FITNESS FOR CONSERVATION
QEQESHA KANZIMA, YILWA KULULA
TRAIN HARD, FIGHT EASY
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Ranger Fitness
In April 2025 I was joined by Pete Liggins, founder of BoxClever, to run a week long physical training programme for the Anti-Poaching Unit at Nambiti Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu Natal. The job of an a ranger is a very dangerous one. They work in tough conditions and are not only at risk from dangerous wildlife, but also from armed poachers, who are usually hunting rhinos for their horn. If poachers are found within their reserve, they could be tracking them all day, which means having a high level of fitness is paramount.
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South Africa alone has lost over 10,000 rhinos in just a decade, meaning that these animals, that have roamed the planet for millions of years, are now facing the very real threat of extinction. Without dedicated teams of rangers, working hard to protect the rhino, there is no doubt that we would lose even more.
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The motto for this programme was Qeqesha Kanzima, Yilwa Kulula, which means train hard, fight easy, in the rangers home language of isiZulu. Our training sessions consisted of a mix of strength-based exercises, calisthenics, cardio, HIIT and boxing, giving the rangers a well-rounded programme to help take their fitness to the next level, so they are better equipped to take on dangerous poachers. It was designed to not only push the rangers to the physical and mental limit, but also to inspire them to take on their own fitness journeys. To help this happen we selected three rangers who we thought would make good PT leads, and trained them to deliver sessions once we leave.
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Being able to use our skills, knowledge and passion to support rhino conservation was a dream come true and it was something that we will never forget. The rangers are Nambiti are now dedicated to becoming fitter, stronger and more confident versions of themselves and now have the skills and mindset to take it to the next level.
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We are fundraising to build a dedicated gym space for this amazing team, so they can excel in their training and have a space to train that they can be proud of. They are whole-heartedly committed to protecting rhinos, and deserve to have the best equipment to make this happen. You can donate via my charity, Connected Planet Foundation, to help us achieve this goal. We are looking to raise £1,000.
WHAT IT MEANT FOR NAMBITI
Every 16 hours, a rhino is illegally hunted somewhere across the globe. Although the rates of poaching have declined, rhinos continue to vanish at a concerning pace. Poaching remains the primary driver of this widespread extinction. Our Anti-poaching unit consists of various components, with individuals hailing from diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups. They have learned to collaborate and function as a cohesive team during times of crisis.
The primary responsibility of an anti-poaching ranger is to safeguard wildlife by stopping poaching activities, and their secondary role is to catch those who poach. You serve as a noticeable presence to deter and defend.
To effectively carry out their responsibilities in wildlife protection, teamwork and physical fitness are essential. Being physically fit is vital for rangers, as it significantly influences their ability to perform their tasks efficiently.
Thanks to the assistance, guidance, and support from Dermot at Connected Planet and Pete from Box Clever, the training the guards underwent was incredibly beneficial. It motivated the team in numerous ways to become physically fit and collaborate effectively, making the process much smoother.
Physical fitness is important but understanding what you're doing and the reasons behind it is another matter entirely. A week of training with two professionals truly ignited a passion within the team, leading them to cultivate discipline not just in their work, but also in their personal health.
The training of the Nambiti rangers was more than just a phase; it fostered a sense of camaraderie. The team consistently supported one another, regardless of individual skill levels, inspiring the guards to maintain their physical fitness not only for their duties but also for their personal well-being.
Although the trainers have departed, they have left the Nambiti team feeling highly motivated and eager to apply what they have learned to improve themselves. Currently, the team boasts 3 PT leaders who conduct regular training sessions with the guards, ensuring they maintain their skills and support one another throughout the process.
BOX CLEVER
If you live in London and want to take up boxing, or just use it to improve your fitness, then Box Clever in Kensington is the place to go. Pete and his instructors deliver high level sessions with a smile, that will not only take your boxing to the next level but also your all-round fitness.
