… at Elatia Rhino Sanctuary

During my time in Africa, I’ve been fortunate enough to encounter rhinos many times. These animals are absolute icons of Africa, and spending any amount of time with them is a privilege. During my guiding training in South Africa, I tracked and observed wild rhinos several times on foot. In the vast majority of those sightings, I saw a flash of a horn, a dark, stocky shape, or a bulky rump hidden through dense bushes. A visit to the Elatia Rhino Sanctuary allowed me to see these majestic animals like never before.

After a forty-minute drive from Mara Siria Camp, I was greeted by Opiyo, one of ten dedicated rangers who care for the seven white rhinos at the sanctuary. He joined me in the car, and together we drove into the sanctuary, slowly circling the 30-hectare area. While on the move, Opiyo explained how the rhinos are brought here at a young age and stay until they reach adolescence before being transferred to another facility.

Twenty minutes later, Opiyo spotted four rhinos seeking refuge from the heat of the day under some dense, tall bushes. He let out a long, high-pitched whistle, and the rhinos responded immediately, lumbering out of the shade and into the open. It was the closest and clearest view I had ever had of rhinos. We were so close that I could see the individual indentations in their skin, almost scale-like—a wonderful sight for any wildlife lover.

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We followed the rhinos, watching them from the car. At first, although far more relaxed than any of the wild rhinos in the Mara, they were still slightly wary of our presence. Opiyo explained that they are always like this but if you stay with them, after a few minutes, they relax. We stayed with them, occasionally starting the car engine to catch up to them as they used the bushes for cover, feeling safer hidden in the foliage.

Eventually, they ventured out into a clearing, more at ease with our presence, although still keeping watchful eyes on us. Opiyo said it was okay for me to get out and approach them on foot. I have always believed that viewing wildlife on foot is superior to viewing from a vehicle. Being face to face with animals, with no barriers between you and them, allows you to observe them at their own level and appreciate them in all their glory. This was a unique chance to get face-to-face with one of Africa’s most endangered species, and I wasn’t going to miss it.

It has been widely reported that rhinos have very poor eyesight, relying on superb senses of smell and hearing. Indeed, they may not have the best vision but can still see better than perceived at distances of 50 meters or less. I dropped slowly from the car, careful not to make any sudden movements that might spook the rhinos, and began my careful approach. It was an exhilarating feeling, seeing an animal of which I had previously caught only glimpses, now out in the open. Viewing them at their level, and not from the comfort of a vehicle, allowed me to appreciate the beauty of one of the most endangered species in Africa.