Romancing the Rhino at Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve

Hey there! I thought I’d share an amazing adventure with you. It’s a story about love, adventure, and two extraordinary creatures – the rhinos. So, let’s dive in!

Picture this: I’m in the heart of Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, surrounded by breathtaking beauty and the captivating wildlife of the Southern Cape. My friend invited me to join him on this special day, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity.

As I made my way to reception, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. What wonders awaited me in this vast and enchanting place? The reserve spans across Buffalo Hills, just 12 km away from Plettenberg Bay, making it the largest of its kind in this part of the world.

It’s incredible how nature has carved out generous open plains, adorned with delicate fynbos, for all the remarkable animals that call this place home. From the striking black impala to the graceful white springbok and the majestic golden gnus, this place is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photography enthusiasts alike.

Yet, as amazing as these animals are, there was one creature that stole my heart – the rhino. These gentle giants are a symbol of strength and resilience. To witness their beauty and grace up close was a dream come true for me. It was a chance to connect with nature and appreciate its wonders.

So, armed with our fluffy rhino suits and copies of the heartwarming children’s book “Bongi’s Quest”, my friend and I set out on our quest to find these magnificent creatures. As we ventured deeper into the reserve, the air was filled with anticipation.

And then, there they were – two leathery rhinos basking in the golden sunlight. It was a sight that took my breath away. In that moment, I felt a deep connection with these creatures. They seemed to carry a wisdom and tranquility that is rarely found. It was a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting these gentle giants for future generations to cherish.

As I reflect back on this unforgettable experience, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to witness the beauty of the rhinos and the incredible wonders of Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. It was a day of love, adventure, and a celebration of the natural world.

So, my friend, if you ever find yourself seeking an extraordinary adventure, I invite you to visit the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Southern Cape and find yourself captivated by the magic of its wildlife. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

As I gaze upon these magnificent creatures, lying side by side, I am struck by their ancient, weathered appearance. Covered in a layer of mud, their wrinkled skin tells the story of their long presence on this Earth. They exude a sense of tranquility, yet there is an underlying sadness in their eyes that resonates with me. It reminds me of the harsh reality we face and the immeasurable value of these beings.

We, a group of individuals donning rhino suits, gather together and board the vehicle. Our enthusiastic “rhino ranger” introduces herself, and the initial amusement from the British tourists in our group quickly fades as James shares the heartbreaking truth about rhino poaching in South Africa. It hits me hard that they are completely unaware of this crisis. Only ten minutes into our drive, we spot the rhinos. They graciously allow us to get a closer look, and in that moment, I am captivated. Everything fades away as I lock eyes with these incredible creatures. An overwhelming desire to run towards them and embrace their magnificent rectangular faces fills my being. Tears begin to well up, and I lower my sunglasses to hide the deep emotions stirred within me. It is the juxtaposition of life and death that moves me so profoundly. Here, in the presence of these rhinos, I witness peace and serenity, and yet I cannot help but wonder how long it will last.

So, here’s the thing. Armed with this incredible book, ‘Bongi’s Quest,’ we went ahead and handed out copies to the game reserve management and the kids on our drive. We had quite the discussion about how we can get more of these books to schools in the area. I gotta tell you, ‘Bongi’s Quest’ is something special. It was written by Chris Daniel and it’s part of this awesome series called ‘African Educational Stories.’ The goal behind this book is to educate and empower our children in this amazing country of ours. If you’re curious, you can learn more about it right here.

Now, let me hit you with some numbers. As of 2012, we’ve had a whopping 116 rhinos poached. And get this – that’s not even counting the two unborn rhinos that we lost just last week. Can you believe it? That’s like one rhino being taken away from us every 14 hours. It’s mind-blowing.

If you want to learn more about this whole situation and find out what you can do to help, there are a bunch of dedicated groups and amazing individuals out there fighting this fight from every angle. You can connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, or check out the links below:

Welcome to Plettenberg Game Reserve

When it comes to experiencing the wonders of nature, Plettenberg Game Reserve is the place to be. We offer a range of accommodations that will make your stay unforgettable.

If you have any questions or need assistance with your accommodation reservations, you can contact our central reservations team. Just reach out to Steve Lailvaux at 083-636-4600 or email [email protected]

For all your activity reservations, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call at 044-535-0000/1 or 084-449-1275 to make your bookings. Our friendly staff will ensure that you have a truly remarkable experience.