The picturesque Assegaai Trails, a multi-faceted nature reserve situated in the heart of the Eastern Cape, between Grahamstown and Kenton-on-Sea, was the venue for Kenton-on-Sea’s annual fundraiser for rhino in 2021. The fundraiser in support of the Chipembere Rhino Foundation was hosted in collaboration with Assegaai Trails, Outdoor Focus, Rooting4Rhino along with Sunshine Coast Tourism with Kenton-on-Sea & Boesmans Tourism and Sunshine Coast Tourism Port Alfred.

It brought the annual Kenton “Rhino Run / Walk” event back to the outdoors and raised R6,563.00! Even though it did rain, everyone thoroughly enjoyed Running Wild at Assegaai amongst giraffe, zebra, impala and more. Assegaai Trails is a must for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 35km of hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, interesting rock formations, wonderful birding opportunities, the Assegaai River, and plenty of game.

“Special thanks to Chipembere’s K9, Cyrus, deployed to Kariega Game Reserve in 2018 and still an active member of the Kariega APU team and his handler, Daniel Haesslich, for flying the rhino flag. Also to the Lalibela Game Reserve APU who supported us,” says Brent Cook, founder of Chipembere Rhino Foundation.

The event was also made possible by the generous sponsors including Ray & Sheila Ridden from Assegaai Trails; Proudly Kenton Souvenirs; Vibrant Aqua; Mastertons Coffee & Tea Specialists; Ndlambe Marathon; and the Kenton & Boesmans Chamber of Business and Tourism; as well as a fantastic team of volunteers.

Kenton has been home to the annual Rhino Run since it was first held in 2013, and until 2019. In 2020, locals hosted a virtual event, raising R7,700!

This year, Kenton-on-Sea’s annual fundraiser for rhino will be held in September, the same month in which World Rhino Day is observed. Come and join us in September for this year’s annual fun walk/run! For more information, please WhatsApp Jo Wilmot on 083 3277479 or email jcwilmot@gmail.com.