Direct Booking

Book directly with us.

Guest Enquiry

Not ready to book just yet? Submit an enquiry and our team will be in touch within 24 hours.

Anti-Poaching Dog Unit

Royal Malewane

Foundation

Guardians of the Bush

Tango K9 is an anti-poaching dog unit which is at the forefront of curbing the detrimental effects of poaching in the Greater Kruger National Park.

The remarkable capabilities of Tango K9 – a team of passionate rangers, multi-purpose dogs and dedicated trailing dogs – far exceed what technology can deliver when it comes to the detection, apprehension and tracking of poachers on the ground.

The dedicated trailing dogs are experts in following human scent while the multi-purpose dogs are perfect all-rounders who specialise in handler protection, suspect apprehension and the detection of various forms of contraband. Tango K9’s counter-poaching operations also include anti-poaching patrols, snare sweeps, preventative maintenance of the reserve boundaries and community education.

Hachiko

Hachiko is a small-to-medium Spaniel whose nature is very much like his namesake. He is incredibly loyal and while he enjoys being around people he is has a strong sense of self. He can detect narcotics on the hint of a lowveld breeze (using his superior olfactory receptors) and is a very successful and much-loved member of the K9 anti-poaching crew.

Luna

Luna, short for “Lunatic,” is a whirlwind. She is always keen to work and loves a bit of attention. When the unit heads out, Luna makes sure she greets every team member, and then goes off to do what she does best – detection and tracking in the dense bushveld. She’s that one dog you want on your team.

Duke

Also known as Ntwadumela, meaning “he who greets with fire”, Duke is the stalwart of the unit. This Dutch Shepherd joined the K9 Unit as an eight-week-old recruit and was trained in-house by his dedicated handler. He is very regal in his demeanour and incredibly good at what he does. As a specialist in night tracking, when the sun sets, Duke is ready and waiting. You wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of this K9 force for good.

Khala

Khala is the “little princess” of the group, and she knows it. She seemingly looks down with disdain on everything and everybody that comes anywhere near the unit. Attitude aside, she is an excellent tracker. As a purebred Bloodhound, her sense of smell is next-level – fittingly, the name Khala comes from iKhala in isiZulu, meaning “nose”.

Bandit

Bandit is a little storm in a teacup. His nose runs at a million miles an hour, and his mind needs a moment to catch up with what’s going on around him. At times, it can seem like his tail is faster than his brain! His silky coat and soft brown eyes mask a formidable detection specialist in a class of his own.

Mina

Mina is undoubtedly the Queen B of this crew. She rules with an iron fist (paw) and keeps everybody in line, human or canine. A little aloof at times, Mina is utterly focused when it counts. Her speciality is combination tracking at night, alongside strong and silent Duke, making them one of the most effective pairs in the unit.

Help Us Make A Difference

Tango K9 is a non-profit conservation organisation that relies on our guests’ valuable patronage and their interest in the broader impact of tourism and conservation in Africa. After witnessing our magnificent wildlife and visiting our conservation projects, many guests generously contribute vital funds and as such we have compiled a wish list. To view this wish list and for more information, please contact trpfoundation@trp.travel

Our wish list includes items such as: a 4×4 vehicle, GPS Dog collar tracking device & remote, dog control collar & remote, recon binoculars (10 x 42), tactical night vision equipment and trail cameras just to name a few.

Lodge Menu

Explore more Foundation projects

The Cape Leopard Trust

La Residence

As the name suggests, the Cape Leopard Trust is a South African conservation charity protecting leopards (the last remaining Big 5 predator in the Western Cape) and raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity through research, conservation action, and community education.

Read More

Leliebloem House

The Silo Hotel

For the past 35 years, this child and youth care centre has been close to the Biden family’s hearts, and today The Royal Portfolio Foundation plays an invaluable role in supporting Leliebloem House as it protects and shapes young lives.

Read More

Wes-Eind Primary School

La Residence

Expanding the school’s sporting, educational and extra-curricular programmes, as well as maintaining facilities and infrastructure, means local families can be proud of this well-equipped primary school helping children flourish.

Read More

Pack For A Purpose

Royal Malewane

Pack for a Purpose enables guests to give back by bringing much-needed supplies for communities in need near our properties. A little spare luggage space can create lasting change in the lives of local children and families.

