Johannesburg-based biker, Kyle Malyon, has just completed a 21-day motorbike ride across South Africa to raise funds for orphaned elephants under the care of HERD Trust.
With a passion for gentle giants and hitting the open road, Joburg biker Kyle Malyon set out on a country-wide 21-day journey – dubbed the ‘Mammoth Ride’ – to make a difference in the lives of orphaned elephants under care at Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD).
The journey saw Kyle hit the tarmac – and dirt roads – of all 9 of South Africa’s provinces to raise funds for the family of orphaned elephants.
From Johannesburg to Hoedspruit, East London, Port St Johns, Knysna, Hout Bay, and back home again – with multiple scenic stops dotted along the way, including a visit to the Hoedspruit herd he would be supporting through the fundraiser.
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By day 20 of his journey, Malyon had covered a total of 6834km of open road, riding through rain or shine, raising funds for HERD Trust via Quicket.
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Along the way, Malyon hosted several meet-ups to rally supporters who would get behind the cause. Some bikers even joined in for the journey, travelling up to 100km alongside Kyle.
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“6834km later and I’m home. 20 days, 9 provinces…rain or shine….the challenge for the Elephants of HERD has been completed. Thank you everyone who supported me in any way.” said Kyle in an Instagram post, concluding his journey.
Funds raised by Kyle will be donated to the Jabulani elephant herd, under care at HERD.
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The Jabulani’s are a close-knit family that started with Jabulani, an orphaned elephant who was rescued in 1997, and a herd of elephants that were rescued from Zimbabwe in 2002.
Over the years, the herd has continued to accept orphaned elephant calves in need of a family. Together, they happily roam and forage in the wilderness with their loyal carers at the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development base.
Currently, according to HERD’s website, there are a total of 17 elephants and two sheep under care at the facility.
Kyle’s efforts to support the trust have not gone unnoticed, with HERD expressing their gratitude for his nationwide mission to make a difference.
