Black Rhino Custodianship Programme

The black rhino at Epacha Game Lodge and Spa form part of the Custodianship Programme of Namibia’s Ministry of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism.

The purpose of the Black Rhino Custodianship Programme is the conservation of one of the most endangered animals on earth – the Black Rhino.

The custodianship involves being selected by the Ministry of Wildlife, Environment and Tourism to afford a safe and suitable haven outside the Etosha National Park for the conservation of this valuable animal. This reduces possible over-populating in Etosha, thus eliminating the competition for water and food, and the risk of fights between the animals, which often results in death. 

Finding a suitable area outside the park benefits both the Ministry as well as the landowner, as ownership of the rhino remains with the Government, but the responsibility of caring for the animal is transferred to the land owner. 

To qualify for a Custodianship Programme, you need an area of land of at least 10 000 hectares in size, properly fenced in and with a vegetation suitable for rhinos. Landowners commit themselves to regularly monitor the condition of the rhino, not to interfere with the rhinos, and give regular feedback on their wellbeing to the Ministry.

During 2004, the Epacha Game Reserve took over the custodianship of 7 Black Rhino (four females and three males), and one rhino calf was born in 2005.

We greatly value this worthwhile addition to our Game Reserve.