And this is in a part of Africa where the majestic wild elephants, rhino, leopard, cheetah, etc. once roamed freely. These animals can now only be seen in limited numbers in protected reserves.

Our goal is to give the orphans the survival skills needed, which they would have learned from their parents, so that they can return to the wild when the time comes.

Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park isn’t big enough to establish a full orphanage, but in the mean time, a section of the reserve could be used to set up a provisional Wildlife Orphanage, in order to start rescuing young orphaned animals. The idea would be to join forces with our neighbours and local communities to create the space needed that is big enough to create the final version of the Wildlife Orphanage.

please click on the picture to see an enlarged copy

Not only could we care for orphaned wildlife babies, the orphanage would also be a great source of work, and therefore income, for the local communities, because we wildlife keepers, guards, instructors, cooks, etc. would be needed.

Increasing the awareness within local communities of the necessity of conservation will addressed by giving instruction at schools, teaching courses, and training youngsters to become animal caretakers.

Naturally, sponsors would have (limited) access to the grounds, so that they could see what we’re doing and how we’re taking care of the young orphans.

The idea is to start with minimal provisions, which could be relocated to the definite site when it’s available. To give you an idea what is needed, below is a list of the minimal requirements for starting an orphanage:

• 5 large stables
• 5 medium sized stables
• 5 small stables
• Wirecages / transport crates
• Living accomodation, office space, storage spaces for the food, milk powder, medicines and a kitchen to prepare the food and meds in
• living accomodation for 2/3 keepers
• 1 truck
• 1 4×4 vehicle
• wages for 2/3 keepers incl. meals and workclothes
• building a stockade around the compound to keep the animals safe and prevent them from wandering of. This way they can move around freely under the supervision of the keepers.
  We would need 2 – 3 bomas where they could be quiet and undisturbed
• Administration and general running costs e.g. computer with an internet connection, veterinary costs, medicines, rental costs of a rescue plane (where necessary), cost of a rescue team, maintenance cars/ buildings /diesel / etc.

You can make a donation by credit card (through Paypal*) to Suni-Ridge Org. ZA in one of these 14 currencies below. Please click on the Donate Now button underneath your chosen currency.

* As yet, South African bank accounts are unable to receive payments via Paypal. So Victoria and Marcel Koning from Tours and Tales in The Netherlands, have set up this facility on our behalf. They will transfer all donations directly into our account on a regular basis, together with a full report of all donations.

You will be taken to a Paypal page, where you can enter the amount that you would like to donate to Suni-Ridge. If your currency does not appear here, please select a currency that you are familiar with, so that you know how much you’re donating.

GBP British Pounds	USD U.S. Dollars
EUR Euros	CAD Canadian Dollars
DKK Danish Kroner	AUD Australian Dollars
HUF Hungarian Forint	NZD New Zealand Dollars
NOK Norwegian Kroner	HKD Hong Kong Dollars
SEK Swedish Kronor	SGD Singapore Dollars
CHF Swiss Francs	JPY Japanese Yen

Tip: please check with your bank for the latest exchanges rates. You can also consult currency converter websites, like xe.com, to get an idea.

Why sponsor Suni-Ridge?

We are making a direct, positive difference in the lives of the local Zulu communities, and to the wildlife in and around Suni-Ridge. We are preserving and increasing the awareness of the natural heritage of this magnificent area.

Please join us if you or your business/organisation supports the following:

• Preservation of nature and wildlife
• Preservation of cultural heritage
• Protection of biodiversity and the environment
• Alleviation of poverty
• Teaching people sustainable methods of farming
• Teaching people sustainable methods of water management
• Increasing the awareness of the environment and natural heritage

Our Bed & Breakfast accommodation is private and cosy, with two cottages to choose from. Guests are welcome to dine at Leopard Walk Lodge’s restaurant.

Our guests can normally enjoy a relatively close encounter with the wildlife. Trips to nearby “Big-Five” wildlife reserves can also be arranged.

We look forward to welcoming you! 
 
Thanks to our policy of protecting our wildlife (and not using them as a resource), the wild animals are relaxed for game viewing.

Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park Environmental Rehabilitation Centrehas been certified by CACH to be non-hunting and ethical in its treatment of its animals.

Visitors to Suni-Ridge can enjoy viewing nyala (previously endangered), grey duiker, warthog, reedbuck, genet cat, serval, African wildcat, monkeys (the previous land owner used to shoot them on sight) and bush babies. Leopards are even spotted from time to time.

