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Hokoyo Wildlife Trust of POA • Email: [email protected] • Website: Hokoyowildlife.org • Mobile: +27 (0) 73 338 0476 / +27 (0) 31 716 8859

www.plainsofafrica.com

TRANS KALAHARI Expedition

To the Safari Traveller, those concerned about Africa’s Wildlife & Cultural Heritage

I welcome you to explore a conservation initiative through the “Hokoyo Wildlife Trust Black Rhino Project, Botswana”. In this proposal I have briefly summarised the “Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition”.

We would like to invite you to be part of this journey of learning and help to protect these last remaining wildlife & cultural vestiges for future generations of the world. Funds raised go towards the development of a breeding sanctuary for the black rhino on Grasslands.

Yours in Conservation

Julie-Anne EdwardsFounder & Project developer - Hokoyo Wildlife TrustPlains of Africa Safaris - Licensed Professional Guide – ZW.G#26

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Rhino Sanctuary

Save the Black Rhino from Extinction! Go to www.hokoyowildlife.org

“The object of creating the ‘Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary’ was simply to try keep some rhinos safe so that they could breed. It was, and is, an exercise in security and management, not a scientific experiment.” - Anna Merz ‘Rhino at the Brink of Extinction’

How will money raised be used?:

Anna Merz – World Renowned

Rhino Conservationist

Benefit:Black Rhino populations increase Eco Tourism Jobs for peopleEducation & TrainingInspiration to humanityEnhancing moral & ethical responsibilityRhino can live wild & free

Action:Employment of caring, professional staffRhino fencingSecurity for the sanctuaryLocal staff training in rhino managementBoma constructionFood & Water for rhinosSourcing threatened rhinosDarting & TranslocationManagementBreeding/Monitoring of Rhino

Translocation of Rhino from severe poaching zones to safer

protected areas with good security

Security - Rhino Electrified Fencing

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Itinerary of Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition

BotswanaBotswana is considered to be one of the top safari destinations in Africa. Its incredible diverse and abundant wildlife is world famous and not many places on earth will one experience this true wildlife adventure. About 80% of the country is covered by Kalahari Sands. The original inhabitants some 2000 years ago were the san Bushmen, these most ancient of all people. Botswana has a rich mix of African cultures the largest tribal group being the Batswana forming about 50% of the population.

ClimateBotswana can be visited at any time of the year, summers are generally hot and winters mild with a few cold spells. Seasons: High: July 1 to October 31; Shoulder: March 1 to June 30 & November/December 1 to 31

Summary Itinerary of Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition - 2010Date: 21st April to the 8thth April 2010 - 18 night/19 DaysFlight ex Johannesburg to Maun – returnRoad transfer – ex Maun to Ghanzi returnRoad transfer – ex Maun to Moremi return 4 x nights: Grassland Lodge FB (21st & 22nd April & 4th & 5th May)12 x nights: Trans Kalahari Horse Trek, Expedition2 x nights: Santawani Lodge – Moremi, Okavango Delta

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Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition

Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition – Botswana

Start - April 2010; travelling in seriously wild desert lion country – World Renowned Rhino Conservationist Anna Merz will participate in the expedition with Julie Anne Ride for Rhino Fame and Neeltjie Bower, local Naro interpreter. 6 paying guests will have a once off experience to travel with these phenomenal people and experience first hand the Kalahari for themselves.

Objective: To raise awareness for the 7 remaining black rhino in Botswana and funds towards the development of the Black Rhino Sanctuary.

