The Reserve
Hopewell Conservation Estate includes a pioneering urban nature reserve located at the heart of what conservation icon Dr Ian Player identified as the “new wilderness frontier”.
Shamwari Wildlife has overseen the clearing, rehabilitation and fencing of 3,000 hectares of former farmland which make up the Hopewell Nature Reserve.
The organization, headed up by Dr Johan Joubert and John O'Brien, has been appointed to manage the Reserve. Kevin Taylor is the reserve manager located at the property.
The natural biodiversity of the area incorporates four of the seven Eastern Cape biomes including wetlands, Algoa grassy fynbos, subtropical thicket in the valleys, and renoster bontveld, making it ideal for supporting indigenous wildlife.
Rare Cape mountain zebra, iconic eland, prancing springbok, red hartebeest, mountain reedbuck, ostrich and kudu have been reintroduced over the past two years. They are already breeding successfully, with six eland born in the first spring season following their relocation to the area. Natural predators such as the rare spotted genet have also made Hopewell their home.
More than 130 bird species can be spotted while walking, mountain-biking or horse riding through the secure reserve. These activities are limited to residents or accredited groups accompanied by guides.
Nature Reserve