History of South African Nature Reserves

© Roger De la Harpe

Just like South Africa itself, nature reserves around the country also have a fascinating history. Read all about how these parks came into existence.

History and geology buffs will find the history of these iconic South African nature reserves and national parks fascinating - from the geological formation of the land to the first human settlers to the proclamation of a nature reserve.

Cederberg Wilderness Area History and Wildlife

Rich in historical San art, the Cederberg Wilderness Area offers spectacular scenery, a wide diversity of plant species and an extensive net...more

Drakensberg – A History of Rock Art and Bloodshed

South Africa's uKhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park has been inhabited by mankind since the Middle Stone Age and boasts a number of historic...more

History of iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Proclaimed South Africa's first World Heritage Site in 1999, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal has a long and rich history of e...more

History of Pilanesberg Game Reserve

Considered to be one of the most ambitious game reserve projects in the world, the Pilanesberg Game Reserve is home to at least 86 species o...more

History of the Garden Route National Park

The Garden Route National Park covers 157 000 hectares of land and is known for its spectacular mountain scenery and a wide diversity of lan...more

History of the Lost Civilization of Mapungubwe

Located in South Africa's Limpopo Province, Mapungubwe National Park is a Big Five game reserve. Considered the most influential and importa...more

History and Wildlife of the West Coast National Park

The West Coast National Park is home to one of the finest coastal wetlands in the country, and is renowned for its magnificent spring flower...more

Pilanesberg National Park - Operation Genesis

From 1979, more than 6,000 animals of various species were moved into quarantine enclosures to acclimatise before being released into Pilane...more

The Bloody History of Addo Elephant National Park

The Addo Elephant National Park has a long and bloody past, as it was once the location for many clashes between tribes and colonisers...more

To Extinction and Back - The Quagga

A groundbreaking project to bring the Quagga back from extinction is proving highly successful in a number of nature reserves in the Western...more
South Africa Nature Reserves : Game Reserves and National Parks