Other species that have been reintroduced to the area (on recommendation of the Kwa Zulu Natal Parks Board authority) are impala, wildebeest and zebra.

Watch this video of Marcel and Victoria Koning enjoying breakfast at Leopard Walk Lodge, and a brief glimpse of the activities available in and around our Lodge.

Before we bought and protected the land, an informal illegal market was operating at Suni-Ridge for the sale of animals poached by the cruel method of snaring. Hunting is now taboo and strictly prohibitied! The animals seem to know that they are safe and are relaxed for game viewing.

Accommodation at Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park

Guests are welcome to extend their game viewing and enjoy delicious South African cuisine, served during meals at the lounge and dining facility overlooking the waterhole, where animals can be observed when they come to drink.

Dine overlooking a waterhole at Leopard Walk Lodge

Leopard Walk Lodge has two cottages to choose from:

Buffalo Thorn Cottage: this well appointed “Out of Africa” cottage, has 4 separate rooms each with a bathroom ensuite. It is shaded by a giant, 100 years old Buffalo Thorn tree with a setting that has an outlook across the plains of the wildlife reserve.

Secrets of the Forest: enjoy being at one with nature with views of the secrets of the forest, in a glass walled honeymoon suite which brings the outdoors in. Is there a more wonderful way to start (renew) your marriage, than by relaxing in an outdoor jacuzzi while interacting with the wildlife of a forest canopy?

Apart from enjoying the wildlife that we have to offer, guests can also enjoy a variety of game drives in the area, which of course can be arranged, to nearby reserves like Hluwluwe, Umfolozi, False Bay Park, Mkuzi Game Reserve or Phinda Reserve.

Cultural Activities

We work closely with our local communities and have established a local primary school. From time to time, some guests are invited to spend time with these people in an informal, authentic manner. It is normally considered to be a very inspiring experience.

Visitors to Ilala Weavers can experience the soul of Africa and its people through their handcraft. Exquisitely crafted beadwork, hand-woven baskets and clothing are an expression of the Zulu communities. Purchasing these goods provides direct support to the communities.

A zebra mare and her foal at Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park

There are millions of people around the world who don’t have access to basic amenities, such as clean water, sanitation facilities, food and education.

This SCHOOL Campaign invites schools and school children from developed countries around the world to donate to the Zulu children at False Bay School, South Africa.

© Austin Julian Mitchev is the inspiration behind the Suni-Ridge SCHOOL Campaign.

When we first moved to Suni-Ridge, one of our main priorities was to establish a primary school for the under-priviledged children in the local communities. False Bay School is a wonderful success and provides basic education to pupils, many of whom are HIV/AIDS orphans.

Most of these children are extremely poor, and don’t have access to food, clean water or other basic amenities. Many don’t even own a pair of shoes to walk to school in.

If children from the developed world donated just $1 / £1 / €1, it would make a huge difference to the children at False Bay School.

This campaign has been inspired by Austin Julian Mitchev, the son of one of our guests at Leopard Walk Lodge.

As a 5th grader at the Colleen Bevis Elementary School in Lithia, Florida (USA), Austin got an A+ for his essay entitled, “What Happens in the World“.

Please join us in supporting the children at False Bay School?

“What Happens in the World” by Austin Julian Mitchev (dated 10-26-2007)

In the world many people are homeless, ill, and dying. If you don’t know why you should help then it’s time for you to get going.

Everyday over 20,000 people die from starvation, disease, war and other life injustices. Some people think it’s not important to help out, but they are very wrong. Everybody needs to help out and donate their time, money and talent to other people who are not as fortunate as us. For example, UNICEF raises money to provide necessities for children to live a good life. It’s so important to help out because everybody in the world should have a good life that they can enjoy. Most people in America have good stable lives, but unlike most of us in America other people in the world would do anything for basic things like an education, nutritious food, clean water, and good health.

Many organizations around the world try to make a difference in the world. But I don’t think they should be the only ones helping out. I think I can make a difference in this world, by helping my aunt with food production for the needy in South Africa. Also, there are many people living on the side of the road. So I can help out by bringing food, blankets, and other necessities that they would need to survive. But also, I think, there are ways for other kids to help out. One way other kids can help out, is by raising money, to help buy blankets and warm clothes for the cold winter months for the unfortunate homeless people. These staple essentials we take for granted everyday is what they need for survival on the streets daily.

