Where Community and Wilderness
Thrive Together
Somkhanda is one of the first reserves to be included in the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project.
Conservation Safaris
Prices on enquiry only.
Lion Immobilization & Collaring
Experience the thrill of conservation in action. Join wildlife experts as they track, safely immobilize, and fit a tracking collar on one of Africa’s apex predators the lion. This once-in-a-lifetime safari offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at real conservation work, contributing directly to the protection and long-term monitoring of these magnificent animals.
Rhino Immobilization & Dehorning
Witness one of the most powerful conservation efforts on the planet. Join a dedicated wildlife team as they locate, safely immobilize, and dehorn a rhino, a critical procedure that helps protect these endangered giants from poaching. This hands-on experience offers a rare and emotional glimpse into the frontline of rhino conservation and the unwavering commitment to their survival.
Elephant Immobilization & Collaring
Step into the heart of elephant conservation with this unforgettable experience. Accompany wildlife veterinarians and researchers as they safely immobilize and fit a GPS collar on one of Africa’s gentle giants. Each collaring contributes to vital research, helping monitor movement patterns, protect migration routes, and support long-term conservation strategies for these intelligent and majestic creatures.
Wildlife at Somkhanda
Somkhanda is home to a rich variety of iconic African wildlife, including critically endangered black rhino and wild dogs. The reserve also supports important populations of elephants, white rhino, lion, leopard, buffalo, giraffe, kudu, zebra, and antelope.
Every species plays a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of this ecosystem, making Somkhanda a truly living classroom and conservation stronghold.
Somkhanda is home to over 6400 wild animals
General mammals including: Buffalo, Zebra, Blue wildebeest, Impala, Bushbuck, Kudu, Nyala, Giraffe, Elephant, Rhino (black), Rhino (white), Bushpig, Warthog, Grey duiker, Red duiker, Reedbuck, Mountain reedbuck, Steenbok, Leopard, Caracal, Serval, Hyena (brown), Hyena (spotted), Lion, Aardvark/Antbear, Genet, Monkey (vervet), Bushbaby (lesser), Bushbaby (greater)
About us
Somkhanda Game Reserve (SGR) stretches across 12,000 hectares (29,652 acres) of pristine Zululand bushveld in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Established in 2005 through a landmark land restitution process, the reserve is proudly owned by the Emvokweni Community Trust, representing the beneficiaries of the Gumbi tribe.
Somkhanda is more than just a game reserve; it is a community-owned conservation success story. Declared a Nature Reserve under the National Environmental Management of Protected Areas Act (NEMPA), it has become a recognised site of conservation significance, celebrated for its biodiversity and pioneering rewilding efforts.
During its inception, the reserve reintroduced key species of global importance, including black rhino, white rhino, elephant, lion, wild dog, and buffalo, alongside thriving populations of prey species. These efforts helped transform Somkhanda into a living sanctuary where wildlife and community prosperity go hand in hand.
Rhino dehoring - Anti Poaching
Our Purpose
At Somkhanda, conservation is not only about wildlife, it’s also about people. The reserve was built on the vision of creating a sustainable biodiversity economy, one that provides long-term environmental protection and meaningful socio-economic opportunities for the Gumbi community and its neighbours.
The establishment of the Somkhanda Wildlife Foundation in 2023 strengthened this mission, creating a dedicated platform to manage donor and grant funding for conservation and environmental education.