N/a’an ku sê's plans to reintroduce rhinos along the Kwando

The N/a’an ku sê Group of Companies has taken over operations at the Lianshulu Lodge and the Susuwe Island Lodge, situated on private concessions within Namibia’s pristine conservation areas in the Zambezi Region and is planning on reintroducing rhinos to this area. With the takeover, N/a’an ku sê is set to make significant advances across Namibia's north-eastern region, N/a’an ku sê sales and marketing director, Gerhard Fourie, said in a statement. Lianshulu, the oldest lodge in the Zambezi Region, is situated in the Mudumu National Park, while Susuwe overlooks the Bwabwata National Park, where Horseshoe Bend on the Kwando River is a definite must see. Fourie said that is why their new high-end lodge on Susuwe Island will be called Horseshoe Safari Lodge.“N/a’an ku sê’s vision is to be change makers for sustainable good in Africa. We inspire positive transformation and social upliftment. We conserve and protect our environment. Our transparent and inclusive approach ensures that our innovative and responsible commercial activities benefit generations to come,” said FourieHe said that effective 1 March 2025, this initiative reinforces their commitment to preserving Namibia’s fragile ecosystems. N/a’an ku sê's managing director Dr Rudie van Vuuren said that the more time that he and his wife, Marlice spent at Lianshulu and Susuwe over the past four years, the more they came to appreciate the incredible wildlife viewing in the two parks. “However, we also became increasingly aware of the unmistakable absence of rhinos. We started talking to senior leadership at the community level about this and soon realised that this is where we believe we can make a sustainable conservation difference. This area is historically a range for rhinos”.N/a’an ku sê has applied to conduct a feasibility study in conjunction with the environment and tourism ministry on the reintroduction of rhinos to the area. Fourie said that this will shed light on whether this reintroduction is viable or not, adding that with new technology, AI, and an ever-changing conservation landscape, this might be a landmark study for rhino conservation. At N/a’an ku sê, they have always believed that research and evidence-based conservation are critical to the sustainability of any of their projects. “While significant conservation efforts are already in place, N/a’an ku sê recognises the immense responsibility of protecting the region’s wildlife and wishes to contribute in asupportive role.”Fourie said that by assisting local rangers through the police, N/a’an ku sê aims to complement existing efforts to safeguard national parks and enhance wildlife protection. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to conservation while reinforcing partnerships that benefit both nature and local communities.Beyond conservation, the operations at Lianshulu and Susuwe, they also aim to partner with the conservancy to help improve healthcare. N/a’an ku sê plans to replicate the success of its Lifeline Clinic at Pos 3 Epukiro by establishing a similar healthcare initiative in the region. With over 20 years of successful collaboration with the health ministry, this model promises to enhance healthcare access and improve community well-being. "By combining conservation efforts with community support, we aim to create a legacy of harmony between people and the environment. Our commitment to the North is not just about preserving its beauty, it is about ensuring that this incredible wilderness thrives for generations to come,” said executive director of the N/a’an ku sê Foundation, Marlice van Vuuren. The long-term vision for Lianshulu and Susuwe is to establish them as premier eco-tourism destinations and hubs for impactful conservation and humanitarian work.

N/a’an ku sê's plans to reintroduce rhinos along the Kwando

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-21

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N/a’an ku sê's plans to reintroduce rhinos along the Kwando

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-21

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