Action:To traverse a part of the Central Kalahari as the initial fundrasier for the development of the sanctuary. In 2010, Hokoyo Wildife Trust, invite 6 people to join the Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition - this will be a unique experience to travel on horseback for 12 days with an additional 4 days of luxury lodge accommodation in the Central Kalahari & 2 days in the Okavango Delta. You will visit real bushman hunting camps, eat some of their food and journey with world renowned rhino conservationist Anna Merz, be accompanied by two Naro Bushman, Julie Anne Edwards a Zimbabwe Professional Guide, one of the original Rhino Girls having cycled across Africa for the rhino, raising one million dollars for Zimbabwe’s Zambezi Valley Rhino, . Neeltjie Bower/ Degraaf, a highly experienced Botswana Professional Guide and Naro interpreter who grew up with the Bushman. This is a fundraiser for the rhino sanctuary and a once off opportunity to encounter all the Kalahari game including desert lion. Money raised will go directly towards setting up the rhino breeding sanctuary. There will be a backup support team lead by Willie & Annatjie Degraaf. Willie having lead cattle trails across the Central Kalahari - everything will be provided for the rider, but this is not a tourist trip, but a real Kalahari experience. It will be a tough adventure and rifles will be taken along in case of lion at night around the horses and camp. This expediton is not a hectic gallop across the Kalahari but more a journey of oberservation and learning, walking, easy trot mostly. However people will be expected to be able to handle themselves on their respective mounts and also be prepared to face encoutners with lions either on the trail or at night around the campfire and on the trek. Safety briefs with a plan of action for the day. The camping will be under bivvey’s, mozi nets around the campfire sleeping in canvass matressed bedrolls. The entire expedition is geared towards a “cowboy/bushman/ style set up – a cook and camp manager is being appointed, simple good food will be provided with a couple of sundowners in the evening around the campfire to make you all sleep! The team will ride as a group and travel in convoy from start to finish. Water for washing will be limited to a bowl at night for personal hygene. Toilet - will be long drop style – shovel in the bushvelt. This is not for the faint hearted and its not for the adrenelene junky heros either but a journey of learning, understanding, experiencing the Bushmen of the Kalahari and helping the Rhino project.

CONTACT:Participants is limited to 6 so those interested are to contact Julie Anne Edwards e mail : [email protected] .

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Route

Route

Day 121st April Arrive JNB International Airport Meet Julie Anne Edwards & Anna Merz

Flight ex JNB to MaunMeet Neeltjie Bower & Road Transfer ex Maun to Ganzi, BotswanaOver night: Grasslands Lodge FB – Welcome & Introduction

Day 222nd April Grasslands Lodge FB

Horse mounts & equipmentIntroduction & presentation on the rhino and sanctuary project

Day 323rd April Horse trek - Grassland to Letiahau Valley

Day 424th April 40mile pans

Day 525th April 40 mile pans

Day 6, 7, 8, 926th - 29th April Travel the cutline

Day 10, 1130th April to 1st May Tsau Hills

Day 122nd May Rooibrak Valley

Day 133rd May Rooibrak Valley – Bushman Villages

Day 144th May Grassland Lodge FB

Day 155th May Grassland Lodge FB

Day 166th May Road Transfer ex Ganzi to Maun

Road Transfer ex Maun to Moremi Game reserveOvernight lodge – Sankuyo Tshwaragano Management Trust Community Based

Organisation!SANTAWANI LODGE - Okavango Delta

Day 177th May Overnight SANTAWANI LODGE - Okavango Delta

Day 188th May Road Transfer ex Okavango Delta to Maun

Air Botswana ex Maun to Johannesburg

END OF TRANS KALAHARI EXPEDITION

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Map

Map - Trans Kalahari Rhino Expedition

‘Far in the bushveldt take a walk with the animals,

you will certainly feel you are in the Africa of old’

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Central Kalahari

Central Kalahari This is the second largest Game Reserve in the world covering an area of 52,800 sq km. The entire region consists of vast plains, ancient riverbeds and saltpans. Wildlife to be found in this area include: large herds of springbok, gemsbok, blue wildebeest, hartebeest and the largest of all antelope, the eland. The Central Kalahari is famous for its black mane lions, which can withstand and survive this harsh environment without water for several months of the year. Nature has evolved in this environment with certain instinctive adoptions. Adjacent to the reserve you will be able to interact with the Bushmen of the Kalahari They are renowned for their ancient culture and their unique ways. Bushman ancestors are the first inhabitants of the continent and Africa’s oldest people.

Game ViewingInteresting desert species, including the famous black mane lions and brown hyena. Other predators include: wild dogs, cheetah, spotted hyena and leopard. Good birding opportunities to spot those more unusual Kalahari species.

