FITNESS FOR CONSERVATION
QEQESHA KANZIMA, YILWA KULULA
TRAIN HARD, FIGHT EASY
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Ranger Fitness
Ranger Fitness at Nambiti Private Game Reserve
Strengthening the Protectors of Africa’s Wildlife
At Nambiti Private Game Reserve, anti-poaching rangers stand as the first and often last line of defence for some of the world’s most threatened species — including the last remaining rhinos on the planet. Their work is physically demanding, mentally relentless, and emotionally heavy.
To support them, we partnered with Pete from Box Clever to deliver two comprehensive Ranger Fitness Programmes, each designed to strengthen the people who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife.
Why Ranger Fitness Matters
Anti-poaching operations require far more than courage. Rangers must track for long hours over uneven terrain, respond rapidly to threats, carry heavy equipment, and maintain absolute focus under intense pressure. Physical preparedness is essential — not just for performance, but for safety.
But ranger fitness is not only physical.
The mental strain of protecting endangered species, navigating dangerous encounters, and living with constant vigilance can take a real toll. A structured, supportive fitness programme helps build:
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Resilience and stress management
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Team cohesion and trust
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Mental clarity and emotional wellbeing
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A sense of empowerment and capability
By improving the health and wellbeing of rangers, we directly strengthen conservation. A fit, confident, and mentally supported ranger team is better equipped to protect the wildlife they serve.
The April Programme – Building Foundations
Our first Ranger Fitness Programme took place in April, where we introduced Nambiti’s rangers to a progressive physical training framework tailored specifically to their field requirements.
The sessions focused on:
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Functional strength
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Self-defence through boxing
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Cardiovascular endurance
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Mobility and recovery
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Teamwork drills
This foundational programme created a significant shift in the rangers’ confidence and physical capability, laying the groundwork for deeper training in the months to come.
The October Programme – Progression + A Brand New Outdoor Gym
In October, we returned to Nambiti with an expanded and more demanding training programme — but this time with an even bigger mission.
Thanks to an incredible fundraising effort, we built a brand new outdoor calisthenics gym for the rangers:
a dedicated space where they can train anytime, maintain physical readiness, and continue developing the strength needed for the challenges of anti-poaching work.
The October programme included advanced conditioning sessions, calisthenics skill development, and scenario-based drills that mimic the realities of field patrol, pursuit, and response.
The new gym has become a powerful tool for the reserve — a permanent resource that will support ranger fitness for years to come.
Strength for Conservation
Our training programmes are not just workouts. They are part of a wider commitment to preserving biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and supporting the people who make conservation possible.
By investing in ranger health — physically and mentally — we are investing in the future of Africa’s wildlife.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this programme. Adel who sponsored the outdoor gym, KD and the Roots & Reps community for the t-shirts and kit. Gravity Fitness for donating calisthenics kit for the rangers and Gibraltar Trading Company for making a donation for more gym kit.
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.
