Bring Villagers into a South African Reserve

A dead black Rhino laying on the ground in the Imfolozi natural park in South Africa, triggered anger, blame, and a quest for answers. The shock completely derailed our intentions to walk peacefully through nature. When an animal dies, we also die a little. Poaching felt as a systemic issue that affects all of us no matter where we live. The critically endangered black rhino's and others, are killed and their horns sent to international markets for sale.

Why does it matter: We decided to get you involved and take action. Your support will immerse nearby villagers into the Imfolozi nature park in South Africa. This experience aims to reconnect participants with their ancient lands and the animals that roam them. We will open the space for lions, elephants, rhinos, baboons, and buffalos to fill hearts and minds. A unique experience to ignite new friendships through conversation, collaboration, and a joint quest for survival.

Location: Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, located 280 km north of Durban, South Africa is the oldest proclaimed park in Africa. It consists of 960 km² (96,000 ha) of hilly topography in central Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, and is known for its rich wildlife and conservation efforts. The park is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal where all the Big Five Game occur. Due to conservation efforts, the park now has the largest population of white rhino in the world.

Who will lead: Sicelo Mbatha a South African wilderness expert and ambassador, who lives on the edge of the Imfolozi park, has been taking people into the wilderness for over 25 years. In his book the "Black Lion: Alive in the Wilderness" he accounts the heart opening journey that prompted his quest to save South Africa's wilderness, especially the black rhino.

How will the funds be used: Your support will provide a free of cost 6 day walk inside the Imfolozi state park, where Sicelo, 6 individuals and 1 local guide will go deep into the park, closer to themselves, and the group to open their hearts into the wild. A journey towards belonging, self-love, and interdependence with the animals inside Imfolozi. Sicelo aims to plant a seed of love for the wildlife heritage. A first step to bring people closer to the natural environments from where we all came from.

Who will go: Participants will be carefully selected by Sicelo based on economical need and passion for the project and its on-going efforts. Preference will be given to those living in the Zululand communities on the edge of the Imfolozi-Hluhluwe State Park.

Who are we: A group of South Africans and internationals that witnessed the violence of poaching as we encountered a stiff and bloody rhino around 5-year-olds, during a week walking immersion in the Imfolozi State Park in June 2023. Our mission is to give everyone another chance to embrace the wilderness around us and save ourselves from continuing to destroy it more.

The organisation: "Alive in the Wilderness" is a non-profit organisation based in Switzerland with operations in South Africa. Our team supports Sicelo Mbatha's work and vision to regenerate our humanity through wilderness exposure, while ending poaching and hunger in the Imfolozi region of KwaZulu-Natal. The wild may be calling you. Join us in the next wilderness trail happening in June 2024 in South Africa.

For more information go to: The wild self Trail 2024