Weenen Nature Reserve in KZN recently commemorated its 50th anniversary on 24 September with a celebratory event that brought together local community leadership, staff from nearby reserves and head office, past reserve wardens, conservationists, and Weenen Farmers Association.
The event, which included a plaque unveiling and a game drive, honoured the reserve’s remarkable journey from a mostly degraded landscape to a thriving hub for biodiversity conservation.
Many endangered species
Established in 1975 on land that was once severely overstocked and described as “an ecological desert,” the 5,000-hectare reserve now stands as a powerful example in what is possible with ecological rehabilitation. Decades of tireless work by conservationists transformed the area, and today it plays a big role in providing a critical habitat for many endangered species including white and black rhino.
“The story of Weenen is a story of hope,” said Frik Lemmer, Reserve Manager at Weenen Nature Reserve. “It shows what’s possible when people come together to restore the land. Where there were once only stone and sand, we now have a rich ecosystem supporting a vast array of wildlife, from big mammals and the small-five.”
Despite its modest size, Weenen Nature Reserve has emerged as a crucial player in the fight to save rhinos. The reserve is home to a successful black rhino breeding program and boasts the highest black rhino birth rate in the province. The reserve’s commitment to rhino conservation is further demonstrated by its proactive anti-poaching measures, including dehorning and deploying modern surveillance technologies like remote sensing and horn chips to monitor the animals’ movements.
The team is on the ground 24/7
“This little place has produced incredible returns for rhinos,” Lemmer stated. “Our team is on the ground 24/7, working to protect these magnificent animals. We’ve also carried out extensive carrying capacity studies for many of these large grazing species, including rhino, zebra and waterbuck. This allows us to determine the optimal number of animals to ensure that there is enough food supply to keep them healthy, and that the grasslands are not degraded from overgrazing. Managing this reserve is a fine ecological balance, which is currently working well for all the species.”
The reserve’s success can largely be attributed to strong community partnerships. The anniversary celebration welcomed leaders from the Isigqozo community, a successful land claimant group that works closely with the reserve. This strong relationship is a critical part of Weenen’s management strategy, helping to mitigate challenges and create a shared responsibility for conservation.
“We have a very strong community liaison forum, and we sit down quite regularly to talk about things and make sure we all know what’s going on,” Lemmer explained. This collaborative spirit extends to external funders and partners, whose support is vital for operational costs and key projects like rhino dehorning.”
Talking during the event, Dr. Hughes, retired former CEO of Ezemvelo, shared a story about the moment conservation captured Nelson Mandela’s heart. It was 1994 in Weenen. “When the former president noticed six guides standing proudly in full uniform, he immediately summoned me and requested an introduction. His conversation with them planted a powerful conservation seed within him, fostering a lasting affection for Ezemvelo that ultimately led to his visit to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.”
Giraffe, zebra, antelope
Weenen Nature Reserve offers a peaceful and authentic escape for tourists seeking a true wilderness experience without the crowds. With over 30 km of well-maintained roads, visitors can enjoy self-drive game viewing and appreciate a rich variety of wildlife beyond the typical “Big Five,” including giraffe, zebra, and various antelope. The reserve is also gaining recognition as a birding hotspot, with over 230 species recorded.
The park provides a range of accommodation options, including campsites, a bush camp, and a popular self-catering cottage. Lemmer highlighted the reserve’s secluded location, noting that unlike many other famous reserves, visitors see “no lights anywhere” at night, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.
Ezemvelo CEO, Mr Sihle Mkhize extended his deepest appreciation to every stakeholder who attended the event and indicated that their presence is a powerful show of our shared commitment to this cherished reserve.
“To all Honorary Officers here today, you are the lifeblood of Weenen. It is through your selfless efforts that this remains one of Ezemvelo’s premier reserves, steadfastly fulfilling its conservation mandates,” said Mr. Mkhize. “I further wish to make a direct and heartfelt appeal to our Reserve Manager, Mr. Frik Lemmer, to prioritize the meticulous documentation of Weenen’s rich history. I appeal to you to ensure this legacy is captured and safeguarded, serving as an enduring source of knowledge and inspiration for current and future generations.”
In a nutshell
Weenen Nature Reserve, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
It’s a 5,000-hectare protected area managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Honorary Officers
Info: https://www.kznwildlife.com/
