The reserves we work on

Wildlife ACT has initiated monitoring projects on various Reserves across Zululand, South Africa. The Zululand ecosystem is among the most diverse and productive wild lands in the world, yet amid its gallery of wildlife, conservation efforts face tremendous challenges. Some of these challenges include: rapid encroachment and fragmentation of natural habitat; poaching; insufficient research and inadequate funding for monitoring and research; coupled with the occurrence of many endangered species. Zululand makes a dramatic backdrop to our initiatives as it is a place of unspoilt beauty with cultures as diverse as its landscapes. The rolling hills are disturbed only by the zig-zagging of rivers, and the picture-perfect coastlines are framed by abundant forests. Zululand is a rare place where age-old cultures and traditions live hand-in-hand with modern culture, living and conservation efforts.

Current wildlife monitoring & tracking locations

Because we work across so many Reserves, volunteers have the potential to experience the different approaches used to meet each Reserves’ unique conservation goals. Please note: The opportunity to work on multiple Reserves depends on the length of your stay. If you stay for only 2 weeks, you will work on only 1 Reserve, but for every additional 2 weeks you stay, the better your chance of experiencing another Reserve.

The fact that we work in small teams of no more than four volunteers per Reserve ensures that you will have one-on-one time with the monitors, gaining hands-on conservation experience. The Reserves we focus on at the moment are:

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP)

Set in the heart of Zululand, and established in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) is one of the oldest Game Reserves in Africa. Part of the land was the exclusive hunting preserve of the Zulu king Shaka, who protected the area by proclaiming 'conservation' laws through his ownership of the land. The Park covers some 96 000 hectares and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. It is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the "Big 5" as well as African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Hyaena, Jackal, Hippopotamus, and various antelope species including Waterbuck, common and mountain Reedbuck, Nyala, Kudu, Bushbuck, Steenbok, Duiker and Impala.

Wildlife ACT's main focus on HiP includes the monitoring of Cheetah, Leopard, African Wild Dog and Rhino, making extensive use of innovative monitoring techniques including the use of remote camera traps.

Mkhuze Game Reserve is one of Africa’s oldest Game Reserves, founded in 1912. It is famous for its immense biodiversity. The Mkhuze River, with a beautiful stretch of fig forest along its banks, curves along the Reserve's northern and eastern borders. The Mkhuze Game Reserve constitutes the north western spur of the recently declared World Heritage Site: the Isimangaliso Wetland Park.

The Reserve offers an abundance of wildlife including Endangered species such as Black Rhino, Cheetah, African Wild Dog and Suni. Other animals to be found in the Reserve include White Rhino, Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe, Leopard, Nyala, Blue Wildebeest, Hyaena, Warthog, Zebra, Kudu and other smaller antelope. Mkhuze is also famous for its rich birdlife and attracts ornithologists from all over the world.

Wildlife ACT’s main focus on Mkhuze is the monitoring of the African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Elephant herds and Vultures.

Thanda Private Game Reserve, in the heart of Zululand, is situated in an area exceptionally rich in fauna and flora, boasting not only the Super 7 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard, African Wild Dog and Cheetah), but also over 400 bird species. Over the past few years a number of indigenous keystone species, including African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Lion, Elephant, Buffalo and White Rhino have been reintroduced to this Reserve.Wildlife ACT initiated monitoring efforts to help assess the progress of these reintroduced species with a focus on the African Wild Dog and Cheetah, as well getting a handle on the resident Leopard and Hyaena populations' demographics, as well as how these species along with Lion and Buffalo impact on the endangered species.

Wildlife ACT’s current focus on Thanda is the monitoring of the African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Vulture and Spotted Hyaena.

The area now known as Tembe Elephant Park is real wild country. The land was historically owned by the Tembe tribe, the ancestral custodians of the area. Situated in Northern Zululand, and adjoining the Mozambique border, Tembe National Elephant Park is most widely known for having over 200 of the world’s largest Elephants, which are also the last remaining indigenous herd in KwaZulu-Natal. Tembe is also home to a rich diversity of other wildlife - including the “Big 5” (Lion, Leopard, Black and White Rhino, Buffalo and Elephant), Hippo and various antelope species, from the majestic Giraffe which stand at 5 metres tall, down to one of the smallest antelope in Africa - the Suni, at only 35 centimetres high! Tembe’s beautiful sand forest stretching through most of the Reserve hosts over 340 bird species, making it a delight for bird lovers.

Wildlife ACT’s main focus on Tembe is the monitoring of the Lion, Wild Dog and Elephant populations.