SAVING LEMVELO
We are raising funds to acquire LeMvelo (meaning ‘nature’ in isiZulu), an extraordinary 300-acre property protecting some of Africa’s rarest and most endangered habitats, including the threatened Dry Sand Forest. Home to leopard, suni antelope, white-backed vulture, and southern-banded snake eagle, LeMvelo borders the UNESCO World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park and will become a critical part of our expanding wildlife corridor on South Africa’s Elephant Coast.
LeMvelo offers a natural buffer between industrial agriculture and UNESCO World Heritage iSimagaliso Wetland Park
A PERMANENT CONSERVATION IMPACT
Once purchased, LeMvelo will be incorporated into the Greater Ukuwela Nature Reserve and protected forever through South Africa’s Biodiversity Stewardship Programme. The property safeguards one of South Africa’s rarest ecosystems, Dry Sand Forest, of which more than 70% has already been lost. LeMvelo contains both mature and naturally regenerating forest, helping protect biodiversity found nowhere else on Earth while restoring connectivity between fragmented habitats.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Protecting LeMvelo will also create local opportunity. Ranger positions will help safeguard the reserve, while our Green Mambas restoration team will lead habitat recovery efforts. In our rural community, each job supports an average of 8–12 family members, creating lasting benefits for both people and nature.
Some of Wild Tomorrow’s Green Mambas Restoration Team
FUNDS NEEDED
LeMvelo’s total purchase price is R17.2 million (USD $1.04 million). We have secured a commitment of R4.8 million (USD $290,000) from World Land Trust and have received significant support from an anonymous donor, but we need your support to fully fund this acquisition scheduled to close in August 2026.
Saving LeMvelo will have incredible benefits for the region’s biodiversity.