In my opinion, I think no one in the world knows everything that’s going on, so why not help out and make sure nothing horrible happens to people in the future. Even though for some people charity begins in different countries, for me -> charity must begin at home and every little bit counts.

By supporting our ECO-AMBASSADOR Campaign, you are encouraging the leaders of tomorrow to protect their natural and cultural heritage.

The 5-day course is based at Suni-Ridge Wildlife Sanctuary, and strives to achieve the following:

• The children are led to an all-encompassing understanding of Humanitarianism (Ubuntu)
• They are inspired to be proud of their inner capabilities and to know that they can excel in their ambitions and dreams
• They learn that human life is intricately bound with the environment, and that all life forms are to be respected and managed wisely
• These young leaders are encouraged to conserve their culture

The following topics and activities are included in the five day course:

Our duty to manage the environment – discussions, assessments of the main concerns. Animals have feelings! The learner gains a better understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms. This awareness encourages a love for all life forms. Compassionate decision making is encouraged regarding the wise management of the environment by focusing on:

• Leadership qualities and humanatariasm
• Sustainable land use
• Wise management of resources
• Prevention of air pollution/acid rain
• Water shortages and droughts – wetlands (focus on False Bay World Heritage Site)
• Protection of water quality and use of correct sanitation
• Species fauna and flora – interpretation/protection of biodiversity
• The galaxy
• Environment and culture
• Home food gardens to provide food security
• The effect of all of this ultimately on man’s quality of life on earth.

A broad variety of subjects is investigated with the learners that include:

Humanitarianism – the introduction to Humanatariasm investigates the differences that historical and present day leaders have made to the world, such as Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Jane Goodall, Florence Nightingale, St. Francis. It also investigates findings by modern day scientists who are discovering more about how the world was created.

Music and dance – building self confidence and relaxation

Art in the environment – group work, sketches/drawings, literary essay: “What becoming a young environment ambassador means to us!”

Excursion to False Bay and hike at the lake – the learner experiences the World Natural Heritage Site and interprets the concepts of wetlands and forests identified during the field lecture

Excursion to “Big Five” Hluhluwe Game Reserve – in an open wildlife drive vehicle, learners view elephant, rhino, giraffe and other large mammals (often for the first time)

Excursion to croc center – interpretation of crocodiles

Field work – tracking animals; understanding more about their interrelationships. The learner gains a better understanding of the interconnectedness of all life forms, by focusing on the animals encountered

Water & the World Natural Heritage Site, False Bay, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park – where and what it is of importance to our region (environmentally and financially); eco-tourism; basic ecology of the wetlands – learners gain an understanding of the international, national, regional and local value of wetlands, with a focus on our own World Natural Heritage Site

Forests and trees – Sand Forest; unique endangered habitat; red data species – learners gain an understanding of the value of international, national and local forests, False Bay’ sand forest and gain a general knowledge of red data species and at least 4 locally occurring species

Live snake demonstration, interpretation, the importance of snakes – basic first aid for snake bites, learners gain an understanding of identifying snakes and why they are important for the environment

Campfire activities – leadership, self confidence, singing (create a Course song), observing the stars/galaxy, quiet moments to hear nature sounds, cultural ecology

Basic First Aid – the role of a leader in an emergency, and basic first aid procedures

Healthy living – health and healthy living, soil, water, sanitation

Food security – 80% of South Africa’s children are hungry; organic home gardens; poisons in the environment; working with nature permaculture leading your family towards food security and what can be done; field demonstration of home gardening/food security principles; fertile soil (field demonstration) and the role of the earthworm

Handling pets and other animals – prevention of cruelty to animals

Alien plants – field identification and methods of eradication

Birds in the environment

Bats in the environment – more than 22 species at Suni-Ridge

Environmental school club -identifying options for environmental action at school, such as:

• Improve environment – prevent litter; beautify the area with fruit trees, medicinal plants, shrubs and indigenous trees;
• Outreach into community opportunities; Junior Town council
• Communication – name of club, international communication and local communication with other eco-schools and environmental center; school and community conservation magazine; computerised conservation communication and contacts; school website to be developed
• Eco – school project – steps to be taken to obtain internationally recognized eco-school green flag. Actions defined.
• Eco-Tourism & career opportunities – the economical importance and career opportunities; learners gain an understanding of the international, national, regional and local value of Eco-Tourism; learn about career opportunities
• Eco-tourism – identifying school and community projects; identifying opportunities for the school and community; define projects and actions to be taken

Summation of Course – definition of and commitment to actions that need to be taken

We need your assistance to educate and inspire these young leaders to encourage sustainable living practices in their communities.