Read More

Langutelani Early Childhood Development Centre

Royal Malewane

Nurturing our local community at the Langutelani Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre – providing nutritious meals, quality childcare, ECD training and enhanced learning facilities for children aged six months to five years.

Read More

Conservation Research Projects

Royal Malewane

We recognise that effective conservation requires collaboration. Through partnerships with leading conservation organisations, we actively support critical research and protection projects – from habitat monitoring and population studies to ecosystem restoration.

Read More

Friends Of Child Protection

Royal Malewane

In the aftermath of traumatic experiences, young victims need immediate care and reassurance. Friends of Child Protection provides essential support and comfort to vulnerable children during their most difficult hours.

Read More

Rhino Conservation

Royal Malewane

Without majestic animals such as the rhino, Royal Malewane would not be able to offer the experience it does today. It is essential that we do our part in promoting conservation and protecting the environment.

Read More

Sigagule Early Childhood Development Centre

Royal Malewane

The Royal Portfolio Foundation has helped transform Sigagule crèche into a dedicated ECD centre because we believe in the power of education to change lives in our communities.

Read More

Sihlekisi Primary School

Royal Malewane

Upgrading essential school infrastructure and enhancing educational resources at this much-loved community school, while fostering environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

Read More

Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Birkenhead House

Birkenhead House sits majestically on Hermanus’ stunning coastline. As custodians of this pristine marine sanctuary, we are proud to partner with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust to contribute to vital marine conservation and research efforts.

Read More

The South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)

The Silo Hotel

We proudly support SANCCOB’s mission to protect South Africa’s seabirds through rescue, rehabilitation and release programs. This vital organisation has treated nearly 100,000 seabirds and reared thousands of endangered African penguin chicks.

Read More

Friends Of Child Protection

La Residence

In the aftermath of traumatic experiences, young victims need immediate care and reassurance. Friends of Child Protection provides essential support and comfort to vulnerable children during their most difficult hours.

Read More

Pack For A Purpose

La Residence

Pack for a Purpose enables guests to give back by bringing much-needed supplies for communities in need near our properties. A little spare luggage space can create lasting change in the lives of local children and families.

Read More

The Avela Foundation

La Residence

We lend our support to the Avela Children’s Foundation and its various programmes. Avela transforms the lives of young burn survivors by providing expert medical care, cutting-edge technology, and emotional support that brings comfort and hope to their recovery journey.

Read More

Atlantic Hope

The Silo Hotel

A safe haven for vulnerable infants, providing loving nurturing care, medical support, nutrition, healthcare services, and emotional comfort at the start of their journey through life.

Read More

Masibulele Early Childhood Development Centre

Birkenhead House

Community engagement through direct action is at the centre of all that we do. The team at Birkenhead House is actively involved in a school feeding scheme at Masibulele ECD, ensuring that children are well fed.

Read More

The Cape Leopard Trust

La Residence

As the name suggests, the Cape Leopard Trust is a South African conservation charity protecting leopards (the last remaining Big 5 predator in the Western Cape) and raising awareness of the importance of biodiversity through research, conservation action, and community education.

Read More

Leliebloem House

The Silo Hotel

For the past 35 years, this child and youth care centre has been close to the Biden family’s hearts, and today The Royal Portfolio Foundation plays an invaluable role in supporting Leliebloem House as it protects and shapes young lives.

Read More

Wes-Eind Primary School

La Residence

Expanding the school’s sporting, educational and extra-curricular programmes, as well as maintaining facilities and infrastructure, means local families can be proud of this well-equipped primary school helping children flourish.

Read More

Pack For A Purpose

Royal Malewane

Pack for a Purpose enables guests to give back by bringing much-needed supplies for communities in need near our properties. A little spare luggage space can create lasting change in the lives of local children and families.

Read More

Langutelani Early Childhood Development Centre

Royal Malewane

Nurturing our local community at the Langutelani Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre – providing nutritious meals, quality childcare, ECD training and enhanced learning facilities for children aged six months to five years.

Read More

Conservation Research Projects

Royal Malewane

We recognise that effective conservation requires collaboration. Through partnerships with leading conservation organisations, we actively support critical research and protection projects – from habitat monitoring and population studies to ecosystem restoration.

Read More