About Us

Playing Our Part in Animal Conservation

At Mapesu Private Game Reserve, we believe in conservation through responsible tourism. We empower our guests to protect South Africa’s precious ecosystem actively. Through our dedicated efforts, we’ve transformed over 12,500 hectares into a thriving wildlife sanctuary. Our vision? A future where tourism fuels the preservation of wild places. Every guest’s experience at Mapesu not only delights but also directly contributes to the rewilding of this extraordinary landscape.

Looking ahead, our vision for the future is one where tourism fuels the preservation of the world’s wild places. So, we are only too happy to invite you to participate in our great wildlife adventure.

Northern Limpopo, especially around Mapungubwe National Park, is a region rich in history, culture, and stunning natural beauty. The area is home to the Venda people, known for their deep spiritual connection to the land, vibrant music, dance, and craftsmanship.

The Mapungubwe Kingdom, which thrived from the 11th to 13th centuries, left behind a significant cultural legacy, with archaeological sites like Mapungubwe Hill offering insights into one of Africa’s earliest civilizations. The kingdom’s treasures, including gold artifacts, reveal the sophistication of this ancient society and its wide-reaching trade networks.

Beyond the captivating wildlife and archaeological sites within Mapesu Private Game Reserve, the surrounding areas beckon visitors with a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. The traditions of the local Venda communities, expressed through intricate beadwork, detailed wood carvings, and captivating storytelling, provide a unique cultural immersion. Exploring the regional markets further unveils the artistry of local craftsmanship. For travelers drawn to history, nature, or culture, the area around Mapesu Private Game Reserve offers a fascinating and diverse destination.

1. Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

We actively protect and restore the ecosystems entrusted to our care through:

• Habitat Restoration & Biodiversity Protection:
  Mapesu manages more than 12,500 hectares of Mopane woodland and savanna habitat. We undertake fire management, removal of invasive species, erosion control, and long-term ecological monitoring to ensure the resilience of the landscape.
• Wildlife Conservation & Rewilding:
  Our reserve participates in critical conservation programmes, including the reintroduction and protection of endangered and vulnerable species. We collaborate with regional partners to strengthen wildlife corridors, reduce human–wildlife conflict, and enhance genetic diversity.
• Ethical Wildlife Management:
  All wildlife interactions follow strict ethical guidelines, with no captive wildlife entertainment, no baited wildlife photography, and no exploitative practices. Our approach prioritises natural behaviour, animal welfare, and ecological integrity.
• Climate Responsibility:
  Mapesu is committed to decarbonisation, carbon-sequestration projects, and the protection of indigenous woodland ecosystems. We continue to explore regenerative land-use practices, renewable energy options, and low-impact operations across the reserve.

2. Responsible Tourism & Low-Impact Guest Experience

Our lodges, including Lucca Lodge, Mopane Bush Lodge, and the Mapesu Wilderness Camp, operate with sustainability at the core:

• Energy-efficient infrastructure and ongoing migration toward renewable energy
• Water conservation systems including grey-water recycling and responsible borehole management
• Reduction of single-use plastics and preference for biodegradable alternatives
• Eco-friendly guest amenities and locally sourced materials
• Sustainable procurement and preference for Fair Trade certified suppliers where possible

Guests are invited to participate in responsible travel practices through conservation-minded activities, low-impact safari experiences, and educational engagement with our conservation teams.

3. Community Empowerment & Ethical Partnerships

Our operations are deeply intertwined with community upliftment and shared prosperity:

• Local Employment & Skills Development:
  More than 80% of our workforce is hired from neighbouring communities, with continuous vocational training, upskilling, and mentorship provided across hospitality, guiding, conservation, and technical fields.
• Collaboration with Local Enterprises & Landowners:
  We work closely with community property associations, neighbouring farms, and local businesses to promote sustainable land management, tourism development, and economic opportunities.
• Respect for Cultural Heritage:
  We honour the cultural significance of the Mapungubwe region by promoting respectful interpretation, supporting heritage conservation, and ensuring inclusive representation of local narratives.

4. Transparency, Governance & Ethical Conduct

We commit to:

• Complying with all environmental, tourism, and labour regulations
• Ensuring transparent and fair financial practices with partners, staff, and communities
• Upholding rigorous health, safety, and ethical standards across all operations
• Monitoring, reporting, and improving our sustainability performance annually

5. Continuous Improvement & Long-Term Vision

Sustainability is not a destination but a journey. Mapesu is committed to:

• Ongoing research collaborations with conservation scientists, NGOs, and universities
• Adoption of innovative sustainable technologies
• Expansion of biodiversity corridors and large-scale conservation areas
• Increasing the measurable positive impact of tourism on local communities

Our long-term vision is to contribute to a thriving, climate-resilient, and biodiverse landscape that benefits wildlife, people, and future generations—while providing unforgettable, responsible tourism experiences.

Declaration

Mapesu Private Game Reserve and its associated lodges hereby affirm our commitment to the principles of Fair Trade Tourism.
We pledge to operate with integrity, accountability, and deep respect for the ecosystems and communities that make this place so extraordinary.