Mankwe Wildlife Reserve
A Living
Conservation Landscape
Mankwe Wildlife Reserve is not a showcase — it is a working conservation landscape where protection, research and education take place every day.
Situated in South Africa’s malaria-free North West Province, approximately five kilometres east of Pilanesberg National Park, Mankwe is a family-run nature reserve dedicated to managing a healthy, balanced ecosystem.
The reserve exists to demonstrate that effective conservation requires presence, responsibility and long-term commitment — not distance.
On the Front Line of ConservationMission and Purpose
Inspiring Responsible Conservationists
Mankwe’s mission is to inspire students, researchers and guests to become passionate and responsible conservationists by immersing them in a functioning ecosystem.
By experiencing wildlife and conservation first-hand, visitors leave with a deeper understanding of how all species — no matter how big or small — are essential to sustaining a healthy environment.
Mankwe is managed with the belief that future generations will inherit both the damage and the responsibility left by previous ones. Education, awareness and evidence-based conservation are essential to meeting that challenge.
Research, Learning and Trust
A Place of Field-Based Education
Mankwe is recognised internationally as a centre for ecological research and field-based education.
For nearly two decades, the reserve has hosted university ecology field courses and long-term research projects. Today, ten international universities run field-based courses at Mankwe each year, alongside seven Earthwatch research teams annually.
This combination of access, safety and scientific integrity has earned Mankwe the trust of academic institutions worldwide.
Research and Education at MankweStudents and researchers can
- Conduct research across fauna and flora
- Participate in long-term ecological studies
- Work directly with scientists and experienced conservationists
- Gain practical, field-based conservation experience
Conservation in Practice
A Holistic Ecosystem
Mankwe is managed as a holistic ecosystem.
Conservation at Mankwe goes beyond individual species. It focuses on habitat protection, biodiversity, and the interconnected systems that allow wildlife — including endangered rhinos — to survive and thrive.
Guests, students and researchers are encouraged to understand conservation not as theory, but as daily practice.
How Ecosystems Are Protected
Field Experience and Camps
Living Within the Reserve
Mankwe operates two unfenced camps that allow visitors to live within the reserve and experience conservation at close quarters.
Waterbuck Camp
Situated on the banks of the Motolobo Dam, accommodating up to 36 guests.
Nkombi Camp
Located in the heart of the reserve, accommodating up to 12 volunteers and forming the base for the Nkombi Volunteering Programme.
Game drives are conducted in open vehicles, and guided bush walks are regularly undertaken, providing an authentic and immersive bush experience.
Visit and Experience MankweEducation, Community and the Future
Learning Beyond the Reserve
Education extends beyond the reserve boundaries. Mankwe works closely with local communities to promote conservation awareness through wildlife clubs in local schools and conservation education days hosted on the reserve.
Students attending field courses receive a holistic understanding of conservation, sustainability and ecosystem management. Courses combine lectures, fieldwork and practical projects, enabling participants to apply what they have learned in real-world conditions.
Courses typically run from 10 days to two weeks, with the reserve accommodating up to 36 students at a time.
Learn with Mankwe