Tracking White Rhino’s in Livingstone’s Mosi-oa-Tunya NP
Did you know that the only population of White Rhinoceroses in Zambia is found in Livingstone’s Mosi-oa-Tunya NP? Yes, you read it right. Of cause you should visit the mighty Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls but please put tracking White Rhino’s on your bucket list!
White Rhinos are the second largest land mammal, after the African Elephant. A male White Rhino, called bull, can weigh as much as 2.5t and can grow to 1.8m tall. Despite their weight they can run up to 40km/h. A female White Rhino can give birth after a 16-18 month long pregnancy. A single calf is born which can stay with the mother for up to 2.5 years. Calves run in front of the mother when threatened and the mother is very protective. Their horns are made of the same stuff as our fingernails. They are endangered due to poaching and loss of habitat. White Rhinos can reach up to 60 years lifespan.
White Rhinos are social and are often found in small herds. Since they are grazers they are easier to track because they prefer open areas. It can eat plants that are toxic to other animals. White Rhinos can stay without water for up to 5 days. It has a poor eyesight and relies on its sense of hearing and smell which is well developed.
The White Rhino tends to avoid the heat during the day, in which it will rest in the shade. It is therefore usually active early mornings, late afternoon and during the evening. During peaks of heat, the White rhino cools and rids itself of ‘ectoparasites’ (external parasites) by bathing in mud in shallow pools.
Come with us tracking White Rhino’s and join us on our Rhino Experience in Mosi-oa-Tunya NP. General fitness is required and a minimum age of 12 years.
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