The Nyosi Wildlife Reserve Opens on the 10th of December 2022
Be the first to visit the all-new Nyosi Wildlife Reserve during the official opening on the 10th and 11th of December 2022. Set between Nelson Mandela Bay, Kariega and KwaNobuhle, Nyosi is a protected oasis where families can reconnect with nature and care for the environment while having fun, eating good food, and tasting good local wines and gins. Nyosi is a family-friendly, protected sanctuary where city dwellers can spend the day or overnight in affordable accommodation just off Cape Road.
Nyosi Wildlife Reserve in Nelson Mandela Bay is named after the bee, a guardian of the natural world and a symbol of rebirth and wisdom. Previously known as Hopewell Conservation Estate, the 2500-hectare reserve is maturing into a Wildlife Reserve that connects its urban neighbours to nature and wildlife. Nyosi Wildlife Reserve is 24km from Kariega (Uitenhage), 14km from Bay West Mall and borders Kwa Nobuhle; making Nyosi the only peri-urban wildlife reserve in the Eastern Cape, and the only reserve spread across two municipalities.
Did you know that the bee pollinates 1 out of 3 mouthfuls eaten by human beings? Similarly to how the bee helps the natural world to benefit humans, Nyosi Wildlife Reserve nurtures nature to create a healthy escape for city dwellers. This underlying mission sets the tone for the type of activities and accommodation on offer at Nyosi, which are all tailored to meet the budget and desires of ordinary South Africans, and international travellers who want to experience an authentic South African lifestyle.
A Wildlife game reserve on the doorstep of urban neighbourhoods means more than a family-friendly outing or exciting school field trip. Nyosi Wildlife Reserve has five different habitats of unique grasses, plants, and insects. It is also home to key species, such as bees and elephants, that help stabilise the environment. While Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape face drought and other environmental damage, the movement of crucial wildlife closer to the city will enhance conservation in the area.
Nyosi Wildlife Reserve is repopulating the area with the wild animals that roamed this part of the Eastern Cape freely before they were irradicated by hunting in the 1800s. The return of these species will restore intricate connections that create whole ecosystems. For example, the first elephants arrived at Nyosi in October 2022, and in just a few weeks, there is already a spike in the presence of dung beetles that feed off elephants’ dung. These beetles help disperse critical nutrients to the soil and seeds that become new plants. This small natural activity is the beginning of significant positive changes to the environment. The elephants at Nyosi were relocated from a neighbouring Eastern Cape Game Reserve on the 10th of October 2022.
This relocation split a big herd that would have soon struggled to find food and water, thus alleviating the pressures caused by the drought. Nyosi has been home to tens of thousands of bees and water-smart plants and has thus helped food production and water retention in the area.
Nyosi has accomplished this reintroduction of wildlife with the expertise of the founders of Eastern Cape Game Reserves, who have successfully managed numerous wildlife relocations over 20 years. Mantis’ Foundation – the Community Conservation Fund Africa (CCFA) is the custodian of all all conservation and community projects at Nyosi Wildlife Reserve.
‘Our team has been involved at the Hopewell Conservation Estate for many years, helping the Issroff family to caretake one of the most beautiful properties in the Eastern Cape. Over the past year the Issroff Family made a bold decision to rewild the 3,100 hectares. The journey has begun with changing the name Hopewell to Nyosi Wildlife Reserve. With the co-operation of Nyosi’s neighbours and the Conservation and Wildlife authorities, permits have been granted to introduce, elephant, rhino, buffalo and cheetahs. There is a plan regarding lions which will follow. General game, including Antelope, Giraffe and Zebra are already on the property,’ said Adrian Gardiner.
Keen nature lovers and everyone excited about learning to live in harmony with nature are invited to Nyosi Wildlife Reserve to enjoy the pure side of life. Nyosi is a family-friendly environment where everyone can relax, rewild, reconnect and enjoy affordable game drives with lunches or picnics, wine tasting and more. Nyosi offers accommodation in four glamping tents that sleep two people each and villas for up to 10 guests. Nyosi Wildlife Reserve also offers visitors a swimming pool, a day centre with a lounge, a deli and a restaurant that serves food made from ingredients that did not travel far to get to your plate. The environment keeps winning in this story, and so do the urban communities surrounding Nyosi, such as Kwa Nobuhle, where Nyosi Wildlife Reserve has dedicated resources to empower locals through training, conservation, and entrepreneurship development.
Opening Launch Details
- 10 December 2022 | 10.00 AM – 18.30 PM
- 11 December 2022 | 10.00 AM – 15.00 PM
Limited tickets available for only 200 people per day
Book your ticket for R50 for adults and free for children under 12: https://fb.me/e/5kzjgrNbW
Experiences on offer.
- Nature & Safari Experiences
- Game Drives & nature walks
- Kid’s Entertainment; face painting, climbing wall, jungle gym
- Live Entertainment
- Spot prizes on the day | 1 main competition each day
- Dining experiences: Spitbraai, Picnic baskets and Deli offerings
- Gin & Wine tasting
CONTACT INFO:
- Website: www.nyosireserve.com
- Telephone – +27 41 450 0381
- Email – discover@nyosireserve.com
- Social Media handles
- IG https://www.instagram.com/nyosi_reserve/
Video: Elephants on Cape Road
More Info on Elephants on Cape Road here: https://www.nyosireserve.com
Twitter:
Facebook: https:// facebook.com/NyosiReserve/
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Alan Straton
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