Manyoni Private Game Reserve
In 2004, 17 private properties in the northern Zululand area dropped their fences to create the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Formerly known as the Zululand Rhino Reserve, the marriage and restoration of these properties (a mish-mash of old tomato farms, cotton fields, and seasonal cattle grazing) has created a 23,000-hectare game-rich private reserve. The terrain varies from bushveld to riverine woodland and open savanna thornveld that animals, such as wildebeest, zebras, and cheetahs love. The reserve has over 70 mammal species and an exceptional diversity of birdlife including sought-out endemics such as the pink-throated twinspot and elusive African broadbill. Apt then, that the name means the "place of birds" in isiZulu. However, this sanctuary is all the more special because it's been chosen as a safe space to rehabilitate rescued pangolins. This species is particularly susceptible to illness and takes ages to recover from the hardships of trafficking (they often suffer dehydration and malnutrition). If there is a pangolin in residence, you can join the conservation team on the ground as they walk with them to ensure they are eating, picking up weight, and getting strong enough to roam freely again. There’s no touching or petting.
