Conservation activists Paul Jennings and Sboniso "Spoon" Phakathi set off on their epic walk from Musina to Cape Town on Monday to highlight the plight of the country’s rhino population.

South Africa’s rhino population continues to diminish at an alarming rate as a result of the mindless slaughter of these gentle giants to supply the illegal rhino horn trade. It was this disturbing trend that finally convinced Paul and Spoon that something needed to be done. On Monday, May 9, a total of 149 rhinos had been killed in South Africa in 2011 alone. By Tuesday evening, this number had grown to 162.

The duo decided to take on the challenge of walking all the way from South Africa’s northern most border town to Cape Town, stopping at schools along the way to educate children on the importance of protecting the rhino for future generations. Dubbed the Rights for Rhino walk, the effort will see Paul and Spoon attempt to cover a distance of about 50km every day, completing the 1 700km walk within a mere three-month period.

Paul and Spoon reached Louis Trichardt on Tuesday afternoon and were amazed by the huge support already shown by the public.

"Motorists were hooting and waving at us. Some even stopped to have a chat. Public reactions are already overwhelming. Within a day and a half, we even have government talking to us," said Paul, referring to an invite they received to meet the MEC for Economic Development and Environmental Affairs on Saturday in Polokwane. Even the Kruger National Park has bought into the campaign by offering to send a representative to walk with them.

Nissan South Africa also came out in support of the duo, supplying them with a support vehicle. It will be up to Nissan dealerships along the way to welcome and support the two.

Mount Fuji Motors, the Nissan dealership in Louis Trichardt, was the first to welcome Paul and Spoon in Musina at their first awareness campaign at Messina Primary. Dirk Meissenheimer of Mount Fuji Motors escorted the two for the first few kilometres of their walk and also welcomed them in Louis Trichardt. On Wednesday, they paid a visit to several schools around town.

Paul was a game ranger in Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife from 1990 to 2007 and has a deep passion for protecting South Africa’s natural heritage. Spoon hails from Hoedspruit and regularly sends out anti-poaching and other conservation editorial contributions to local media. Both are passionate about conservation.

"Conservation comes from the heart. It´s a passion - a calling. If we can plant a seed for conservation in the heart of only one kid per school that we visit, we´ve done our job," said Paul during their visit to Louis Trichardt

The intrepid duo aims to finish the anticipated three-month walk at the Cape Point National Park.