Whether it’s walking 100 miles across Wales, or climbing 5 of the HIGHEST peaks in Britain each year we Hike for Nature. This year we’ll be stepping into the boots of FEMALE RANGERS – those who stand on the FRONTLINES of conservation every day.

Written by Rebecca Woolford

Patrolling every day across vast distances, a wildlife ranger covers at least 20 km per day – often with heavy gear and in extreme conditions.

“This year we’ll be supporting female rangers who have dedicated their lives to the often challenging and dangerous work of protecting the planet’s wildlife and wild spaces. Not ONLY are these female wildlife rangers walking long distances, but they also face many other challenges, including threats from poachers, wild animals, and social stigma.”
Rebecca Woolford

Join Us In Raising Critical Funds For Conservation on our JUST GIVING page HERE.

Below are 5 reasons why we’re walking for female wildlife rangers this year.

*Rangers are the first line of defence in protecting endangered species. They need our help!

*Many female wildlife rangers overcome adversity, poverty and marginalisation. They need allies

*Becoming a ranger empowers women, giving them access to education and healthcare

*They are important role models to their communities. Girls and women need more role models

*Funding is vital to keep ranger ‘boots on the ground’ and support ongoing conservation efforts

This year’s ‘Hike For Nature’ has all the ingredients of an adventure: Adversity, Challenge, and Uncertainty.

Our thru-hike will be across Triglavski National Park in Slovenia, where Rebecca and Lionel, Co-Founders of Kiwano Tourism are currently based. Across 4 days we’ll walk just under 100 km and will climb 3500 m!

Day 1: We’ll be walking from Bohinjska Bistrica to the high mountains of Vogel, ending a long day in Komna (24 km, 1750 m altitude gain)

Day 2: From Komna we’ll cross rugged terrain to Krnsko Jezero, from there we’ll head out to Soča Village for the night (21 km, 500 m altitude gain)

Day 3: An early start in Soča Village as we traverse a tricky path and tough terrain onto Kobarid (25 km, 1400 m altitude gain)

Day 4: On the final day we’ll hike from Kobarid, completing the hike in Postaja Village (22 km, 130 m altitude gain)

All associated costs of such an adventure are covered by Kiwano Tourism, enabling 100% of funds raised to support female rangers.

Triglavski National Park

Who are we raising funds for?

How Many Elephants is an anti-poaching conservation charity registered in the United Kingdom. The charity supports female and mixed ranger teams in Africa and around the world and founded ‘World Female Ranger Week’ to amplify the voices of female rangers in the global media.

Their direct-action partners include:

• The Black Mambas, South Africa
• Mara Elephant Project, Kenya
• Gibbon Conservation Society, Malaysia
• Sumatran Ranger Project, Indonesia

“Over the last decade, I’ve seen first-hand how female rangers impact lives. They’re bold, changing the game and paving the way for women to stand alongside men at the forefront of conservation, but they need allies. As role models, educators, and beacons of hope, female rangers are transforming attitudes toward the role of women within their communities and around the world. With women being natural communicators, and protectors the ranger workforce is strengthening community conservation efforts and relationships. Funds raised will support female rangers’ wages, equipment, and essentials like fuel.”
Holly Budge, World Female Ranger Week and ‘How Many Elephants

Join Us In Raising Funds For Nature By Visiting Our Just GIVING page HERE.

Pictures from our 100-mile trek across Wales (left), and climb of 5 of the 6 highest peaks in Britain (right).

How can you help?

1 – Whether you can give £5 or £50, every little bit helps. If you have deeper pockets please consider becoming a corporate sponsor.

2 – If you can’t give, there are so many other ways to support this initiative. You could share this page with friends, family, and colleagues. You could reshare our daily updates over on Instagram with friends to help raise awareness – head on over to @Rebecca_kiwano

3 – If you’re a business then you could help in a much bigger way. ALL contributions go directly to the wildlife rangers through UK Charity How Many Elephants, who can issue you with a tax receipt. If you’d like your brand to be part of the SOLUTION, and get cool content and shout-outs along the way then please reach out to rebecca@kiwanotourism.com. Starts from £200

4- If none of the above floats your boat, then why not grab a pen and paper to draw your Climate Venn Diagram? It’s all about connecting your unique passions, and skills, with the work that needs doing and finding JOY in taking action.

“We can all play a role in the climate movement by tapping into our skills, resources and networks in ways that bring us satisfaction.” Ayana Elizabeth. Watch her incredible TED talk here.

• Step 1: Draw a Venn diagram to map these questions: What are you good at? What is the work that needs doing? And what brings you joy?

• Step 2: Note where your answers intersect in the middle part of the circles. This is where to put your climate action effort. This is your gift to the world which only you have. The Kiwano team founded the annual Hike For Nature by doing this very exact exercise.