An alarming 1215 rhinos were poached in 2014, and 49 rhinos have fallen victim since the beginning of 2015. These are disturbing statistics, and clearly our wildlife is in immense danger. We are not, however, powerless. We can do something to fight this senseless massacre!
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), has partnered with Mount Sheba (http://www.mountsheba.co.za), Project Rhino KZN (www.projectrhino.org ), Forest Adventures, and Cadence Cycling (www.cadencecycling.co.za) to bring you the Hope For The Horn Cycling Challenge. We invite you to harnesh your passion for cycling, and your connections with friends, family and business colleagues to raise financial support and awareness for the plight of the rhino.
A one day 234km ride, the Hope For The Horn begins at Mt. Sheba and ends at HESC @ Kapama Game Reserve. The ride travels through Pilgrims Rest, Sabie, and endless kilometres of forest. Grant Fowlds from Rhino Art pulled out all the stops, with special permissions from land owners and forestries throughout the route. Dennis Lawrie from Forest Adentures also helped to scout the route. This is a one of a kind ride, with beautiful scenery and wildlife (with the last sector travelling through Kapama, a Big 5 Game Reserve).
Participants may arrive on Friday 27 March and stay overnight at the 4 Star Mount Sheba. On Saturday morning, 28 March, pack the support vehicles and start an epic journey to HESC @ Kapama Game Reserve.
On arrival at HESC in the afternoon, dinner and drinks will be served. Grant (Rhino Art) also has a surprise event up his sleeve! On Sunday 30th March, participants will depart for home or stay on should they choose. Accommodation at both Mt. Sheba and HESC will be greatly discounted for this event (see the base of this post for further information). All proceeds from the Hope For The Horn MTB Challenge will go towards Project Rhino and the affiliates it supports.
Add link to Project Rhino site.
If you would like to participate in this cycling challenge, send your enquiry to info@cadencecycling.co.za. You can also encourage your work colleagues, family and friends to pledge an amount. All direct deposits to the Project Rhino account and company donations receive Section 18A.
What is Section 18A? What does this mean?
Each cyclist needs to cover their own full logistic and accommodation expenses. You would be in for 2 nights accommodation, your transport and food, but would walk away with an incredible experience under your belt, together with the knowledge of having played a critical part in the worthwhile campaign.
For those who would like to make a direct payment, please find the banking details for Project Rhino below. Please email your proof of deposit to Sheelagh at info@projectrhinokzn.org to that we may keep track of payments and keep accurate records.
Project Rhino
Bank: Nedbank
Account Name: ACT Rhino Fund
Account No: 1008662976
Reference: KAPAMA Rhino Ride
Branch: Musgrave Centre, South Africa
Branch code: 130126
Important information:
- Should the weather conditions not be ideal (such as forecast rain), approximately 30km may be cut off from the ride (to be decided the night prior to the event).
- Company donations will receive a section 18A tax exemption certificate:AFRICAN CONSERVATION TRUST:
Charity Trust Registration Number: IT 2174/00
Non-Profit Organisation Number: 030-243
SARS Public Benefit Organisation No: 930014758 (Section 18A tax exemption status)
- Accommodation at Mt. Sheba: 27 March 2015 R815 per person per night singleR680 per person per night sharing
R604 per person sharing in a Family Suite
* All rates include dinner, but no breakfast considering the really early departure time of 2am.
- Accommodation at HESC: 28 March 2015 Nungu Huts: R550 per person sharing/ R650 per person single, including breakfast. Maximum capacity = 12 peopleTents: R550 per person sharing/ R650 per person single (Waiting for final numbers), including breakfast.
Sebeka: R650 per person sharing/ R750 per person single, including breakfast. Maximum capacity = 6 people
Khula’s Cottage: R750 per person sharing / R850 per person single, including breakfast. Maximum capacity = 6 people
For something a little more deluxe:
Camp Jabulani: R3500.00 per person per night sharing, fully inclusive. Maximum capacity = 12 people