Cape Vulture Nature Reserve

our name means everything

The Reserve

Covering 1,800 hectares of wilderness, Cape Vulture Nature Reserve is part of the renowned Kruger to Canyons Biosphere, a UNESCO-protected region known for its extraordinary biodiversity.
High on the cliffs of South Africa’s Northern Drakensberg Escarpment, more than 700 breeding pairs of Cape vulturescircle the skies. Their soaring silhouettes are the soul of our reserve, their feathers the heart of our emblem, and their protection the essence of everything we do.

Conservation

at Cape Vulture nature reserve

At Cape Vulture Nature Reserve, wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism go hand in hand. Every day, we restore habitats, monitor wildlife, and protect the fragile ecosystems that sustain life across the escarpment.
The reserve is home not only to the endangered Cape vulture, but also to plains game such as wildebeest, kudu, zebra, and giraffe, as well as countless bird species and endemic plants.

But our mission extends beyond conservation. The reserve is a living classroom and a place of growth for surrounding communities. From permaculture gardens that nurture soil and food security, to education programs that inspire the next generation, and meaningful employment opportunities for local families — every action we take helps strengthen both people and planet.

“Where the cliffs meet the sky, every wingbeat tells a story of survival –
and every visitor becomes part of its future.“

Anti Poaching Unit

to protect our animals

At the heart of the Cape Vulture Nature Reserve lies a commitment to protecting the extraordinary flora and fauna that thrive across our 1,800-hectare sanctuary. Safeguarding this biodiversity — from the endangered Cape Vulture to countless species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and plants — requires constant vigilance. That is why our Anti-Poaching Unit (APU) plays such a vital role in our mission.

Our APU is made up of courageous men and women who live within the reserve itself, on call 24 hours a day. Many of them were originally selected from surrounding villages, bringing with them not only local knowledge of the land but also a deep-rooted connection to its wildlife. Over time, they have trained extensively to become a highly skilled team, combining passion with professionalism. Behind the scenes, their work is extraordinary. Every day, they put themselves at risk to protect South Africa’s natural heritage, ensuring that species like the Cape Vulture continue to soar above the Drakensberg escarpment and that ecosystems remain intact for generations to come.

Roles and Responsibilities

While the tasks of an anti-poaching team are diverse, their shared purpose is clear: to safeguard wildlife and their habitats. Our APU’s responsibilities include:

Patrolling: Carrying out regular foot, vehicle, and aerial patrols to detect and deter illegal activity.
Intelligence gathering: Working closely with communities and intelligence networks to identify threats before they escalate.
Counter-poaching tactics: Using military-style training and field expertise to track and apprehend poachers linked to criminal syndicates.

K-9 units: Employing specially trained dogs to track poachers or detect illegal wildlife products.
Advanced technology: Utilizing drones, camera traps, and surveillance systems to monitor vast, often remote areas.
Community engagement: Building trust and awareness in local communities, highlighting the benefits of conservation and offering alternatives to poaching.
Research support: Assisting with scientific monitoring by gathering ecological data and reporting on wildlife conditions.

A Calling, Not Just a Job

For our Anti-Poaching Unit, this work is far more than an occupation — it is a calling. Their sacrifice, dedication, and courage ensure that the Cape Vulture Nature Reserve remains not just a sanctuary for endangered species, but also a beacon of hope for conservation in South Africa. By standing on the frontlines of wildlife protection, our team helps secure a future where nature and people thrive together.

An Invitation

to be part of somethiing bigger

When you visit Cape Vulture Nature Reserve, you become part of something larger. You walk in landscapes that remain untamed, you witness the flight of a species on the brink, and you contribute directly to conservation, education and community empowerment. This is more than a reserve. It is a vision of how humans and nature can thrive together.

Learn, protect and experience!

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