The joint partnership moves white rhinos from South Africa to Tanzania
March 4, 2025
An innovative collaboration between South African Wildlife Refuge, its safari industry members and partner communities has supported the introduction of white rhinoceros from South Africa to Tanzania through a partnership with Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRT) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). The project, promoted by the Luxury Safari Company & Beyond, aims to move Southern white rhinoceros donated from the Muniwana Reserve to the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania from the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Munywana Conservancy is a collaboration between private and community landowners including Phinda Private Game Reserve, Zuka Private Game Reserve, Makhasa Community Trust and more, &Beyond Finda Private Game Reserve.
“For over 30 years, we have been actively supporting the conservation of endangered species like white rhinoceros through collaborative and often groundbreaking wildlife translocations,” says & Beyond Conservation & Community Impact Director. “We are honored to be invited by Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources to promote animal sourcing and translocation for this groundbreaking project. Initiatives like these are proven conservation strategies to ensure the survival of endangered species such as white rhinoceros, which are increasingly threatened in South Africa's historic habitats.”
The White Rhino was first reintroduced to the Finda Private Game Reserve in 1991, with 26 animals moving to the animal, the largest translocation of this species. Since then, Munywana Conservancy has played a pivotal role in a series of white Rhino projects. These include the pioneering translocation of the species into Botswana in partnership with Great Plains Conservation and Botswana Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). In 2021, Muniwana Conservancy supported the historic relocation of the white rhinoceros 30 south to Rikagera National Park. A joint effort in collaboration with the African Parks and Rwanda Development Committee. An even more groundbreaking initiative was the relocation of 16 South Whitesainos to Galamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This was accomplished in June 2023 in collaboration with parks in Africa, allowing us to plant natural nature.
Recent translocations are an important step towards the long-term goal of the Tanzanian government establishing viable and genetically diverse breeding populations of domestic species. NCAs have been identified as the ideal initial implementation area thanks to multiple factors, including habitat type and existing security measures. Translocation is one of several stages, with the ultimate goal being white rhinos donated at 36.
“We recognize that the Ngorongoro Crater is not part of the historical scope of the South White Rhinoceros, but we believe that the current project is within a conservation strategy called “colonization support” in terms of guidelines set out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).” “This occurs when species subject to pressure on natural habitats are intentionally moved and introduced into areas outside of historical scope with the view that they will ensure the survival of that species.”
Documented studies have shown that white sinus populations grow rapidly when placed in appropriate habitat, providing effective preparatory control and protection. The assessments carried out and shared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in Tanzania support Ngorongoro Crater as such a habitat. The purpose of the MNRT is to introduce southern white rhinoceros to other protected areas in Tanzania and create a breeding founding population that will function as a source group to one day introduce Southern white rhinoceros for its reintroduction into the previous historic range of Africa.
Factors considered include extensive habitat surveys of ecological requirements such as grazing capacity, appropriate water and safety. The security and management effectiveness assessment conducted showed that there was adequate capacity, resources and infrastructure to protect rhinoceros. The NCAA has a strong track record of protecting and securing the globally important population of the Black Saino, already in the region.
“Wildlife translocations always involve specific risk factors. However, the research and preparation carried out by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, working with the NCAA, keeps the professionalism of the translocation team as low as possible,” adds Wepener.
“As a member of the Muniwana Conservancy, I am particularly proud to be able to contribute to the success of conservation in other parts of Africa,” commented Tokozanimurambo, Chairman of the Mahasa Community Trust. “We are excited to have the opportunity to participate in projects that will boost both these and boost our lives in different parts of the continent, experiencing both economic and environmental benefits that could be brought about through wildlife management.”
The Munywana Conservancy served as a source of migrated rhinoceros. The animals flew to Tanzania and were released into temporary bomas or enclosures in the Ngorongoro conservation area. Here, they experience habituation before being released into new habitats. During this time the animals were accompanied by a team of translocation and veterinarian experts. Post-release monitoring and management is key to the project and provides guidance and advice, while this is carried out by the Ngorongoro Conservation Early Authority. Many rhinoceros are equipped with high-tech tracking devices, and new groups have expanded the protective measures already in place to manage black rhinoceros in craters.
“We look forward to being involved in this conservation project and looking forward to Rhino thriving in his new home,” concludes Anton Louw, Managing Director, Zuka Private Game Reserve and Chairman of Munywana.
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Founded in 1991, & Beyond strives to make our world a better place by providing exceptional guest experiences and care for the land, wildlife and people. We are custom-made tour operators in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, South America and Antarctica. It also owns and manages 29 lodges and camps across three continents, as well as a luxury expedition yacht. Along with longtime community and conservation development partner Wild Impact (formerly known as the Africa Foundation), it has positively impacted 75 communities, preserving a million acres of footprints directly. Our aligned 2030 vision is to support the conservation of the 40 million acres of major biospheres associated with it, double the impact investment in 2020, while expanding its impact through partnerships, providing discerning travelers with a rare and authentic experience of the world.
About Muniwana Reserve
Munywana Conservancy is a collaboration between private and community landowners, including the Makhasa Community Trust and Zuka Private Game Reserve, and is a protected wildlife conservation area spanning 29 866 hectares (73 800 acres). The reserve has a historic foundation. In 2007, Finda Private Game Reserve returned 9,085 hectares (22 449 acres) to its ancestral owners, Mahasa and Munkobokaj communities. The reserve also pays testimony from many successful conservation efforts and groundbreaking research that have been committed to conserving endangered species such as Rhino, Cheetah, Pangolin, Lion, and Elephant. Rhino wildlife translocations and cheetah translocations from Muniwana Conservancy continue to support new source populations of rhinoceros.
About Zuka Private Game Reserve
Zuka Private Game Reserve is the cornerstone of 10,300 hectares of primitive, protected wilderness so far. Founded in 2001 by Tara and Jessica Getty, it shines as an integrated conservation model. Zuka Private Game Reserve is a dynamic living stadium of restoration, impact and legacy. Integration of land, wildlife, oceans, ecology, regenerative agriculture and community development for the future of nature.
About the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT)
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) of the United Republic of Tanzania is responsible for the management of nature, culture and tourism resources. From a wildlife perspective, the current network of Tanzania's Wildlife Conservation Areas (PAs) consists of 14 national parks, Ngorongoro Conservation Areas (NCAs), 38 Game Reserves and 43 Game Management Areas.
About Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA)
The Ngorongoro Conservation Regional Authority (NCAA) is an established organization under the government of Tanzania and is dedicated to effective management of the Ngorongoro Conservation Region (NCA). In the Official Gazette in 1959, the region is a multi-land use system that combines both human economic development and wildlife conservation, forming part of the Serengeti ecosystem. The rich biodiversity of the five habitats of the NCA supports abundant wildlife and includes a significant population of eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis Michay).
