Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape is now allowing guests to participate in its conservation activities.

“Conservation is central to what we do at Lalibela,” said Marketing Director, Vernon Wait. He said conservation activities ranged from anti-poaching units to the removal of non-indigenous trees.

“Once in a while, one of the more exciting things we do is to take our larger animals in for veterinary reasons. Or, for example, sedating one of our rhinos to change the batteries in a tracking collar.”

Wait said guests would have the opportunity to experience, and even assist with, some of these activities, while making a contribution to the expenses of the activity.

He said guests would walk away from these experiences as ambassadors for the reserve and also conservation.

A few weeks ago, six guests took part in the sedation of a rhino. “The guests actually became quite emotional and it was a very moving experience for them,” said Wait.

Click here to see a video of this experience.