MAPESU
At 7,221ha (72 km2), the reserve forms part of the Limpopo Valley Conservancy that borders the Mapungubwe National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also inside the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (GMTFCA), a large 5,909km2 transnational conservation zone uniting South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
The area has a tremendous amount of biodiversity, thanks largely to its varied habitat. Mapesu is situated within the Mopane veld dominated by Colophospermum mopane (commonly called the mopane tree, butterfly tree or turpentine tree) on the Archaean Beit Bridge complex. The reserve consists of undulating plains with a number of drainage lines and some hills (Limpopo Ridge Bushveld) in the East and South. There are plenty of (artificial, some solar-powered) waterholes with plentiful drinkable water on the property, including one natural dam/wallowing hole, which has been dug larger and deeper to allow for some hippos to later be settled in, as well as creating wallowing spaces for rhinos, buffalos, and elephants. There is also a river from which the reserve gets its namesake, the Mapedu, running through the property on a seasonal basis.
This region once focused on cattle farming which had led to overgrazing and subsequent encroachment of mopane trees. However, thru our various conservation efforts we strive to return the area to its beautiful natural state. This is a long-term strategy where we will not sacrifice nature for convenience; it will take sweat, effort and a lot of time to restore this piece of Africa to its former glory and we are well on our way.
Also, there are 49 + mammal species either currently on the reserve or that have been recently been on the reserve. In September 2016, we released a herd of elephants; in 2017, cheetahs; in 2018; sables, giraffes, buffalo; and in 2019 with great effort rhinos and many more species, all of which continue to shape the reserve’s flora and fauna. We have also aligned with the Endangered Wildlife Trust’s Cheetah Meta Population Project (Endangered Wildlife Trust) where we reintroduced two cheetahs into the reserve and offer volunteer programmes that bring an upclose and personal experience in the world of conservation.
Mapesu has four of the Big 5 roaming with the remaining 1 species (lion) occurring inside Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site where we also do game drives.
A REMOTE AND ANCIENT LANDSCAPE STEEPED IN HISTORY
We take responsibility for rehabilitation of the plants and wildlife that is under our watch!
Mapesu was formed by Shared Universe Ventures Ltd (SUV), in which their goals are to create immediate change so that future generations regardless of where they live, may have the opportunity to experience the same plentiful and diverse planet that we benefit from and enjoy today.
SUV offers a unique option to save the planet by letting anyone get personal involved in conservation by becoming an owner of the reserve. Having investors allows SUV to purchase more land as a way to further the reach of conservation territory and allows anyone from any part of the world to have a home away from home with the chance to reconnect with nature at its heart.
Owning shares entitles shareholders to visit the reserve whenever they like, enjoy its facilities, including its luxury lodge Mopane Bush Lodge, and to get involved in conservation and community projects at their discretion. As an owner one can enjoy the enormous personal satisfaction and ongoing joy from their investment without having to deal with the complexities and costs of personally managing a game reserve. They can be proud to leave a legacy of magnitude and true nature conservation for future generations.