When you think of safaris, you’re probably imaging the rich golden hues of a wide-open savannah, the dust kicked up by a herd of wildebeest rumbling by, or simply the grandeur of the big 5 and their imperial wonder.

But what if you could experience the bush in a more engaging and intimate way, with more than just your eyes?

Enter the world of Sound Safaris – a unique adventure that brings our African wilderness to life by immersing you in a rich serving of soundscapes, creating a multisensory treat for the senses that will keep you coming back for more.

Led by a team of wildlife experts and sound enthusiasts, Sound Safaris are a Hoedspruit based initiative, offering an unforgettable experience that allows participants to listen to the natural world in surreal detail. 

Using specialised listening equipment, one can tune into the hidden symphony of the African bush. Whether a seasoned safari-goer or a first-time traveller from abroad, this innovative approach offers a deeply enriching way to connect with nature, providing an educationally empowering experience that titillates the senses.

Keen to find out more? Come along as we unpack the concept and introduce you to a team of passionate conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

GUIDED BY EXPERTS 

The Sound Safari is guided by none other than Casper Badenhorst, a vastly knowledgeable and passionate wildlife expert. Casper brings years of experience in birding and wildlife guiding to the fore on each tour, making him the perfect guide for this one-of-a-kind safari experience. Under his guidance, participants are encouraged to listen more deeply and understand the complex language of our bushveld.

Supporting Casper on the Sound Safari team are founders – Derek and Sarah Solomon, two individuals with an unparalleled love for wildlife sound and conservation. 

Derek, in particular, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the operation. With over 40 years’ experience in wildlife sound recording, he’s undoubtedly a pioneer in his field, with his work having taken him across Africa, lending his expertise to many a conservation effort.

As a renowned sound specialist, Derek has spent his career studying how animals communicate, especially through sounds that are often imperceptible to the human ear. His research on animal communication has not only contributed to our understanding of wildlife behaviour but also to efforts in wildlife conservation.

Last but certainly not least is Sarah, the heart and soul of the operation. Coupled with her devotion to conservation and wildlife, she brings additional depth to the safari experience, making the entire team a powerhouse of knowledge and expertise. Together, this trio tailor your senses towards unlocking the secrets of the wild.

A CLOSER LOOK AT DEREK’S LEGACY: 

With a career spanning over four decades, Derek has recorded the sounds of Africa’s most iconic species, contributing to a body of research that is crucial for wildlife conservation. His work focuses on how animals use sound to communicate over vast distances, detect predators, and establish social structures.

Having collaborated with leading wildlife researchers, conservationists, and filmmakers – His recordings have been used on various media and scientific platforms, with the aim of educating the public and establishing an awareness for our natural world.

Derek has also worked extensively with organisations focused on elephant communication, using his expertise to help monitor and understand the movements and behaviours of these incredible creatures.

THE SCIENCE OF ANIMAL SOUNDS

Sound plays a vital role in the survival of many animal species. For humans, sight often dominates how we perceive the world, but for wildlife, sound is key to communication, survival, and interaction. Animals use sound in a variety of ways—whether it’s to find a mate, locate prey, defend territory, or avoid predators.

Infrasound: Elephants use low-frequency sounds, known as infrasound, to communicate over vast distances. These sounds, which are below the range of human hearing, can travel many kilometers and are crucial for maintaining herd connections in thick bush or open savannah.

Ultrasound: On the other end of the spectrum, animals like bats and dolphins use high-frequency sounds, or ultrasound, to navigate and locate prey. These ultrasonic signals, often used in echolocation, are inaudible to humans but essential for many species’ survival.

High-Frequency Sounds: Birds are known for their vast range of vocalizations. From territorial calls to mating songs, birds use sound to communicate their presence and intentions. Birdwatchers on a Sound Safari will be thrilled to learn how to identify different species by their calls alone.

By understanding how animals use sound, you gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity and beauty of nature’s soundscape. The Sound Safari gives you the tools to not just see the bush, but to hear and interpret its hidden conversations..

A SAFARI FOR ALL THE SENSES 

The Sound Safari is a one-of-a-kind experience that is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a new way to engage with nature. Whether you’re a birdwatcher, a conservation enthusiast, or a family seeking an interactive and educational adventure, the Sound Safari has something for everyone.

For international visitors, this safari offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect with Africa in a way few have experienced before. It’s an immersive adventure that goes beyond traditional game drives and opens up a new sensory world. For locals, the Sound Safari is a fresh and exciting way to rediscover the bushveld, even for those who have explored it many times before.

