Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is the provincial agency mandated to carry out biodiversity conservation and associated activities in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. The primary focus of the organisation is biodiversity conservation - the management of more than 120 protected areas which include two World Heritage Sites which are the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. The organisation also applies provincial nature conservation legislation and its associated regulations. A secondary aspect is the management of one of the largest eco-tourism operation in South Africa.

The model on which Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife operates is designed to make the organisation as independent as possible. Although it is a parastatal body receiving a subsidy from the provincial government, it can supplement this through its own business operations, generating some 40% of its operating budget.

We are the custodians of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site, we are the conservation and ecotourism managers in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, we manage the world famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park genetic home to the southern white rhino and its fantastic story of recovery. We manage Ithala Game Reserve, Weenen Game Reserve and a host of smaller parks and nature reserves.

Our District Conservation Officers work amongst communities outside of protected areas ensuring that the conservation legislation of the province is applied and to assist the public with any biodiversity conservation issues they might encounter. Our marine officers act as agents for Marine and Coastal Management, a branch of the national Department of Environment Affairs and apply appropriate marine legislation to protect our dwindling marine resources No biodiversity agency can operate without scientific input and Ezemvelo is no exception. Teams of ecologists, both in the protected areas and in regional offices, and our head office, are responsible for providing a scientific basis for management operations through applied research, for applying the requirements of national legislation regarding Environmental Impact Assessments, Integrated Management Plans and much more.
Proper biodiversity conservation ensures that ecosystems goods and services are available to mankind. These include water, fuel, natural resources for creating housing, household goods and clothing, food and traditional medicines.

Biodiversity conservation also provides the attraction of protected natural areas that draw tourists not only locally but from all over the world. Most tourists to South Africa are drawn by the allure of the game reserves - but they also pay for accommodation and service en route. In this way the effect of our game reserves is spread throughout the country.

Eco - Tourism
Ezemvelo manages one of the largest eco-tourism operations in South Africa. We offer 2 500 beds per night in a wide range of different accommodation types, and we offer camping accommodation to over 10 000 people per night.

Our overnight visitor facilities range from a cave in the Maloti-Drakensberg Park through open campsites, self-catering rondavels, chalets, safari tents, to cottages and luxury lodges. Certain of the larger resorts, Didima, Giant's Castle and Hilltop in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park and Ntshondwe in Ithala Game Reserve, also offer a restaurant. This diversity offers something to suit all pockets.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offers many wonderful experiences for its visitors, these include guided walks, overnight Wilderness Trails in Imfolozi, access to ancient San rock-art, close-up encounters with crocodiles at the St Lucia Crocodile Centre, peace and solitude in the Drakensberg, unparalleled scenery and vistas and superb game viewing from the comfort of your own car or in a guided open vehicle tour.

Partnerships
Dedicated Community Conservation Officers and their staff work amongst rural communities, assisting and teaching good biodiversity conservation practice and a lot more. A levy on each tourist paying to enter a protected area provides funding for community projects, which are financed through the Community Levy Fund.

An exciting new initiative is the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Biodiversity Stewardship programme in which we enter into partnerships with private landowners in order to protect valuable biodiversity assets that occur on that private land.

Another active partnership programme is the WWF Black Rhino Range Expansion Project which seeks to spread the endangered black rhino to selected groupings of appropriate private land in KZN. The various protected areas in the KZN parks system are well worth a visit and it is seemly to keep in mind the hidden benefits of maintaining these parks for the benefit of the present and future generations.
Full Name of Company: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Nature of Business: Conservation, Partnerships and Ecotourism

VISION
To be a world renowned leader in the field of biodiversity conservation.

MISSION
To ensure effective conservation and sustainable use of KwaZulu Natal’s biodiversity in collaboration with stakeholders for the benefit of present and future generations.

KEY PERSONNEL
Communications Manager: Musa Mntambo

CONTACT DETAILS
Head Office
Physical Address: 1 Peter Brown Drive, Montrose, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Postal Address: P.O. Box 13053, Cascades, 3202
Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1999
Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1699
E-mail: mntambom@kznwildlife.com
Website: www.kznwildlife.com

Other Branches: Durban, Eshowe, Howick

KZNWildlife Reservations
Postal Address: P.O. Box 13069, Cascades, 3202, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000 Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
E-mail: bookings@kznwildlife.com