N$3 million boost from ultimate.earth for Rhino Rangers
Namibia’s globally recognised conservation efforts have received a significant boost after ultimate.earth announced it has invested N$3 million to date in supporting the country’s Rhino Rangers through its philanthropic arm, the Conservation Travel Foundation (CTF).
The investment supports the protection of Namibia’s free-roaming, desert-adapted black rhino population -the only population of its kind in the world - and reinforces the country’s reputation as a global leader in community-based conservation.
Earlier this month, ultimate.earth, formerly Ultimate Safaris, distributed its 2026 consignment of Rhino Ranger uniforms and field gear to conservancies and ranger teams operating across north-western and north-eastern Namibia. The initiative forms part of a long-term conservation partnership aimed at strengthening frontline anti-poaching operations in some of Namibia’s most remote regions.
Working closely with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, the Conservation Travel Foundation has, over the years, provided ongoing support for Rhino Ranger salaries, subsistence, anti-poaching activities, field equipment and other operational requirements essential to conservation work in harsh desert conditions.
Decades of conservation success
When Save the Rhino Trust Namibia was established in 1982, black rhino numbers in north-western Namibia had fallen to critical levels. A census conducted in 1986 recorded just 40 animals remaining in the region. Through sustained monitoring, research and community-led protection efforts, the population has since recovered to the hundreds, making it one of Africa’s most remarkable black rhino conservation recoveries.
Today, more than 60 Rhino Rangers operating across 13 communal conservancies patrol Namibia’s north-western landscapes, often on foot and under extreme environmental conditions. Their work has contributed to increased patrol coverage, improved rhino monitoring and a significant reduction in poaching pressure over the years.
Despite these gains, conservationists warn that rhino poaching remains a persistent global threat, fuelled by illegal demand for rhino horn.
Recognising the need for long-term support, the Conservation Travel Foundation launched its Annual Conservancy Ranger Uniforms and Field Gear Programme in 2018 in partnership with Cymot. The programme initially supported about 60 Rhino Rangers and continued uninterrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the collapse in tourism revenues.
Support for efforts on the ground
As tourism recovered, the initiative expanded through the introduction of ultimate.earth’s Community and Conservation Fee, allowing guests to contribute directly to conservation efforts on the ground.
The programme has since grown beyond rhino conservation. Today, more than 130 conservation rangers across Namibia, including Rhino Rangers, Lion Rangers and Pangolin Rangers, receive annual field gear support through the initiative.
Simson Uri-Khob, CEO of Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, said reliable equipment plays a critical role in maintaining ranger morale, safety and operational effectiveness in remote field conditions.
“This long-term partnership with ultimate.earth has provided meaningful and consistent support to the Rhino Ranger Programme and demonstrates how conservation and responsible tourism can work together to deliver real impact on the ground,” he said.
Tristan Cowley, managing director of ultimate.earth, said conservation required practical and sustained partnerships. “These rangers are among Namibia’s most important conservation leaders. By investing in them, we invest directly in the future of Namibia’s wildlife and wild places.”
As Namibia continues to lead internationally in community-based conservation, ultimate.earth said it hopes the milestone investment will encourage greater recognition of the role responsible tourism can play in protecting wildlife and supporting rural communities.
