Awehness Rhino Rising Swim 2026

Friday, 18 September 2026

For the first time ever, Awehness proudly presents the Awehness Rhino Swim as part of Kenton Rhino Rising – A Weekend of Conservation.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Bushmans River, this inaugural open water swim celebrates the strength, resilience and spirit of the rhino. Whether you choose the Short Horn or the Long Horn, every stroke supports conservation and makes you part of something bigger than yourself.

Following the swim, join fellow participants for prize giving and post-swim celebrations.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 18 September 2026

Time: 16:00

Venue: Bushmans River Slipway, Kenton-on-Sea

Swim Distances

The Short Horn – 1 Mile Swim

Designed for river lovers of all abilities, the Short Horn represents accessibility, courage and the opportunity to connect with conservation through movement.

The Long Horn – Double Mile Swim

For endurance swimmers ready to push further, the Long Horn is a true test of grit and determination, embodying the strength and resilience of the rhino.

Whether you choose the Short Horn or the Long Horn, every swimmer becomes part of something bigger than sport.

Entry Fees

• The Short Horn (1 Mile) – R250 per person

• The Long Horn (Double Mile) – R350 per person

Accessibility

While the event is not wheelchair accessible, disabled swimmers are warmly welcomed, and every effort will be made to accommodate individual needs.

What to Bring

• Wetsuit or swimsuit

• Swim goggles

• Swim buoy (compulsory)

• Dry bag, swim towel and a change of clothes for after the swim

Why It Matters

Hosted by Awehness, the Rhino Swim is about more than open water swimming.

Born in the Eastern Cape, Awehness was founded on the belief that adventure can be a force for connection, healing and conservation. Every swim is designed to reconnect people with our rivers, coastline and wild spaces, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the need to protect it.

The Awehness Rhino Swim brings that philosophy to life. As part of Kenton Rhino Rising – A Weekend of Conservation, every swimmer becomes part of something bigger than sport—supporting rhino conservation while celebrating the landscapes, waterways and communities that make this region so extraordinary.

Whether you're taking on your first open water swim or pushing your limits over the Long Horn, every stroke helps build a future where adventure, conservation and community thrive together.

More Than a Swim

Participants are encouraged to make a weekend of it and experience the full Kenton Rhino Rising programme, including the Kenton Rhino Run, Amariders Rhino Ride, Padel with Volo, conservation talks, community events and a special screening of The Last Ranger.

Join us for a weekend where conservation comes alive through adventure, learning, community and action.

Swim for the wild.

Swim for conservation.

Swim for the rhino.