Written by Nadine Kilala

Driven by purpose and mindfulness, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is geared to create a profound impact on tourism. This breathtaking reserve applies sustainability principles as the thread that holds its reality and prospects of a resilient future. These sustainable principles have translated into Sanbona’s sustainability philosophy, centred on producing the best practices in environmental, social, and financial management within the vast 58.000 hectares of this South African reserve.

Choosing to embrace a responsible business strategy

The Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a true testament to transformation. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, this protected area was once an agricultural expanse that has transformed into a rich and biodiverse conservation magnet. The land-use change from agriculture to conservation in Sanbona is the first within the arid Karoo environment.

The Caleo Foundation is a Swiss-based non-profit organisation that purchased Sanbona in 2015. The reserve has been operating under Caleo as a non-profit company (NPC) since then. In 2021, Sanbona officially registered itself as an NPC in South Africa. The vision of the Sanbona’s NPC format facilitates a sustainable and thriving protected area within the Little Karoo.

Putting people at the heart of conservation

Alongside Sanbona’s vital conservation efforts, the reserve has strengthened its commitment to social sustainability. Motivated by the ‘safari with a purpose’ mantra, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has been an opportunity agent to the local communities that neighbour the reserve. With high rural unemployment remaining a challenge, the reserve aims to uplift local people with employment and skill development opportunities within the social sphere of its sustainability strategy. Moreover, the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve has collaborated with local communities to integrate indigenous practices and knowledge regarding the land into its conservation efforts. Sanbona is truly reinvigorating a sense of purpose to the local community regarding their role as custodians to the environment by demonstrating the value of the mutual relationship between the people and the land.

Sustainability is embedded in the Sanbona’s operations

Sanbona is conscious of the impact that tourism activities have on the environment; therefore the wildlife reserve has taken the initiative to consolidate its management and behavioural regimen towards more sustainable approaches. Some of their implementations include:

• Composting of food waste 

• Implementation of rainwater harvesting methods

• Measuring energy and water consumption to install efficient technologies

• Building environmental awareness and social upliftment in neighbouring communities  

Conservation & sustainability milestones

Today the reserve shows little traces of its agricultural past due to its continued effective implementation of rehabilitation, restoration, and reintroduction projects. To illustrate the magnitude of the impact of these innovative practices in the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, the reserve is one of the rare places within the Karoo where one can catch sight of the Big 5. Imagine the feat!

Here’s a glimpse of the impressive achievements that put the Sanbona Wildlife Reserve on the map as a leading sustainable reserve:

• Successfully re-introduced the vulnerable Cape Mountain Zebra species

• Has the largest free-roaming elephant population in the Western Cape province

• Re-introduced herbivore and predator species that are self-sustaining within the reserve

• Restored and rehabilitated the indigenous renosterveld vegetation. Now the Renosterveld constitutes 17.000 hectares of the reserve

• Continues to protect the endangered riverine rabbit species that were once endemic to the area

• The wilderness area (5.000 hectares) of the reserve is strictly managed to retain its natural state without human infrastructure

Discover Sanbona’s Sister Lodge

Jock Safari Lodge is a private conservation safari lodge in Southern Kruger National Park and, notably, the top environmental concession in this world-famous park. Where the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers meet, this exclusive destination is the first privately owned and operated concession granted within Kruger National Park. 

A celebration of historical significance, Jock Safari Lodge is the living legacy of South African author and explorer Sir Percy FitzPatrick. The lodge’s inspiration lies in the classic tale ‘Jock of the Bushveld’ by Sir Percy FitzPatrick. Based on a true story adored by many, it follows the African bushveld adventures of a man and his faithful companion, a Staffordshire bull terrier.

The lodge is set within a wildlife terrain of 6.000 ha, an adventure-filled bushveld that is a prime location for Big 5 sightings. Conserving the wildlife and unspoiled landscapes and empowering the community is deep-rooted in their operations and initiatives, which comprise:

• Protecting vulnerable species

Jock Safari Lodge is heavily involved in conservation and research projects on rare and endangered species, such as the black and white rhino, lion, African wild dog, Marshall Eagle, and Ground Hornbill. Wildlife continuously flourishes on this tranquil landscape, ranging from the rare cheetah and numerous species of protected trees to various bird, reptile, frog, and fish species. The conservation efforts are a collective effort between SANParks, the National conservation authorities, the Caleo Foundation and the Jock Environmental Monitoring Unit (JEMU).

• Partnering  the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) 

Jock Safari Lodge has been actively involved in the community and sustainable development near Kruger National Park for many years. The lodge has partnered with the WFA for conservation education and youth development. This partnership has resulted in two initiatives: The Siyazenzela leadership and employability skills training programme (for people aged 18-26) and the Imbewu Wilderness Trails, which is intended to connect young people to their cultural-environmental heritage.

• Evolving ecotourism

Adhering to the strictest environmental standards of South Africa, Jock Safari Lodge was constructed with sustainability in mind. The lodge gets audited by the Kruger National Park and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) regularly to ensure it meets the criteria of a conservation safari lodge. They are devoted to keeping their impact minimal and remain committed to the conservation mission of the Caleo Foundation, which owns this property. Although they offer off-road safaris to provide guests with the best wildlife viewing experiences, they take great care to do so in an environmentally responsible way. This is all to preserve the wild paradise for future safari-goers.

Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is a window to the most remote, wild, and alluring parts of the Western Cape, while its sister lodge offers exclusive Kruger wildlife experiences in a legendary location beautifully preserved for safari enthusiasts. Want to experience what these sustainability meccas have to offer? Visit Viatu to book your trip.