The return of black rhino to the Matusadona National Park on the southern shore of Lake Kariba is one of the most exciting conservation stories unfolding in Zimbabwe right now. While sightings of these newly reintroduced animals can never be guaranteed, guests staying at Changa Safari Camp and other tourism facilities in the Matusadona can now book a special Behind-the-Scenes Conservation Insights Experience offered by the Matusadona Conservation Trust (MCT).
Rather than a conventional safari activity, the Insights Experience provides the opportunity to spend time with researchers and conservationists working in Park, and gain a deeper understanding of the conservation work taking place behind the scenes.
As conservation work is always dynamic, the precise experience will depend on what is happening on the ground during your stay. This might mean meeting members of the research team, looking through recent camera-trap images, visiting the rhino and wild dog bomas or sitting with conservationists watching live thermal aerial tracking feeds as they follow the newly reintroduced rhino from afar.
Here's what happened when one of the Changa team set out for a morning to find out more about the Matusadona's Conservation Insights Experience:-
The experience begins with an early wake-up call at 05:00am, followed by a 5:30am departure from Changa. One of the advantages of setting off before sunrise is the possibility of spotting some of Matusadona’s nocturnal wildlife. We were fortunate enough to see a white-tailed mongoose as we left camp, along with a few hares scurrying through the darkness.
The drive takes approximately an hour and a half, leading to the protected area where the rhinos roam freely while being carefully monitored. Along the way we were met by Kyle from MCT’s Biodiversity Department, who guided us through the conservation experience.
We were given a fascinating insight into the relocation process, including how the rhinos initially spent four weeks in specially constructed bomas while they settled into their new surroundings.
As Matusadona Conservation Trust wants the rhinos to live as naturally and independently as possible human interaction is kept to a minimum. Instead their movement and wellbeing are monitored using state of the art drones and ankle transmitters.
In typical black rhino fashion, the animals had chosen to remain hidden within the thick bush on the morning of our visit. Although we were unable to approach them by vehicle, the drone footage allowed us to observe them without disturbing them. Kyle explained the different behaviours that the monitoring team looks for, including signs of distress or discomfort. The rhino we observed was gently moving its ears as it listened to its surroundings – a reassuring sign that it was relaxed, alert and healthy.
The rhinos are not the only animals being closely monitored. Through the drone footage, we also saw several antelope species and even African Wild Dogs. Wild dog conservation is another important MCT initiative with two packs introduced to Matusadona this year.
After an inspiring morning of conservation updates, we enjoyed a delicious packed breakfast and freshly brewed coffee beside the pan. From there, we made our way back to Changa on a leisurely game drive along the shoreline.
It was a memorable and deeply rewarding experience – one we would highly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about the extraordinary conservation work taking place in Matusadona National Park.
If you already have a booking at Changa Safari Camp (or any other tourism facility in the Matusadona National Park), ask about adding the Conservation Insights Experience to your itinerary. We recommend allowing a full morning for the experience and therefore suggest a minimum three-night stay for guests wishing to include it.