Protecting Rhinos, Empowering Communities: Inside the Tsholotsho Rhino Program
In southern Hwange, Zimbabwe, something extraordinary is unfolding. Among ancient teak forests and sweeping Kalahari sands, a powerful conservation story is being written—not just for the local people, but by them.
At the heart of this movement is the Tsholotsho Community Rhino Program, a groundbreaking initiative led by Imvelo Safari Lodges and The Water4Wildlife Trust, with support from partners like Shikar Safari Club International.
This isn’t conservation as usual. It’s a living, breathing model of community empowerment, education, and coexistence.
Conservation Led by the Community
In March 2025, the program welcomed its newest recruits: 24 young men and women selected from over 500 local applicants. Among them were the first-ever female rangers in the region—trailblazers who are now leading efforts in intelligence gathering, environmental education, data analysis, and conflict resolution.
In total, over 70 local community members are employed in conservation-related roles—from patrolling and fence construction to habitat management and rhino monitoring—each one directly supporting a household of 6 to 12 people.
Land, Livelihoods & Lasting Change
The program has successfully allocated more than 3,000 hectares of communal land for rhino conservation—creating critical buffer zones between Hwange National Park and Tsholotsho villages. These zones protect both people and wildlife, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and offer opportunities for integrated grazing and wildlife tourism.
Innovative fencing—wildlife-proof and predator-safe—has made it possible for rhinos, elephants, and livestock to share these spaces under careful supervision, supporting both biodiversity and food security.
Education & Engagement
Over 90 schoolchildren from Mlevu Primary School have already visited the sanctuary to learn about rhinos up close. Many had never seen a rhino before. These visits, combined with ongoing community workshops and youth programs, are planting the seeds of long-term conservation consciousness.
Real Economic Impact
Since May 2022, the Tsholotsho program has generated more than $136,000 in direct revenue for the local community—funding school infrastructure, clean water wells, and the continued operation of Ngamo Clinic. These funds are managed and allocated by the community themselves, ensuring local needs are prioritized and met.
Why It Matters
In a world where rhinos face relentless poaching and shrinking habitat, the Tsholotsho model offers hope—a replicable vision where wildlife thrives because people do.
This is not just a rhino story. It’s a people story. It’s a future being reclaimed.
📍Travel with Purpose
At Wildscapes Travel, we believe in journeys that leave more than footprints—they leave a legacy. Join us in Zimbabwe to experience the impact firsthand. Meet the rangers, walk the land, and witness the resilience of communities rising alongside the rhino.
