In a momentous feat for conservation efforts, Babanango Game Reserve, situated in the heart of Zululand, proudly announced its official ‘Big 5’ status.
This 20,000-hectare reserve now boasts an impressive array of iconic wildlife, including lion, rhino, buffalo, leopard, and elephant, among many other essential species. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the reserve’s history, showcasing its unwavering dedication to ecological restoration and wildlife preservation in the Zululand region.
The recent addition of a small breeding herd of seven elephants, originating from the Manyoni Game Reserve in Maputaland, has further amplified the reserve’s reputation as a vital sanctuary for wildlife. These elephants, whose genetic lineage traces back to the Kruger National Park, play a crucial role in the reserve’s ecological balance. As megaherbivores, they contribute significantly by recycling plant matter and shaping the landscape through their consumption of vegetation.
‘Now that Babanango is Big Five, it is a huge achievement in conservation in KwaZulu-Natal. Every single animal protected is an achievement in conservation. The more Protected Areas we create, the more species are conserved, most of which are endangered species. These iconic species add significant value to the guest experience as a tourism operation, with long-term benefit and support of economic development in the area,’ said Musa Mbatha, Reserve Manager at the reserve.
The reintroduction of the Big 5 commenced in 2019, with the strategic introduction of buffalo, white and black rhinos. Earlier this year, Babanango Game Reserve welcomed ‘The Return of the King’ with the reintroduction of two male lions, soon to be joined by several females. The recent arrival of elephants completed the final piece of the Big 5 ‘puzzle,’ with many of these species returning to roam the undulating hills and valleys of Babanango after nearly 150 years.
However, the significance of Babanango Game Reserve goes beyond the Big 5 status. This conservation endeavour represents one of the most extensive projects of its kind, with over 75% of the land leased from surrounding communities. This unique approach enables local participation in conservation efforts, fostering direct employment, sustainable economic opportunities, and social development in the region.
Kenneth Buthelezi, Chairman of Emcakwini Community Trust, shares the vision behind the reserve’s establishment, ‘From the onset, establishing the game reserve was not only for the protection of our environment and the introduction of different species, including the Big 5, but also as a tourism attraction, creation of jobs, business opportunities, including beneficiaries, local communities, and local businesses.’
Babanango Game Reserve’s rich biodiversity is supported by its diverse habitats, featuring the Mistbelt Grassland – a hotspot of endemic species unique to this region. The reserve’s extraordinary geological features, intertwined with the magnificent White uMfolozi river, come together to offer an unmatched safari experience.
Chris Galliers from Conservation Outcomes expresses gratitude to the Emcakwini Community, investors, and other supporting communities for their contribution to this vision. He states, “It has been a privilege to provide development and management support to Babanango Game Reserve and being part of a team that positioned the reserve to become a site for elephant range expansion.”
Kwangono Community Trust also celebrates the Big 5 status, acknowledging its potential to attract more tourists and create employment opportunities for local communities. ‘More visitors to the reserve will result in more jobs being created for our people (beneficiaries), as well as opportunities for others to show off their skills, particularly in crafts, to the visitors,’ they affirm.
Babanango Game Reserve stands as a testament to its unwavering commitment to conservation, the protection of its unique landscape, and the positive impact that responsible tourism can achieve, benefiting both wildlife and local communities.
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