From the early 1930s, the properties comprising OWNR and surrounding areas were used primarily for farming livestock and hunting. Around 1980, once game farming was recognised as a formal part of the economy, the area started developing to serve wildlife and nature based recreational tourism. Gradually, the fences between the properties came down, and in 2004 the fence between Balule Nature Reserve and Klaserie was finally dropped, the OWNR was formed and became part of the open system.

Olifants West Nature Reserve is characterized by its mix of savanna grasslands, woodlands, and riverine forests, offering a rich tapestry of habitats for a wide variety of wildlife species. It is home to the most iconic African animals such as elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and numerous species of antelope, as well as a plethora of birdlife, with 395 bird species, 117 mammals, and more than 57 reptiles and amphibians.

The vegetation of OWNR falls within the Savanna Biome and is classified as Granite Lowveld, the conservation status of which is vulnerable. It generally varies from tall shrubland with a few trees, to moderately dense low woodlands on the deeper sandy soils in the higher areas. In the lower lying areas, dense thickets to open savanna dominate. OWNR also has a healthy emerger component of over five metres above ground for some trees, including knobthorns (Acacia nigresens), leadwoods (Combretum imberbe) and marulas (Sclerocarya birrea caffra). Some impressive nyala trees (Xanthocercis Zambesiaca) are also characteristic of the landscape and are often associated with termitaria. The riparian vegetation on the banks of the Olifants River is characterised by large sycamore fig trees (Ficus sycomorus) and jackal berry trees (Diospyros mespiliformis), with a healthy mix of other riparian savanna trees and a dense understory.

The guiding principles for wildlife management on OWNR are in line with those of the Greater Kruger. They include:

OWNR is guided by the Elephant Management Plan: Kruger National Park (Ferreira, S. 2011) and norms and standards for the management of elephants in the open system.

A Biodiversity Management Plan for the black rhinoceros was published in terms of Section 43 of NEMBA by the Minister of Environmental Affairs in 2013. Its long-term vision is to “contribute to the recovery and long-term persistence of the global black rhino population by having viable populations of the indigenous subspecies in natural habitat throughout their former range within South Africa and managed as part of a regional meta-population.” OWNR provides a suitable natural habitat for the black rhino, which are managed according to Ferguson's Black Rhino Management Plan (2010). In addition, the reserve participates in the Black Rhino Range Expansion Programme (WWF-SA).

A Biodiversity Management Plan for the Lion in South Africa (Funston,P.J., Levendal, M. 2015) was published in terms of Section 43 of NEMBA by the Minister of Environmental Affairs in 2015. The primary objective of the plan is to improve the conservation status of lions. Those that occur in OWNR fall into the definition of wild lions as per the Executive Summary of above-mentioned plan and are largely unmanaged.

Transfrontier Africa's position on Trophy hunting is as described in the joint NGO position on trophy hunting (click here to read about it in more details). In this letter the following points are highlighted, reflecting our values and position on the trophy hunting practice:

"We oppose trophy hunting and the associated trade in trophies and assert that “killing to conserve” is neither an ethical nor a sustainable approach to wildlife conservation."

"Trophy hunting puts additional pressure on threatened species and can have detrimental consequences for the genetic integrity and survival of species and the ecosystems of which they are a part, without delivering meaningful economic benefits for local communities. The trophy hunting industry entrenches unjust social structures and is plagued with weak governance, corruption, lack of transparency, excessive quotas, illegal hunting, poor monitoring and other problems. In addition, trophy hunting practices are often poorly regulated, inhumane and inconsiderate of animal welfare. Furthermore, killing animals for fun is neither ethically justifiable nor tolerable in modern society. This is reflected in the broad public opposition to trophy hunting. Alternative ways of generating income from wildlife, such as ecotourism and other forms of non-consumptive uses, have proven successful in benefiting local communities economically and increasing their appreciation for biodiversity and wildlife, while contributing to the long-term protection of populations and species. Such alternatives are jeopardised by the trophy hunting industry, when they should be prioritised through further development and funding"

What is trophy hunting?

Trophy hunting is the controversial killing of an animal for competition or pleasure, with the purpose of acquiring body parts - such as heads, tusks, antlers, horns, or skins - as a status symbol or for display. Trophy hunting is distinct from killing an animal to obtain meat for human consumption.

Constructive relationships with neighbouring communities are an important aspect of the effective conservation of protected areas. The landowners of OWNR recognise their role in the upliftment, employment and upskilling of members of local communities, within the context of the wildlife economy. OWNR, its commercial lodges and private landowners collectively employ more than 200 staff members from surrounding areas, thus providing a significant contribution to community economic upliftment. 

OWNR further partners with Transfrontier Africa, which manages empowerment and poverty relief programs within three target communities. Primary focal areas are education and woman empowerment. Examples of these programs include:

• The Bush Babies community outreach program, which employs seven educators and community officers and runs a full-time community resource center in Maseke Village. Environmental education and life-skills lesson plans reach up to 1 300 school children at 10 primary schools. Food security is a priority skill taught in the communities and is demonstrated through the maintenance of vegetable gardens. Participants in the program also receive a daily meal and engage in outdoor learning activities that include visits to the Kruger National Park.
• The Black Mambas wildlife security program, which employs 30 young women from the communities of Maseke, Makushane and Mashishimale. These women are trained and equipped to conduct anti-poaching patrols and security functions within OWNR and other areas.

Discover Olifants West Nature Reserve

Luxury Camps

Lodges

Discover Olifants West Nature Reserve by booking a stay in one of the lodges or luxury camps present on the landscape. This represents a unique opportunity to discover the wildlife and landscape of the Greater Kruger during intimate game drives.