WHY SOUND MATTERS TO CONSERVATION 

Beyond the immediate experience of hearing the bush in a new way, sound plays a critical role in wildlife preservation. Derek’s extensive work in sound recording has contributed to numerous efforts, helping researchers monitor species, track animal movements, and better understand wildlife behaviour.

Infrasound recordings, for example, have been crucial in studying elephant herds and monitoring their interactions over long distances. Similarly, bird calls and other high-frequency sounds have been used to track changes in ecosystems and detect environmental threats.

By joining a Sound Safari, you not only get to enjoy a unique experience but also support the ongoing research and conservation efforts led by the likes of Derek himself. The insights gained from sound can lead to better wildlife management and preservation strategies, helping to protect Africa’s incredible biodiversity for generations to come..

HOW TO JOIN A SOUND SAFARI

To book your Sound Safari experience, visit sound-safaris.com or check out more about it on visithoedspruit.com for further details.

One things for sure, this isn’t your typical game drive—it’s a sensory journey that lets you tune in to the rhythm of nature, one where you don’t just get to observe, but flow in a current of soundwaves and decibels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveller craving something fresh or just someone who’s always dreamed of experiencing the wild in a new light, this experience offers a perspective you can’t ignore.

The bush is alive, are you ready to listen?

A day never to be forgotten…

As I found myself transfixed on the silhouette of our beloved Mariepskop, perfectly contrasted against the backdrop of thick overcast clouds, my ears were alerted, to an approaching rumble that signaled intent.

As the helicopter’s blades sliced through the crisp early morning air, the bush sprang to life with an expectant energy that was substantiated by the presence of game viewers filled with people on a mission – a mission to change the fate of some rather special characters.

Visit Hoedspruit and Buya Buya Tours (our sister company) had the unique privilege of being invited to this extraordinary conservation effort, where some of our very precious rhinos were  dehorned.

Hoedspruit is a home that I’ve come to recognize not just as a safari/tourist hub but as a bastion of conservation and little did my colleague Nick and myself realise just how impactful the day would turn out to be, as we witnessed first-hand the lengths to which our community goes to protect these majestic animals.

The operation, arranged by My Africa, was both emotional and eye-opening. As I stood alongside the dedicated team — including K9 security, whose quiet vigilance ensured the safety of the respective reserve — I realized that this was more than just an effort to save a species, it was a race against time to outsmart the relentless threat of greed and poaching.

While some may feel sorrow seeing these magnificent creatures without their horns, the truth is that this act of dehorning is probably their greatest shield. It’s a deterrent, a vital step that ensures Rhinos are no longer targeted by poachers who take their lives for the very thing that we now remove to save them.

So be before I continue a heartfelt thank you to Moditlo River Lodge for inviting us to be part of this remarkable occasion. The experience was a profound reminder that our role in conservation is not just about protecting the present — it’s about preserving a future where rhinos can live free from the shadow of extinction.

Join me as we unpack the much-debated process of dehorning

DEHORNING: THE LAST RESORT IN A CRISIS  

Rhino dehorning is a decision made with great care. It’s an invasive, labour-intensive, and costly procedure, with each operation costing between R10,000 and R15,000 per rhino. Yet, despite these challenges, dehorning has become a crucial weapon in the fight for their survival.

As I stood there, witnessing the procedure unfold, it struck me just how dire the situation truly is. The poaching crisis is fueled by an insatiable black-market demand for rhino horn, which can fetch an astounding $60,000 to $100,000 per kilogram, turning these gentle giants into prime targets. 

I had always imagined a rhino’s horn as a symbol of power and majesty, yet here it was, being removed in a matter of minutes. The goal? To make these animals less attractive to poachers. It felt counterintuitive at first—why strip these creatures of their iconic horns? But as the operation progressed, I understood that this was an act of necessity, one driven by the urgent need to protect these animals from extinction.

PLAYERS IN THE FIELD: A SYMPHONY OF COLLABORATION 

A dehorning operation is an intricate ballet involving multiple players, each with a critical role. As we gathered at our rendezvous that morning, the team was a well-coordinated unit of pilots, veterinarians, anti-poaching rangers and guests. The helicopter, piloted by a local stalwart, was the first to spring into action. It lifted off to locate the rhinos, scouring the vast terrain of the reserve from above.

Once a rhino was spotted, the veterinarian, darted it with a tranquilizer from the air. This, too, was a delicate process, as the dose had to be precisely measured to immobilize the rhino without causing undue stress or harm.

