Poaching is an international problem, but the big five, especially rhino, are at serious risk. Game reserves are generally remote on large tracts of land with limited bandwidth and delays in connectivity making monitoring a challenge.

The Jamala Madikwe luxury safari lodge has been facing these problems and during a site inspection by Jaco Bouwers, director of No Limits Projects (NLP), he made recommendations for the appropriate cameras and systems to meet the lodge’s needs. 

“NLP made us aware of MiRO and the Uniview brand,” explains lodge owner, Rodney Steyn. “Since installing the recommended Uniview solution, we now have increased visual presence to monitor game, staff, and guest movements. We installed ten cameras, which can be viewed at one glance. I cannot be everywhere so the cameras and monitors really help.”

Steyn says the IP cameras are an effective deterrent to poachers, as well as providing increased waterhole viewing and filming for social media platforms. The remaining cameras are used for property and staff monitoring and security.

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is also used at Jamala. Our substantial artwork, for example, is monitored using AI technology with alarms that alert to movement. The monitoring system has enough storage to retain three weeks’ worth of surveillance. The intention is to add an additional two cameras to food areas to monitor fair usage and NLP will continue to maintain and upgrade as needed.

“Looking back, I would not have done anything differently,” continues Steyn. “We followed the expert advice we were given by NLP and MiRO. It is not just about the swift and professional installation - product usage and ease of access are both important. NLP chose MiRO because of access to stock, service, and reliability, and all-round we received amazing after-sales support, our expectations were met and exceeded, and we would definitely recommend MiRO to our industry peers.”

Situated in the 75 000-hectare Madikwe Game Reserve in the North West Province, Jamala Madikwe is an intimate, five-star hotel surrounded by different ecosystems and a variety of game and birds, including endangered wild dogs. More information about the lodge is available on www.jamalamadikwe.com. Information about MiRO’s extensive product and solutions offering including the Uniview range is available on www.miro.co.za.