Lalibela Wildlife Reserve, known for its conservation-first approach, is expanding its protected wilderness through a carefully orchestrated series of land acquisitions and rehabilitation projects that will reshape both the landscape and the future of wildlife conservation in the region.
The expansion is a strategic vision that will see former agricultural land restored to its natural state, creating what Johann Lombard, CEO of Lalibela Wildlife Reserve, describes as ‘the most rough uncut diamond of a landscape that facilitates some of the highest-quality wildlife experiences’.
At the heart of this transformation lies a former commercial peach and prune farm, where systematic rehabilitation is already underway. The process began with the careful removal of the fruit trees, the first step in a complex ecological restoration that could span anywhere from five to seventy-five years. The removed trees are burned, and their ashes are worked back into the aerated soil, creating a nutrient-rich foundation for indigenous vegetation. ‘We have to be mindful of the chemicals previously used in these orchards,’ says Lombard. ‘By systematically removing and burning the trees, we’re ensuring any residual agricultural chemicals don’t affect our wildlife populations, initiating a complete ecosystem reset.’
The science behind this transformation reveals nature’s remarkable resilience: the combination of nitrogen and carbon deposits with aerated soil creates ideal conditions for grassland establishment. This is complemented by the existing grass species already growing between the orchard trees, providing a seed bank for regeneration.
Further supporting this natural regeneration is a mosaic burning programme, where controlled burns create patches of rejuvenated grassland. ‘When we burn an area, we can see new grass shooting through sometimes within as little as twelve hours,’ Lombard says. ‘These areas become nutrient-rich feeding grounds that naturally attract and distribute wildlife across the landscape.’
Lalibela’s ambitious expansion now encompasses several strategic land acquisitions intended to create a diverse landscape that includes both grasslands and the unique Albany thicket vegetation characteristic of the Eastern Cape. Early 2024 saw the reserve acquire two key properties: the 130-hectare Allswell farm, notable for its large waterbody and suitable vegetation for high-profile game, and the 120-hectare Kinross farm, which straddles both sides of a crucial access road. The reserve, which currently consists of three distinct areas (Lalibela’s main reserve spanning 6 500 hectares, the northern section known as Lalibela North covering 3 000 hectares and an additional area called Fabers Kraal encompassing 2 700 hectares), will be enhanced by these new acquisitions, creating a more viable ecosystem for its diverse wildlife populations.
This expansion addresses a crucial ecological challenge: the balance between browsers (animals that eat leaves) and grazers (animals that eat grass). The reserve currently has 40% fewer grazing animals than its optimal capacity, while its population of browsing species, such as elephants, giraffes and kudus, is 140% above the ideal number. The new territories will help alleviate this pressure, providing additional space for natural movement patterns and feeding behaviours.
Even before the fences come down, there are encouraging signs of what’s to come. Animals in the existing reserve gather along fence lines of the newly acquired properties, communicating through body language and scent with potential future neighbours, demonstrating their natural instinct to explore new territories once rehabilitation is complete.
The newly acquired lands have also yielded fascinating historical layers, including numerous Stone Age artefacts, adding an intriguing human heritage dimension to the wildlife experience. These discoveries tell stories of early human hunters who traversed these same landscapes thousands of years ago.
‘The Eastern Cape has been here since the time of the Khoikhoi and the Xhosa, through the arrival of the 1820 settlers, and yet it’s still revealing its potential,’ Lombard reflects. ‘We’re not just expanding a reserve; we’re helping to create one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations while ensuring the conservation of these incredible landscapes for generations to come.’
Security has also been a key consideration. ‘These properties were previously commercial farms with seasonal workers and limited control,’ Lombard explains. ‘By incorporating them into our reserve, we can implement our comprehensive security measures, from fencing to AI-supported monitoring systems.’
For visitors, this expansion promises an even more immersive safari experience, with new areas strategically incorporated to create viewing opportunities away from major roads. The reserve is developing new game-viewing routes that consider both guest safety and optimal wildlife-viewing opportunities, ensuring that the conservation benefits translate into enhanced safari experiences.