It has been well documented that during the past 15 years, the population of large numbers of mammals outside of parks and game reserves has decreased dramatically.

Illegal hunting, the bushmeat trade, expansion of agriculture and urban settlements are the main causes of this trend.

Our aim is to provide a safe haven where wildlife is protected from being utilised as a resource for the meat trade, hunting or breeding.

Instead of using wild animals to pay for their own protection, we’re offering sponsor links in the right menu. We don’t subscribe to the widely adopted “Sustainable Use Policy” - if you feel the same way about this, please sponsor the Khola Campaign (you can read more about this policy).

Desnaring and Poaching Prevention

Suni-Ridge is situated in one of the most beautiful, and also one of the most diverse environmentally significant, areas of South Africa. Development has been limited in this vast and wide region and there are still large areas of natural vegetation and wildlife habitat.

The lack of development however has meant that there is sadly a great incidence of poverty in the rural community. Many people still live in their traditional ways in natural areas that are not formally protected and also in areas that surround protected wildlife reserves.

With poverty, hunger often prevails. This places a great strain on the wildlife as the wild animals are seen as a source of meat or even money, if the meat can be sold.

We have been lobbying the South African Government to establish an anti-poaching unit in the area surrounding the World Natural Heritage Site.

Many wild animals still exist in these buffer zone areas, such as the area where Suni-Ridge is situated, but the government’s response is, “It remains largely the responsibility of land owners to protect their wildlife.” (see Sustainable Use Policy)

Reserves like Suni-Ridge face daily challenges to ensure that wildlife is protected and not cruelly snared/poached.

What local government can and can’t do

The law in South Africa empowers the Police to investigate poaching and animal abuse but unfortunately this is not always successful as they are often understaffed and unable to deal effectively with this crime.
The provincial conservation bodies are empowered to act against poaching in the province, but it if occurs outside their own reserves, only where protected species are involved.

The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is also able to assist with investigation and conviction of the perpetrators, but this organisation does not operate in our remote area.

According to the Sustainable Use Policy it remains largely the responsibility of land owners to protect the wildlife in their area, and this is very costly.

• One of the large wildlife reserves in the area spends over R1,000,000.00 per year … just on poaching control!
• We’re using advertising on our Home page to cover these costs, thereby providing a bona fide reserve for wild animals.
• If you share our beliefs, please support us by sponsoring an ad on the Khola Campaign?

Wildlife Protection Unit

3 pairs of guards patrol the area in and surrounding Suni-Ridge, with each pair working 8 to 12-hour shifts on a rotational basis. Two-way radios, uniforms, boots and rain coats need to be supplied on an annual basis.

Ideally, the scouts/guards should have accommodation on the property. Their duties include keeping watch for the wildlife in and surrounding Suni-Ridge, removing snares and alerting us as quickly as possible to threats and dangers.

This unit should also provide assistance with education in much the same way that the public is educated about preventing and avoiding crime.

Ethical Tourism Practices

Unlike other South African wildlife reserves, Suni-Ridge does not utilise wildlife as a resource. So far, the cost of providing protection for the wildlife in / around Suni-Ridge has been met through our personal resources and income from Leopard Walk Lodge.

On average, other reserves earn 80% of their revenue by utilising their wildlife as a resource (see the Sustainable Use Policy). This is a cruel exercise as wildlife families are displaced, mothers are often separated from young and beautiful animals in their prime are targeted to be hung as trophies on some hunter’s wall!

We don’t believe that selling/breeding wild animals for hunting purposes or the meat market is ethical, and this goes against the principle of a wildlife reserve. In order to meet the costs for increasing the effectiveness of our Wildlife Protection Unit, we’re offering an advertising sponshorship called the Khola Campaign.

People, businesses and organisations who share our philosophy are able to advertise their websites on our Home page, by sponsoring an ad for the Khola Campaign.

Suni-Ridge Sand Forest Park Environmental Rehabilitation Centre has been certified by CACH to be non-hunting and ethical in its treatment of its animals. Read what this certification means.

We are very grateful to our Khola sponsors who also believe in providing a true bona fide preserve for wildlife.