“We believe that interest in Nature leads to knowledge, which is followed by understanding, and later appreciation. Once respect is gained it is a short step to responsibility and ultimately action to preserve our earth” - Dr Ian Player.

Dr Ian Player is a highly respected conservationist, not only in KwaZulu-Natal, but throughout Africa and the world. His conservation work in South Africa through Operation Rhino saved the white rhino from extinction and paved the way for their reintroduction into the Kruger National Park. Without his vision and passion it is quite possible that we would not be seeing these animals in any game reserves in South Africa.

Here on the Manyoni Private Game Reserve, we share the same vision and passion. With the communal efforts of our conservation team, anti-poaching team, all the lodges and guests, we have transformed our reserve into a sanctuary for endangered species.

However, one of the most important factors to the success of wildlife conservation is the ability to share that passion and vision with others. Without the knowledge and understanding that leads to appreciation of wildlife, our wild spaces would soon disappear.

We wish to share our passion and appreciation with you. We want to take you on a journey of understanding, into the world of conservation, and show the importance of the work that is done to protect our wildlife.

Mavela Game Lodge, together with the Manyoni Private Game Reserve offers our guests the chance to participate in real conservation. The chance to join the conservation teams on their daily task of protecting our wildlife. We take you behind the scenes to show you the effort that goes into ensuring the survival of endangered species for years to come.

Manyoni Conservation Activities

Rhino Horn Trimming

Join our wildlife management team on a life-altering rhino dehorning experience. Rhino dehorning has proven to be an effective measure to deter rhino poaching.

We encourage our guests to join us and participate in this heart-warming, educational, hands-on experience. Get up close to wild rhino whilst assisting the team in collecting DNA samples and taking measurements, all of this contributing to the protection of the species. The procedure is not harmful in any way, and our veterinarian and wildlife management team is highly experienced in ensuring the welfare of the rhino during the procedure.

Rhino K9 Training

This is a unique opportunity to spend time with the anti-poaching K9 unit whilst they conduct training.

Manyoni has three K9's trained on human tracking, our first arrival was Thor a Bavarian Mountain Hound and then also with Rolo a Dutch Sheppard and lastly Veela a German Short Haired Pointer.

In order to keep the K9s on high performance they have to undergo regular training. The dogs are very friendly and really enjoy the interaction with the guests and their handlers.

Join us to learn more about the amazing work these dogs do in protecting our wildlife. The K9 handlers and dogs will demonstrate their skills in tracking and apprehending suspects. Come and show your support.

Visit a Rhino Orphanage

Manyoni Private Game Reserve supports the Zululand Rhino Orphanage as the only orphanage in KZN. The facility specialises in care and rehabilitation of orphaned rhino calves. We would like to offer you the opportunity to support the facility and learn more about the amazing work they do. During your visit you will be able to engage with the dedicated team and see what it entails to care for orphaned rhino.

Funded entirely through donations and revenue generated by conservation levy’s, the orphanage is home to black and white rhino calves, which are raised and rewilded, contributing to both species' range expansion and population stability. Our guests are encouraged to pay a visit to the orphanage to contribute to joining the fight to save our rhino and further understand the challenges facing rhino conservation in South Africa.

Our other stories

Wildlife Conservation

Travel with a purpose - Participate in conservation.

April 18, 2023

The Sekane Pride

Sekane pride of Lions

July 31, 2022

The History of Rhino Conservation in South Africa

The History of Rhino Conservation in South Africa

Feb 20, 2022

Photos of the Year - 2021

Photos of the Year - 2021

September 5, 2021

Manyoni Private Game Reserve, One of the Jewels of the Elephant Coast

Nestled in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountain Range, covering an area of 23000ha the Manyoni Private Game Reserve forms one of the largest privately owned Big 5 areas in Kwa-Zulu Natal.

June 24, 2021

Photos of the Year - 2020

The best photos captured at Mavela during November

December 1, 2020

Mavela's Birding Big Day

Some members of the Mavela team got together to participate in the annual birding big day. An event that sets out to identify the most amount of bird species within a 24 hour day. The guides at Mavela couldn't miss out on the fun.

December 1, 2020

Rain Comes to Zululand

The month of October brought with it much needed rainfall, the low hanging clouds signified the close of a long and dry winter period and the landscape has undergone a rapid change from arid savannah to a veritable garden of Eden.

November 30, 2020

Free Flying, Once Again

On 24 June 2020 three critically White-backed Vultures were released back into the wild on Manyoni Private Game Reserve (MPGR) after being saved from mass poisonings last year.

July 27, 2020

New Contenders

As one of the most beautifully captivating animals to find on safari, the cheetah is a massive asset to any game reserve. Their sleek elegance and unique characteristics make it a truly remarkable animal to encounter.

July 27, 2020

GOLDEN MONTHS FOR MAVELA!

Excitement on the 31 December 2018, when Brad Smith identified a very rare bird at the lodge, the Golden Pipit!

April 19, 2019