Part II in a four part blog about the poaching of Thandi and Themba at Kariega Game Reserve, of the people closest to them, and of their path to recovery and struggle in the fight against poaching. Written by local journalist, Lauren Flynn.

This story is about the poaching of three rhinos at Kariega, but it is also a story about the people on the ground and their involvement in the treatment of these animals and their part in the desperate fight against poaching. The story has been broken up into four parts which we will be sharing with you over the next few days.

Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape South Africa recently had a very fun and unique guest to visit - Freek from a Dutch children's TV programme called 'Freek in het Wild' - a very upbeat documentary style show for kids exploring the wonders of nature and interesting wild animals.

Jacques de Klerk is a great local photographer who is also doing his Masters in Environmental Management - assessing species diversity in areas of black wattle and in cleared areas. While Jacques once worked as the Kariega Conservation Volunteers Co-ordinator from 2008-2010, he now spends part of his time on Kariega Game Reserve researching for his thesis.

Kariega guest Emanuela Caligiuri recently spent two days on safari at Kariega Game Reserve South Africa, and shared with us some amazing photos of a wide range of big game animals such as giraffe, lion, elephant, black and white rhino, buffalo, antelope, zebra, hippo, tortoise and more.

Children of all ages are welcome at Kariega Game Reserve Main Lodge and a midday programme is available on request from your ranger which includes exciting and educational activities such as guided trails, tracking, learning about survival skills and more. Recently the Van der Naedt family joined us at Main Lodge and sent us this lovely review of their children's experience and their time as a family at the reserve. Thank you for sharing Yvonne and the Von Tol family!

Damian and Chantell from Port Elizabeth recently celebrated their special day at Kariega Game Reserve with 70 guests. The wedding ceremony was held in the veld followed by a reception at Main Lodge.

Kariega Game Reserve South Africa is lucky to have two tidal estuaries that run through the reserve. The Kariega and Bushman's River attract some incredible birdlife. Whether you are an avid birder, or looking for something special on your African safari you can enjoy the Kariega river cruises, spend time on safari finding and identifying birds with a skilled ranger (on foot or in an open 4x4 safari vehicle), or take a short boat trip to the Kenton-on-Sea to see birds of the coast.

Sissel Alfredsen recently visited us at Kariega Game Reserve South Africa, from Norway and left us a great review and some lovely pictures. Thank you for your support Sissel and we hope to see you back at the reserve in the future!