Our guide stops suddenly and whispers that he sees movement. We slowly get out of the vehicle and follow our guide on foot. Not more than 50 meters from us, he comes out of the cover of the bushes. Suddenly it’s bigger than he imagined. A whisper next to her and then there are two. Next to her comes the smaller replica of her…the rhino cow and calf stare at us, waiting.

The moment is etched in my brain. It was December 2010, a year that had left South Africa 330 short of these magnificent creatures. 2011 and 2012 turned out to be worse. At this point, rhinos are in serious danger of extinction. Poaching is no longer just a South African problem. An international Chinese market for alternative medicine is proving very lucrative as African governments struggle to keep corruption at bay.

Here in Namibia we have escaped the worst, but the recent increase in poisoned animals has alerted the authorities. Our animals are in danger and need protection. As in so many of the cruel deaths of animals, local myths and beliefs play a magnificent role. The myth that vulture brains can make one see the future (win the lottery), that rhinoceros horns have healing powers: these are a reality for many rural Africans and the only way to win this is through education from a very young age. But is it too late to fight for the right of future generations to see rhinos in the wild?

The sheer expanse of Namibia, the often inaccessible areas where rhinos are found, and the dedication of both rangers and locals are certainly factors that add to the positive side of Namibia. On the downside, we also have an alarming increase in illegal aliens in the country, people who don’t share our love for this beautiful country and its amazing animals. As long as our governments turn a deaf ear to conservationists and open their pockets for illegal money, our animals will be in danger. In the meantime, rangers, lodge owners and conservationists are doing everything they can to protect our rhinos and endangered species. In all social networks you will find references to Namibian projects: people who strive to save at any cost.

Two of these projects are the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) and the AfriCat Foundation. These projects work hand in hand with safari lodges: every time a guest books the lodge, a percentage goes towards financing the project. Of course, working with hostels also has the benefit of educating guests. Some, like Okonjima, where AfriCat is based, even have educational centers. Okonjima, located 50 km south of Otjiwarongo, takes in about 40 children a month. SRT is located in the vast 10,000 square miles of Desert Rhino Camp Reserve (A Wilderness Safaris Lodge). Here are SRT trackers to take you on foot to see rhinos. These same trackers also monitor the movement of rhinos in the reserve, keeping a close eye on poachers. Wilderness Safaris also works closely with the communities surrounding their lodges. This ensures trust and education.

Looking at the various conservation projects in Namibia and the work they do in local communities, it is clear that we have started the fight against illegal hunting long before the escalation of poaching along the South African border. Animals in Namibia have a fighting chance to survive with informed locals and international funding. The end is not in sight, but supporting a cause has never been more important than now.