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Grasslands Safari Lodge x 4 nights

Grasslands Safari Lodge

The Safari Lodge (Central Kalahari GR, Botswana) is a little world of wonders...See a wide variety of Kalahari animals and bird species on 4WD game drives, on horseback, or simply gaze out at the numerous species attracted to our own waterhole in front of the lodge. Enjoy memorable moments in the company of the area’s endemic San bushmen. Learn how they hunt for food including meat, vegetables and nuts; make medicines; traditional dances and ceremonies; build their homes and even how they play games together. Enjoy a safe and leisurely horse ride inside our large concession, with rides lasting anywhere from one hour to three days. Learn of our rescue work with lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs in the Kalahari region’s farmlands. See first hand how rogue and orphaned animals are saved from almost certain death, before being moved to more suitable locations, thereby protecting them and conserving the future of their species. And you’ll find our eight stylish double chalets are luxurious, relaxing and comfortable.

ActivitiesAt the lodge and beyond There's never a dull moment at Grassland Lodge! Guests are free to take life at their own pace and soak up the unique atmosphere of the lodge, but you'll always find there's something different to do. Because of the lodge's unusual location, many of the activities offered are either exclusively available at Grassland or will be sufficiently different from anywhere else, to make the experience truly memorable. * Cultural actvities, with the local bush men * Predator Protection Project * Horse Riding & Horse Safaris* Game Viewing

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Moremi Game Reserve - Okavango Delta x 2 Nights

Santawani Lodge

Santawani Lodge is located in a private concession area on the very southern boundary of the famous Moremi Game Reserve (which is not fenced). The area has been used by local lodge owners for more than 30 years. It is a pristine area and abundant in wildlife and birds. They have the African Wild Dog breeding in the area and we have had Lion research professionals in the area also for many years. Very near to the lodge is the Gomoti River which is also home to an abundant variation of Mammal and bird species. Accommodation consists of thatched and brick, ensuite, twin bedded chalets that all have a view of our watering hole. The lodge has recently been upgraded and hence the facilities are still relatively new. All the rooms are spotless and well furnished. Each chalet has its own shower and toilet, and all have ceiling fans. There are a total of 6 chalets accommodating 12 people at a time.

Professional guides show you the area with great passion and pride. Half day and full day trips in the area as well as full day trips into the Moremi Game Reserve are also on offer.

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Riding Ability/ General Info

Riding AbilityA Minimum riding ability required is mastery of the basic aids, ability to post to the trot for stretches of 10 minutes at a time, to be comfortable at all paces and to be able to gallop Howeevr when confronting lion the safety brief will be to dismount and face the lions and not run. It is a great advantage if you are a fit and a proficient rider.

Type of HorseBoerpad horses from the Ghanzi district, generally have an even temperament.

Length of the RideBetween 4-6 hours in the saddle a day. This is broken by refreshment stops - picnic breakfast or lunch and a 10-minute walk for every two hours spent in the saddle. (This eases up the rider using different muscles, and helps the horse from constant pressure of the rider’s weight).

TerrainThe land is mostly flat, deep aeolian Kalahari sand deposits, which may be as deep as 150 – 200 metres. Altitude is approximately 1070 metres above sea level.

RainfallRainfall on average for the Ghanzi area is approximately 500 mm per annum, falling mainly in the months from November onwards, tailing off by April. Because of the high regional rainfall during the 2008/2009 rainy season, as well as some late rains in June (± 25 mm), the Ghanzi area was still relatively ‘green’ during late July 2003.

Soils Soils and Vegetation are described as deep, unstructured fine grained regosols. There are some clays and silts in drainage lines and calcrete deposits in fossil lake basins.

WildlifeWildlife includes: Eland, Gemsbok,Giraffe, Ostrich, Kudu, Cheetah, Springbok, Leopard, Zebra, Impala, Red Hartebeest, Wildebeest, lion, leopard and wild-dog.

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Expedition General Information

Weight limitMaximum weight is 200 lbs for a novice rider and 210 lbs for an advanced rider (15 stone or 95 kg).