Now I’m not one for being economical with the truth but watching the giant creature slowly succumb to the sedation was both emotionally unsettling and humbling. These animals, often weighing upwards of two tonnes, are brought to their knees in mere moments—but always with the utmost care and expertise.

Once the rhino was safely sedated, we moved in. One team worked to cover the animal’s eyes and ears to reduce its sensory overload, while others set about the task of getting the rhino in its proper resting position so that the horn can be removed. For this, a chainsaw is used—a tool chosen not for its brutality, but for its speed and efficiency.

The entire process was over in less than 20 minutes. The stump was filed down to ensure smooth regrowth, and a special oil was applied to prevent cracking.

What struck me most during the process was the precision and care involved. Every step was calculated to minimize the rhino’s discomfort, and the veterinarians and rangers never lost sight of the fact that they were working with a living, breathing animal. It was clear that, despite the invasive nature of dehorning, the rhino’s well-being was always the top priority.

WHY DEHORNING? A NECESSARY EVIL

In an ideal world, rhino dehorning would be unnecessary. The horns of rhinos are integral to their identity and are used for various natural behaviours like foraging and defending territory. 

Removing them changes the animal’s way of life, but when faced with the choice between a hornless rhino or their demise, the decision becomes stark. Poaching has decimated rhino populations across Africa, and in areas like Hoedspruit, it is a constant threat.

Dehorning has been proven to reduce poaching rates significantly. Poachers, often operating with ruthless efficiency, tend to avoid rhinos that have already been dehorned, knowing the payoff is much smaller. In smaller reserves, where monitoring rhino populations is more feasible, dehorning has been a successful deterrent. 

However, dehorning is not without its downsides. It is a costly endeavour, requiring repeated operations every year or two to ensure that the horn doesn’t regrow enough to become a target again​. 

Additionally, poachers don’t always leave dehorned rhinos alone. In some tragic cases, rhinos are still killed for the small stump of horn that remains, or simply out of spite. Moreover, removing the horn doesn’t entirely negate the poaching threat—it merely shifts the risk to other rhinos​. 

THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF THE EXPERIENCE  

As I stood by, watching this massive animal slowly wake from its anaesthesia, a wave of emotions came over me. On the one hand, I was heartened by the collective efforts of everyone involved, from the pilots in the sky to the rangers on the ground. But on the other hand, there was a sadness that lingered. I couldn’t help but feel that we, as humans, have driven the situation to this point—where the only way to protect these magnificent animals is to strip them of their identity.

To quote a much beloved veterinarian in Hoedspruit, “A hornless rhino is better than a dead rhino”…and its these very words that jogged my awareness to the gravitas of the situation as we packed up the equipment and headed back to base.

The rhino, though groggy, was on its feet again, and within minutes, it disappeared into the thick bush, as if nothing had happened.

HOEDSPRUIT: A CONSERVATION HUB

Beyond dehorning, Hoedspruit is home to a range of initiatives dedicated to the long-term preservation of its rhino populations.

Various organizations and private reserves frequently collaborate to provide critical veterinary care, deploy anti-poaching units, and implement monitoring systems that track rhino movements and health.

These combined efforts are further bolstered by the involvement of the local community and conservation-focused tourism. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in meaningful activities like rhino tagging and educational tours, which help raise awareness and generate funds for ongoing conservation efforts.

Through these collaborative and multifaceted approaches, Hoedspruit undeniably plays a critical role in safeguarding the future of our rhinos. The combination of proactive conservation strategies has significantly reduced the threat posed by poachers in the region. By integrating community involvement and conservation tourism, Hoedspruit has created a sustainable model that not only protects wildlife but also educates and empowers visitors and locals alike.

 A CALL TO ACTION

As I reflect on our experience, I realize that rhino dehorning is not just a conservation tool—it’s a statement to those who seek to destroy our heritage, we’ve drawn a line in the sand, nailed our colours to the mast, demonstrating the lengths we will go to protect a species we have endangered. The process may be gruelling, but it is also a testament to the resilience of both rhinos and the people who work tirelessly to save them. 

For anyone planning a trip to Hoedspruit, I urge you to take the time to learn about the conservation efforts happening here. Visit the reserves, speak with the experts, and, if possible, witness a dehorning operation for yourself. 

It’s an experience that will stay with you long after you leave, reminding you of the ongoing battle to preserve one of Africa’s most iconic animals.

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