep it all going.”

“It was an incredible experience but full of emotion… sad to see an animal being dehorned but as a result of human impact. But an overwhelming feeling of respect for these animals and the humans whom have dedicated their lives to save and safe guard these animals. The orphanage was especially heartbreaking but again so grateful that there are dedicated people looking after these babies.”

“We absolutely loved our week in the bush. It was great to see my son out of his social comfort zone and engaging with other boys. The experience of the rhino dehorning was a sad necessary evil. That said, we are grateful to have been able to experience it. Mike was incredibly knowledgeable and provided excellent explanations on the process. He was brilliant.”