Mabalingwe Game Reserve, Protected wildlife area in Bela-Bela Local Municipality, South Africa.
Mabalingwe Game Reserve is a protected wildlife area spanning approximately 8,800 hectares in Bela-Bela and features grassland and bushveld environments. Many African animal species roam across the gently rolling terrain that defines the landscape.
The land was originally a maize and cattle farm called Boschpoort and was converted into a nature reserve in 1972. The first ten thatched chalets were built in 1988 to establish it as a tourism destination.
The name comes from Tswana words meaning spots of the leopard, reflecting the regional linguistic heritage. This connection shows how local culture and wildlife are woven into the place itself.
The reserve is located about 28 kilometers west of Bela-Bela and offers accommodation in thatched chalets and lodges. Guided game drives are the primary way for visitors to explore and observe the wildlife throughout the area.
The reserve is home to elephants rescued from culling operations at Kruger National Park in the 1990s. These animals play an important role in modern conservation efforts aimed at protecting endangered populations.
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