Umbabat Game Reserve, Nature reserve in Ehlanzeni District Municipality, South Africa
Umbabat Game Reserve is a nature reserve in Ehlanzeni District Municipality that spans across several private reserves and borders Kruger National Park without physical barriers between them. The landscape includes wetlands, bushland, and open savanna along the Nhlaralumi River with diverse wildlife throughout the protected area.
The removal of fences between Umbabat, Timbavati, and Klaserie reserves in 1988 created a large continuous wildlife corridor within the broader Kruger ecosystem. This connection allowed animals to move freely across the reserves and shaped how the protected area functions today.
The reserve management collaborates with local communities to implement conservation practices aligned with South African Protected Areas legislation.
Visitors should book guided safaris with experienced guides to observe wildlife safely and support conservation efforts. The reserve is best explored during the dry season when animals gather near water sources and are easier to spot.
The reserve witnessed the first documented natural birth of two white lions in the Timbavati region, an event that gained attention after years without such occurrences. This rare observation highlights how connected reserves contribute to animal diversity.
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