Conservation & Community

The Oribi Sanctuary

Oasis Farm, owned by Eric Dunstone, has been declared a sanctuary for this rare and endangered species of South African antelope in the hope of increasing and preserving the population of the remaining Oribi in the area.

Only the male has horns. They are recognizable by their light brown colour, black tail and white belly. Oribi occur in pairs or small family groups.

The farm Oasis, which borders Lake Eland, is approximately 1150 acres (465ha), consisting of sugar cane and macadamia nuts. Oribi Flats is known for this small species of antelope, the Oribi. In 1990 only 7 Oribi were found on Oasis Farm. This was the total number of Oribi existing in the lower Oribi Flats area. Today they have bred to approximately 40. Red data book: Vulnerable

This small antelope is on the endangered species list and Lake Eland prides itself in declaring this area an Oribi Sanctuary to protect and encourage the breeding of this rare species. Areas of cane have been removed and grass has been planted to provide sufficient grazing throughout the year. A programme of cutting and burning the grass provides the ideal environment for grazing and long grass for protection.

The Charcoal Plant

Invader and noxious vegetation pose a major problem for any conservation area. At Lake Eland we strive to control this problem by chemical means and physical labour. In an effort to fund the expense incurred, we have commissioned two charcoal kilns on the reserve. Black Wattle, one of the invader species on the reserve, makes excellent charcoal and this will be collected and turned into our very own branded charcoal. Profits generated from this operation will go towards controlling and eradicating other invader species namely Lantana, bug weed, seringa and cromalina. Therefore, when you buy a bag of Lake Eland Charcoal, you are contributing to the control of invader plants.

Wowzulu

Lake Eland has joined together with Africa!Ignite and AMAFA (Heritage Kwa-Zulu Natal) to establish a ‘WOWZULU’ craft-focused tourist shop on Lake Eland Game Reserve. The shop will be run and stocked by local community craftsmen and women. The crafts will be made locally, thereby promoting the cultural heritage of the area. The main aim of this project is to encourage and promote entrepreneurship skills and development within the local community members, as well as alleviate poverty through job creation and skills development.

Please pop in and have a look at the Wowzulu shop situated at Lake Eland Game Reserve’s Reception.