Experience Ethical Tourism at its Finest: Lalibela Wildlife Reserve

Where Conservation Meets Community

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve, nestled in the Eastern Cape of South Africa, offers visitors an extraordinary safari experience that goes beyond traditional wildlife viewing. Standing out as a shining example of ethical tourism, Lalibela demonstrates a deep commitment to environmental sustainability and the well-being of local communities.

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve understands that responsible tourism starts with protecting the natural environment. The reserve implements a comprehensive approach to conservation that addresses immediate threats and ensures long-term ecological balance.

Restoring the Delicate Ecosystem: Battling Invasive Species

The presence of invasive species like Black Wattle trees and Opuntia (Prickly Pear) poses a significant challenge to the reserve’s native ecosystem. Black Wattle trees consume excessive amounts of water and suppress the growth of indigenous plants. Similarly, the Opuntia cactus spreads rapidly, outcompeting native flora.

Lalibela has made remarkable progress in removing these invasive species. By August 2024, roughly 80% of the invasive wattle trees had been eliminated, leading to the restoration of 4,000 hectares of land. The removal process is carefully managed. The trees are cut down, dried, burned, and the nutrient-rich ash is returned to the soil to promote healthy regrowth.

The reserve has also targeted Opuntia, successfully removing approximately 60% of this invasive cactus. While the fruit of the Opuntia is appealing to animals like elephants, baboons, and birds, their consumption leads to the widespread dispersal of seeds, exacerbating the problem. Lalibela’s ongoing efforts aim to completely eradicate Opuntia from the reserve.

Safeguarding Wildlife Through Monitoring and Protection

Lalibela employs cutting-edge technology and dedicated teams to protect its vulnerable wildlife populations.

Wildlife Monitoring: Tracking collars fitted on certain animals, such as lions, cheetahs, and rhinos, allow the reserve’s wildlife team to closely monitor their movements and behavior. This valuable data provides insights into their habitat use, helps to identify potential threats, and informs conservation strategies.

Anti-Poaching Measures: Recognizing the constant threat of poaching, particularly for endangered species like rhinos, Lalibela has invested in a robust anti-poaching unit. The unit consists of highly trained individuals and K9 dog units who work tirelessly to protect the reserve’s wildlife. Regular training ensures that the anti-poaching team remains effective in combating poaching activities.

Veterinary procedures are sometimes necessary for the well-being of certain high-profile species. Lalibela emphasizes that these procedures are conducted with the utmost care and are only performed when deemed absolutely necessary by veterinarians.

Integrating Sustainable Practices

Lalibela understands that sustainability is not just about conservation; it also involves minimizing the reserve’s environmental footprint through responsible practices.

Reducing Plastic Waste: The reserve is actively pursuing a “zero use of plastic” policy. While achieving this goal is an ongoing process, Lalibela has made significant strides by encouraging staff, guests, and suppliers to embrace this initiative.

Comprehensive Recycling Program: Lalibela has implemented a robust recycling program across the reserve. Recycling bins designated for glass, plastic, tins, paper, and cardboard are strategically placed at all lodges to make it easy for guests and staff to participate. The collected waste is then transported to a nearby recycling plant for processing.

Water Purification for Self-Sufficiency: Lalibela demonstrates its commitment to water conservation by operating an on-site water purification plant. Water extracted from two boreholes undergoes a meticulous filtration process that includes reverse osmosis to remove impurities and heavy metals. This advanced system enables Lalibela to produce both still and sparkling water, reducing its reliance on external water sources and minimizing plastic bottle waste.

Uplifting the Seven Fountains Community

Lalibela recognizes that the well-being of the reserve is intricately linked to the prosperity of the surrounding community. The Lalibela Community Outreach Foundation plays a vital role in empowering the residents of the neighboring village of Seven Fountains. This dedicated foundation focuses on four key pillars: education, sports development, conservation, and health.

Investing in Education and Youth Development

The foundation prioritizes education as a pathway to a brighter future for the children of Seven Fountains.

Nourishing Young Minds: Understanding that proper nutrition is essential for learning, the foundation provides a nutritious porridge breakfast to 180 students at Masakhane Primary School. This initiative ensures that children have the energy and focus they need to succeed in their studies.

Creating Opportunities for Growth: The foundation has established a vibrant recreation center located within walking distance of the school. This center provides a safe and stimulating environment for children to engage in after-school activities, including tutoring, sports like soccer, cricket, netball, and karate, as well as cultural activities like gumboot dancing. This space fosters a sense of community and provides a positive outlet for children’s energy and creativity.

Promoting Health and Food Security

The foundation addresses critical health and food security challenges faced by the Seven Fountains community.

Combating Hunger: In a spirit of community collaboration, a volunteer-run soup kitchen has been established to provide daily meals to residents of all ages. This initiative helps alleviate hunger and ensures that vulnerable members of the community have access to nutritious food.

Empowering Self-Sufficiency: Recognizing the importance of sustainable food solutions, the foundation works with a skilled subsistence farmer to create micro-gardens in local households. This program not only provides families with fresh produce but also teaches them valuable gardening skills, empowering them to grow their own food and reduce their reliance on external sources.

Fostering Conservation Awareness

Lalibela believes that community involvement is crucial for successful conservation efforts.

Educating Staff as Ambassadors: The reserve prioritizes wildlife and environmental education for its staff, who are primarily local residents. By deepening their understanding of the reserve’s ecosystem and the importance of conservation, Lalibela empowers its staff to become passionate advocates for protecting the natural environment.

Engaging the Community in Sustainable Practices: The eco-brick initiative is a prime example of how Lalibela engages the community in sustainable practices. This project encourages people to collect plastic litter and pack it tightly into plastic bottles to create eco-bricks. These eco-bricks are then used as building materials for constructing furniture like tables and benches, as well as walls. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also provides a sustainable and cost-effective solution for building projects.

An Unforgettable and Ethical Safari Experience

Lalibela Wildlife Reserve offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the African wilderness while knowing that their visit contributes to a greater purpose. The reserve’s holistic approach to ethical tourism ensures that both the environment and the local community benefit from tourism activities. Whether the majestic wildlife captivates you or the reserve’s commitment to sustainability and community empowerment inspires you, visiting Lalibela leaves you with an experience that stays with you long after you leave.