A ground-breaking conservation victory for Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and a new game drive to support the efforts
September 22, 2026: This World Rhino Day, Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Hotel, set in the lush Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve in Zimbabwe, is celebrating a historic conservation achievement: the arrival of the first white rhinos, in addition to the black rhinos in the reserve.
Now home to both species, the reserve stands as one of the only places in Victoria Falls where guests can experience this in the wild. This achievement highlights the success of the reserve’s Intensive Protection Zone (IPZ), established in 2006, which provides a secure and thriving environment for these critical populations.
This translocation was conducted alongside the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority and Lake Kyle Recreational Park, directly supporting Zimbabwe’s National Rhino Strategy in Zimbabwe.
"Protecting rhinos goes far beyond safeguarding a particular species, it is about preserving entire ecosystems for generations to come," said Laurie Burr, Area General Manager, Minor Hotels Zimbabwe & Zambia.
Reserve Manager, Picket Chabwedzeka says, “Welcoming white rhinos alongside our black rhinos is a dream come true for our team and a huge victory for Zimbabwean conservation. Having both species in Victoria Falls isn't just a historic milestone, it’s evidence that dedicated protection works, and we are proud to give our guests a direct opportunity to help secure their future."
In addition, Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Hotel has launched a new Rhino Guardian Game Drive in support of conservation. The private game drive experience brings guests closer to the vital conservation work protecting Zimbabwe’s endangered rhinos in the reserve where the property is situated.
Hosted by the Reserve Manager, the three-to four-hour experience offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the work taking place within Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Guests track rhinos within the IPZ before meeting the reserve’s Anti-Poaching Unit for a private briefing.
The experience concludes with a bush sundowner. Guests also receive a special gift as a souvenir of their time on the reserve and their contribution.
Priced at USD $600 per person, the experience is offered to 2-6 guests only and includes a guide and a private vehicle. Pre-booking is essential and is subject to availability.
The launch highlights the vital role of Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve in protecting Zimbabwe’s remaining black and white rhino populations. Every Rhino Guardian Game Drive channels USD $340 per person to reserve management, funding practical conservation work, including fence maintenance, snare removal, and vlei clearing (a seasonal wetland providing vital breeding grounds for wildlife). The funds also support anti-poaching scout operations, training, and uniforms for the team protecting the reserve around the clock.
The Rhino Guardian Game Drive offers guests a unique encounter with rhinos, giraffe and other wildlife protected in the reserve, while also providing a personal connection to the anti-poaching rangers behind the scenes. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to their work in Zimbabwe and participate in an experience that leaves a legacy.
Nestled within 11,120 acres protected wilderness in the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Hotel, with 16 suites, has long offered a rare combination of safari adventure and intimate luxury just minutes from Victoria Falls. The boutique retreat now offers more opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in the African bush while enjoying contemporary luxury in quiet hideaways.
To book, please email: act.aslv@anantara.com.
For more information on the Rhino Guardian Game Drive, please contact PR Manager, Lisa Carey: lcarey@minor.com.
A luxury hospitality brand for modern travelers, Anantara Hotels & Resorts connects guests to genuine places, people and stories in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations. Each Anantara embraces the surroundings and culture of its destination, creating unforgettable memories for every guest since 2001. From city to sea and desert to jungle, Anantara delivers heartfelt, Thai-inspired hospitality at its over 50 hotels and resorts across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean.
Anantara Hotels & Resorts is a Minor Hotels brand and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
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Minor Hotels is a global leader in the hospitality industry with more than 640 hotels, resorts and branded residences in operation and committed development across 66 countries. The group crafts innovative and insightful experiences through its hotel brands including Anantara, Elewana Collection, The Wolseley Hotels, Tivoli, Minor Reserve Collection, NH Collection, nhow, Avani, Colbert Collection, NH, Oaks, and iStay, as well as a diverse portfolio of restaurants and bars, travel experiences, and spa and wellness brands. With over four decades of expertise, Minor Hotels builds stronger brands, fosters lasting partnerships, and drives business success by always focusing on what matters most to our guests, team members and partners.
Minor Hotels is a proud member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) and recognizes its guests through one unified loyalty program, Minor DISCOVERY, part of GHA DISCOVERY.
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