The Hutter Conservation Safari - Part 2
How do you not only enjoy an incredible Safari - but give back with hands on conservation experiences ?
Beth Hutter, a multiple repeat safari client, and friend talks about her experience giving back to conservation, through one of our dedicated Conservation Safaris.
You can’t go on safari without hearing or experiencing the effect poaching has had on the wildlife in Africa.
So many animals are endangered or on the verge of becoming extinct that efforts to combat poaching are paramount. With that in mind, while staying at Baobab Ridge in the Klaserie Nature Reserve we had to opportunity to visit the K-9 Experience- a program highlighting the work anti-poaching teams are doing using highly trained dogs to sniff out not only poachers but to help recover ivory, rhino horns and even bullets and shell casings which help in the apprehension of poachers.
Two rangers and their 3 dogs- Anke, Vestigo and Belgo went through some of their training exercises for us- finding hidden objects scattered in tubes laid out on the ground. And every single time- Anke and Belgo found something- whether it was a piece of ivory or rhino horn, a shell casing, a bullet or even a gun clip they never failed. Then they sent Bill, Martin and our guide Cayman out to hide, gave them 15 or so minutes, then put Vestigo on their scent. It didn’t take long- and he found all three. We were very impressed!
If you’re staying anywhere near Klaserie I highly recommend setting up a visit to this experience!
Gallery images courtesy of Beth Hutter
Bill and Beth Hutter, took part in a hands on conservation experience with Martin Meyer Safaris in March 2025. They were part of the pilot program in giving back to conservation, but not from a distance. We encourage our guests to get involved - safely and experience first hand what it means to be at the forefront of conservation efforts.
You can see her full gallery on her website here : https://www.bb-photography.com
Each and every conservation safari is tailor made - not from a guest wish list, but from real life needs and requests from real people on the ground.
If you are interested in joining a conservation safari - get in touch with a journey specialist now, these conservation safaris can be booked on a private basis, or on a hop-on group departure.
