I was born in South Africa and used to go to nature reserves as a boy, to look for animals and enjoy the sounds and smells of the bush. The illegal wildlife trade threatens these natural riches of my home country.

The Black Mambas are the world's first all-female anti-poaching ranger unit. They are based in Olifants West Nature Reserve, near the Kruger Park, on the east of South Africa. The Black Mambas come from the surrounding community, and they don't carry weapons. They protect the park with local knowledge and good training. They are changing the way reserves and their local communities think about poaching.

The Black Mambas need help to reduce the numbers of rhinos killed each year for their horns. I care about wildlife, and I care about female empowerment - this organisation means a lot to me. I've met two of the rangers, and the head warden of Olifants West Nature Reserve, and they have inspired me to cycle from London to Olifants West Nature Reserve to raise money for them.

23-30 June 2023 was World Female Ranger Week, when I set off on my journey, and I will hopefully arrive in Olifants West Nature Reserve by April 2024. As of September 2023, I have made it as far as Serbia in eastern Europe. I should reach Africa by November 2023.

I have already raised £1325 – see my previous Justgiving page here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/black-mambas-paul-cycle This money has been given to the Black Mambas already to take advantage of a 25% match funding opportunity. I want to raise another £3000 for them to really make a difference to their work.

Thanks for your donation - I know it will help the Black Mambas to save the lives of their majestic animals, and it will help to build the local community.

The Black Mambas Facebook group

A review of the Black Mambas film

National Geographic article explaining the work the Black Mambas do

Why the Black Mambas were set up

World Female Ranger Week