ELIZA, STUDENT, UNITED STATES

tracks and fallen logs, ducking to avoid protruding branches of viciously thorny acacias. The excitement built as we followed clear prints, the frustration palpable when they disappeared.

By 11am, the sun was beating down and these four huge beasts had somehow, somewhere, magically morphed into the bush unseen.

“These are the challenges we face on patrol,” Michael said. “On average, we might see rhinos on four days out of seven.”

I was thrilled that we had seen Mary but, in a way, it wouldn’t matter if we hadn’t. What matters is that rhinos are here, alive and well, roaming safely in the wild where they belong.

The rhino monitoring experience costs $200 (£152) per person with all proceeds going to Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. Abercrombie & Kent (01242 547702; abercrombie kent.co.uk) offers four nights’ full board at Sanctuary Chief ’s

Camp from £4,800 per person, including the rhino activity, game drives, all international and domestic flights and transfers.