SafetyThe ride will be lead by qualified professional guide. A rifle is carried on all the rides. A demonstration will be given at the beginning of the expedition with a talk on how to handle big game situations.

GuidingThe expedition ride is being lead by qualified professional guide. A keen interest is taken in birds as well as fauna & flora. TackTack is English Style

Size of the RidesMaximum of 6 guests to accompany the Trans Kalahari Expedition

ClothingSee our clothes list. Laundry can be done in camp. Light Aircraft transfers have a weight restriction of 12 - 15kg. Any extra luggage can be left with our office at Grasslands. Luggage for light Aircraft should be soft holdall type. Riding clothes should be in neutral, khaki of bush colours, no red or white if possible.

InsuranceRecommended that all guests must have adequate medical Insurance.

Information we requireDrinks preferred. Any specialised diet or allergies. Please complete our Booking Form.

IndemnityGuests will be asked to sign an indemnity prior to arriving in Africa and again with Grasslands Lodge in camp before they ride.

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Expedition Cost

Total Cost of Expedition: US$17’000.00 per person sharing basis 18 night/ 19 Day

Expedition Includes:Flights ex Johannesburg return; Road Transfer ex Maun to Ghanzi return; 4 nights Grasslands Bushman lodge, accommodation Full board, Safari Activities @ Grasslands; 2 nights Okavango Delta camp; accommodation Full board, Safari Activities; All meals & drinks on expedition; Horse mounts & tack; Services of Professional Guides; Bushman translators & trackers; Expedition Camp Manager & Support Truck; Cocktails @ sundowner time on expedition; Rhino Information & presentations; Official Expedition kit bag, bedroll, shirt, hat and signed copy of “Hokoyo, Silent Spoors & Parting Blades” by Julie Anne Edwards.

Expedition Excludes:Any other extra/ optional activities; Champagnes, cellar wines and spirits. Tips and gratuities for guides/drivers and lodge/camp staff; Airport taxes and security fees (unless mentioned specifically, taxes/fees must be paid direct at airport); international departure and arrival flights, visas and phone calls.

Benefits to Black Rhino Project:Horse Expedition is x 12 day @ US$ 1000.00 per day Total US$ 12’ 000.00 goes directly for securing and upgrading fencing for the development of the Black Rhino Sanctuary at Grasslands where the rhinos will be taken care of and breed through the support of the Hokoyo Wildlife Trust and Grasslands management team.

Daily rate: $ 895.00

Budget for Expedition:Accommodation : $ 2 800.00 Food:$ 400 Transfers: $ 750.00 . Flight Tickets: $ 530.00Equipment: expedition canvass bedroll, zipped canvass kit bag & Embroidered expedition shirt, hat & warm jacket – $ 300.00Unexpected items: i.e. Horse feed & incidentals for expedition – $ 100.00Administration: $ 100.00Hokoyo Book: $ 20.00Hokoyo Trust Black Rhino Project: 12 day on horse expedition @ $1000 per day = US$ 12 000.00

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Contact Information

Contact Information & Important Note:

Particpants will be required to be interviewed directly by Julie Anne Edwards the Founder & Co Ordinator of the expedition via SKYPEso that the logistics are well understood, as this is not a luxury tourist safari but a ground breaking fundraiser expedition to save the black rhino.

PLAINS OF AFRICA SAFARIS CC REG # 088007 / 23Contact: Julie Anne Edwards Expedition Founder / Co ordinatorE mail: [email protected] / [email protected]: +27 (0) 73 338 0476 Office: + 27 (0) 31716 8859Skype: julie.anne.edwardsPostal Address: Cluster Box 6937

Le Domaine 3626, Hillcrest Kwa Zulu Natal South Africa

Copyright: Plains of Africa Safaris 2009Copyright and database rights protection exists in this publication and all rights are reserved. This information is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain private, confidential, proprietary and/or privileged material and may be subject to confidentiality agreement(s). Any review, retransmission, dissemination or any other use of or taking of any action in reliance upon this information, by persons or entities other than the intended recipient, is prohibited, whether in whole or in part, without the prior written permission of Plains of Africa Safaris – Hokoyo Wildlife Trust.

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