101 Reasons to visit Namibia: The African Unicorn

As a child I never believed in fairy tales. I mean all that they are is just fabrications of our imaginations. But standing here in the green and gold veldt, I suddenly believe that 
unicorns are real. Although this unicorn looks a bit different from what I would have 
imagined. They have fur-lined “lily ears, a tufted tail and they are it is wrinkled with 
attitude. With its peculiar shape, its movement carries a quiet power. I cannot help but
fall in love with Africa’s unicorn.

The African unicorn has become a very sought after species because many cultures 
believe their horns have medicinal value. On the illegal market rhino horns are sold
between $20 000 and $60 000 per kilogram making these horns more valuable than gold 
or cocaine. 

Photo credits: Janke Murray

This high demand for rhino horns has endangered these animals and approximately 7% 
of black rhinos and 5 % of white rhinos were killed between 2008 and 2025. These 
beautiful gentle giants are on the brink of extinction, but in Namibia the people refuse to 
let these animals die out! In 2010 one family decided to make a difference and try to 
save these magnificent creatures. This massive undertaking had humble beginnings. It 
started with a little boy who did a school project focused on bringing about a large-scale
White Rhino conservation initiative. This project included a breeding program to 
repopulate the country. This led to the creation of the non profit organisation, The Rhino 
Momma Project. 

The first white rhino bull and mature cow with a calf were acquired and the project took 
off. They made sure to source the best genetic diversity possible to be able repopulate
rhinos in Namibia. The sweat and hard work paid off as the first calf was born three 
years later on the reserve. Today, about 175 rhinos have been born! The increase in 
poaching made it extremely challenging and Rhino Momma Project had to set up antipoaching units and surveillance to protect their rhinos. 

Photo credits: Janke Murray

In Namibia there are two types of rhinos: the black and the white rhino. The black rhino 
is considered more endangered than the white rhino and they are government property. 
Characteristically, black rhinos are a bit more temperamental than white rhinos. Black 
rhinos have a pointy, hooked lip for browsing leaves and shrubs while the white rhino 
has a flat square lip for grazing on grass. Despite their names both rhino types have the 
same grey colour. Another interesting fact about rhinos is that once they have been 
dehorned the horn will grow back.

Visitors from all over the world, if they are lucky, will get the chance to see these African 
unicorns when touring through Namibia. But be aware how blessed you are when 
spotting these rare animals. For those animal lovers who also want to make a difference 
can even adopt a rhino!

Author: Janke Murray