Direct Booking

Have a hands-on approach to conservation and help play a role in preserving habitats and protecting endangered species, while embarking on some of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in the bush. These activities are subject to availability and require booking in advance.

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Rhino Dehorning

Dehorning rhinos is proving to be an effective deterrent to poachers when combined with other security measures. Rhino dehorning is an ongoing project that requires considerable resources to be successful. By donating financially or contributing in person, you can help ensure that future generations will also have the opportunity to see rhinos in the wild.

Please note: Rhino dehorning is not a scheduled activity and cannot be pre-booked. While this important conservation work is ongoing, guest participation is only possible when specific opportunities arise, often at very short notice. We appreciate your understanding that this activity is not guaranteed and may not be available during your stay, even if requested well in advance.

APNR Southern Ground-Hornbill Project

The Southern Ground-Hornbill Project has been conducting vital research and conservation work on these remarkable birds in the Greater Kruger for over 20 years. Known as the Thunderbird because of its unmistakable booming call, these large black birds are highly endangered due to habitat loss and the very slow rate at which they breed. The increase in population of Southern Ground-Hornbills in the Greater Kruger is directly attributable to the crucial research conducted by the Southern Ground-Hornbill Project.

At Royal Malewane, you can learn more about this fascinating species and join experts as they visit active nests to monitor the eggs and nestlings. You can also request an informative talk by project leaders & researchers Kyle Middleton and Carrie Hickman.

EWT Wild Dog Project

African wild dogs are amongst the most effective predators in Africa. They are also highly endangered – only 5,500 free-ranging dogs remain on the continent, according to an estimate by The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT). The Greater Kruger National Park remains a stronghold for these “painted wolves”, thanks to the dedicated work of the EWT Wild Dog Conservation Project.

Project scientists are able to follow the movements of the free-roaming wild dogs and capture vital information that promotes understanding and helps keep them safe from human-wildlife conflict.

As a Royal Malewane guest, you have the unique opportunity to meet the team and learn about these fascinating animals. You may also be able to join them in the field as they locate the pack, fit a new collar, or gather data.

This experience is subject to operational availability and circumstances; therefore pre-booking is essential.

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K9 Unit Dog Demonstration

The counter-poaching dog unit at Royal Malewane, known as Tango K9, comprises Field Rangers and highly trained detection and tracker dogs. The Rangers are trained in dog handling and have bonded with the dogs to form an extremely effective counter-poaching team.

The remarkable capabilities of the K9 Unit dogs far exceed human technology and have helped to dramatically reduce incident response times. As the reputation of the K9 Unit has spread, the number of incursions into the reserve has dropped significantly. Patrols, snare sweeps, preventative maintenance of the reserve boundaries and community education work are all helping to limit the impact of poaching.

You can book a demonstration with these incredible working dogs and their adept handlers, witness a training exercise and see how the unique relationship between dogs and handlers is proving to be a powerful force for good.

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Helicopter Patrol Flight

Viewing the reserve from above offers a unique perspective on the dedication it takes to keep the wildlife safe, showcasing the careful work behind every element of the reserve’s management. An aerial view of the Greater Kruger reveals just how closely human activity borders the wilderness, putting into perspective the ongoing challenge of balancing conservation with agriculture. It highlights the responsibility of ensuring that both communities and wildlife can coexist sustainably.

You will fly in a small helicopter alongside a bush pilot and our reserve representative, joining either a rhino monitoring patrol (tracking specific rhinos or identifying the areas they frequent to guide forward planning) or participate in a visibility patrol, flying along reserve boundaries and vulnerable areas to maintain a strong protective presence.

This experience is subject to operational availability and circumstances, therefore pre-booking is essential.

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