ultimate.earth contributes N$3 million to equip Namibia’s frontline Rhino Rangers
In a major milestone for community-led conservation in Namibia, ultimate.earth (formerly Ultimate Safaris), through its philanthropic arm, the Conservation Travel Foundation (CTF), has invested N$ 3 million to date in equipping and supporting the Rhino Rangers who help protect Namibia’s globally significant population of free-roaming, desert-adapted black rhino, the only population of its kind anywhere in the world.
Earlier this month, the organisation deployed its 2026 consignment of Rhino Ranger uniforms and field gear to conservancies and ranger teams operating across north-western and north-eastern Namibia, continuing a long-term commitment to the people working on the frontline of conservation.
Working in close partnership with Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT), one of Namibia’s most respected conservation organisations, CTF has provided sustained support for anti-poaching operations, Rhino Ranger salaries and subsistence, critical field equipment, and broader operational needs that enable conservation teams to work effectively in some of the country’s most remote and demanding landscapes.
This support builds on one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation stories.
When SRT was established in 1982, black rhino numbers in north-western Namibia had been pushed to the brink. A census in 1986 recorded just 40 animals remaining. Through decades of dedicated monitoring, research, and community-based protection, that population has recovered into the hundreds, representing one of the continent’s most important black rhino conservation successes.
That success has been driven largely by people. Today, more than 60 Rhino Rangers across 13 communal conservancies patrol Namibia’s north-west, often on foot and in extreme desert conditions, serving as the frontline guardians of these iconic animals. Their work has helped deliver measurable conservation gains over the years, including dramatic increases in patrol coverage and rhino sightings, alongside significant reductions in poaching pressure, demonstrating the effectiveness of community-led conservation when local people are properly empowered and equipped.
Yet the work remains urgent. Despite global progress, poaching continues to threaten rhino populations worldwide, driven by persistent illegal demand for rhino horn. Protecting Namibia’s rhino therefore requires ongoing investment, not only in wildlife, but in the people protecting it.
Recognising this need, the Conservation Travel Foundation launched its Annual Conservancy Ranger Uniforms & Field Gear Programme in 2018, designed to ensure Rhino Rangers have reliable access to the essential clothing and equipment needed to operate safely and effectively in the field.
Implemented in partnership with Cymot, the programme initially supported approximately 60 Rhino Rangers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourism revenues collapsed but conservation pressures did not, ultimate.earth maintained its support, reinforcing its long-term commitment to conservation beyond tourism cycles.
As tourism recovered, the programme expanded through the introduction of the Community and Conservation Fee, enabling guests to directly contribute to conservation outcomes on the ground, supporting ultimate.earth in their endeavours.
What began as a targeted initiative has since grown into a nationwide conservation support programme.
Today, more than 130 conservation rangers across Namibia, including Rhino Rangers, Lion Rangers and Pangolin Rangers, receive annual field gear support through the initiative, helping strengthen community conservation efforts across multiple landscapes and species.
“Reliable equipment may seem like a small thing, but for rangers operating in extremely remote environments it makes a significant difference to morale, safety and operational effectiveness,” said Simson Uri-Khob, CEO of Save the Rhino Trust Namibia. “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.”
For ultimate.earth, the investment reflects a simple philosophy, that tourism should actively sustain the places, wildlife and communities on which it depends.
“Conservation cannot rely on good intentions alone, it requires long-term commitment, practical support, and partnerships that endure,” said Tristan Cowley, Managing Director of ultimate.earth. “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 globally in community-based conservation, ultimate.earth hopes this milestone will encourage greater recognition of the critical role responsible tourism can play, not just in experiencing extraordinary landscapes, but in helping protect them.
