• By Renthia Kaimbi

The newly-transformed the RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rangers (formerly Ride for Rhinos), is shifting its focus towards frontline defenders of the nation’s embattled wildlife.  While the rhino remains an iconic symbol of the threats facing Namibia’s wildlife, Ride for Rangers explicitly broadens its scope to honour the human element. It spotlights the rangers, game guards, trackers, and local communities who stand as the first line of defence.

These includes those individuals who patrol remote regions, monitoring and protecting not only rhinos but also elephants, giraffes, plains game, lions, and hyenas, which are all species all facing pressures in Namibia’s vast wilderness. Launched in 2015, the original Ride for Rhinos emerged as a critical voice conservation and community.

For a decade, participants embarked on gruelling multi-day mountain bike expeditions through Namibia’s rugged north-western wilderness.  Their mission was to raise vital awareness and funds specifically to aid the critically endangered desert-adapted black rhino and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.

At the launch, head of investment at RMB Namibia, Jason Shikalepo, said that protecting Namibia’s critically endangered rhinos and supporting those who safeguard wildlife is not just a noble cause.  “It is a responsibility. It is about preserving the natural heritage that is central to our identity, economy and future prosperity,” said Shikalepo.

“We are excited to launch the next chapter of this journey, the RMB & Wilderness Ride for Rangers. At RMB, we see this evolution as a natural extension of our values.  We [recognise] that community involvement, education and holistic conservation are key to long-term success.

 “Supporting these frontline heroes aligns perfectly with our mission to foster sustainable growth and resilience, not only in business but across the landscapes and communities that shape Namibia’s future.” Riders are tackling a challenging route from the Hoanib River to Wilderness’ Desert Rhino Camp in the Palmwag Concession.