Selwane Nature Reserve
Goal
Selwane is proposing to build a conference centre to promote community-based tourism and increase visitor traffic The site is looking to add over 2000 ha in additional farmland, which would be used to develop a conservancy for rhinos and other game. The Reserve intends to purchase game stock to promote the wildlife safari and hunting business to potential clients/tourists. Introducing cattle ranching is a strategic priority for the site.
Investment Range / ROI
ROI - 15% pa
Public or Private Sector
This is a Private Sector Opportunity
Investment Readiness
Environment & Social Impact
SDGs
Investment Opportunity Assessment
Land Ownership and Governance
Land Size
8400 Hectares
Location
Limpopo
Investment Opportunity Assessment
Wildlife Economy
Core Operations
- Ranching and related value chain
- Hunting and hunting value chain
- Safari and ecotourism value chain
- Game meat value chain
Activities
Trophy hunting is a major business activity attracting high-end international and local hunters.
The game farm offers a wide range of wildlife species.
Game meat including processing, packaging and distribution to domestic and export markets.
Ecotourism
Core Operations
- Accommodation
- Ecotourism activities
- Cultural and traditional activities
Activities
Magwena River Lodge is a luxury lodge with 16 beds, camping and catering services.
Investment Opportunities
Investment Requirements
Value Proposition and Enablers
Business Operations
Ecotourism
Wildlife Economy
Primary Customers
Active Business Entities
About this Opportunity
Selwane Game Reserve comprises 4 100 ha of land and Magwena River Lodge are located in close proximity to the popular Kruger National Park.
Selwane is a critical Biodiversity Conservation Area with vast wildlife and a temperate savanna climate with unique bird and plant life.
The Restitution of Land Rights Act which was promulgated in 1994 activated the first land claim which was lodged by the Selwane tribe during 1996 and the farms Kondowe 36 and Waterbok were successfully transferred and are now being administered by the Selwane Communal Property Association. Kondowe is currently a game farm development and Waterbok is a community irrigation development project.
After reclaiming the land, the community decided to venture into eco-tourism and approached various stakeholders to assist as the community did not have the finances and knowledge to drive it.
The community partnered with SIABIX, a private investment company with various interests in the abattoir and meat industry to develop and operate Selwane Nature Reserve and Magwena River Lodge, based on a shareholders’ agreement in terms of which the strategic partner holds 49% and the CPA owns the balance. Three of the CPA members are directors in the operating company.
In the future Selwane aims to:
- Add a conference centre to host corporate events.
- Add over 2000 ha in additional farms. This additional land would be used to develop a conservancy for rhinos and other game.
- Introduce cattle ranching as a strategic priority for the site.
- To purchase additional game to increase the attractiveness to potential tourists. The target is to acquire: 15 Buffalo, 13 Zebra, 50 Impala, 28 Springboks and 25 Elands. Elephants will not be pursued due to a lack of land.