WATCH: A fun-filled scenic flight for rhino conservation

The scenic flight, which departed and landed at Rand Airport, included a 20-minute flight around Johannesburg in a classic Beech 18 aircraft.

August 13, 2021

Tayla Smit 1 minute read

Sharon Janse van Rensburg (Insimbi Legacy Projects brand ambassador), Tayla Smit (Boksburg Advertiser journalist) and Carmela Lattanzi (founder of the Insimbi Legacy Projects).

The Insimbi Legacy Projects, in partnership with Springbok Classic Air, hosted exciting scenic flights on Women’s Day (August 9) as part of their Fly for Rhinos initiative.

There was an air of excitement when the Advertiser, who was invited to join a scenic flight, arrived at the event.

The scenic flight, which departed and landed at Rand Airport, included a 20-minute flight around Johannesburg in a classic Beech 18 aircraft.

Afterwards, passengers received a goody bag and could enjoy a glass of champagne. All Covid-19 regulations were adhered to.

The aim of the Fly for Rhinos initiative is to raise funds and awareness for rhino conservation.

Carmela Lattanzi, founder of the Insimbi Legacy Projects, explained the initiative was conceived by Petro Swanepoel of Benoni, who has been a professional airline pilot with South African Airways for the past 17 years.

Swanepoel, her parents (captain Flippie and Maryna Vermeulen) and siblings (Ben and Peet Vermeulen) started the family business, Springbok Classic Air, about 15 years ago.

“Trough collaborating with organisations such as the Insimbi Legacy Projects, we’re facilitating tourists from all walks of life to physically and practically become involved in conservation and preservation of rhinos. Edith Venter, a well-know socialite who runs charities, also supported the initiative,” said Swanepoel.

Lattanzi described the event as a success.

“Not only was it a great experience for the guests to fly in this aircraft, but they also supported a good cause since all the proceeds of this event went to the Insimbi Legacy Projects,” Lattanzi said.

The founder expressed her gratitude to Springbok Classic Air, Springs Mall and Chevoux D’or (for the vouchers), Louise (who introduced Insimbi to Springbok Classic Air) and Neil Schaap, Divine Be Gracious and Grace Creations (for the thank you gifts) and brand ambassador Sharon Janse van Rensburg, and everybody who contributed to the success of the event.

Lattanzi started the Insimbi Legacy Projects to involve the public in the fight against poaching after one of her widely admired rhinos, Insimbi, was killed in 2014.

If you can assist the organisation in any way, send an email to the Advertiser’s Tayla Smit (taylas@caxton.co.za), who was Insimbi Legacy Project’s July ambassador of the month.