Cyferfontein Private Reserve
During my time in South Africa, I had the opportunity to visit Cyferfontein, a privately owned wildlife refuge dedicated to conservation and education. Unlike a private tour, this visit was part of a group experience with college students, but that didn’t take away from the incredible moments I was able to capture.
Our guide was fantastic, sharing deep insights about the animals, the land, and the challenges conservationists face. One of the most sobering topics was rhino poaching—something Cyferfontein has had to deal with firsthand. Poachers killed two of their rhinos for their horns, which can sell for up to 2 million rand. It's a heartbreaking reality, with roughly 10% of rhinos falling victim to this illegal trade. Hearing this while standing in the same landscape where these majestic animals once roamed made it all feel even more real.
Despite this, the refuge remains committed to protecting wildlife, and I was grateful to witness the beauty of the land and its animals through my camera lens. At the end of our tour, the family that runs Cyferfontein hosted a dinner for all the groups, a generous and welcoming gesture that capped off an unforgettable experience.
I left with a renewed appreciation for wildlife conservation and a deep desire to go on a full safari one day. Until then, I’ll cherish the images I captured at Cyferfontein and highly recommend visiting if you ever get the chance.
I hope you enjoy the photos!
