KwaZulu-Natal’s network of protected areas has expanded with the recent declaration of the 5 657 hectare UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve – a step towards strengthening conservation efforts in the province.

Located near the town of Colenso, UmPhafa is now part of a conservation corridor linking Spioenkop Nature Reserve to the west with the Tugela Drift and Weenen nature reserves to the southeast. With the N3 freeway as its western boundary, the reserve is located within the uThukela River drainage basin, supporting water security for nearby agricultural areas and downstream communities through conservation of the natural veld.

Composed primarily of KwaZulu-Natal Highland Thornveld, UmPhafa contributes nearly 9% towards the province’s conservation target for this unique vegetation type. Known for its environmental education, wildlife research and voluntourism internship programmes, UmPhafa actively engages in endangered species conservation and facilitates understanding of ecological processes. It also safeguards culturally significant sites in KwaZulu-Natal’s historic Battlefields region with potential to provide employment opportunities for local communities.

Owned by Colchester Zoo South Africa and managed by the UmPhafa Conservation Trust, the reserve’s official declaration was achieved with assistance from Conservation Outcomes and financial backing from WWF South Africa.

Rebecca Moore, Zoological Director of Colchester Zoo in the UK, celebrated the achievement. “This declaration is a milestone for our team, recognising years of dedication to the reserve and its contribution to KwaZulu-Natal’s protected area network. We are grateful to Conservation Outcomes and WWF for their invaluable support.”

Cilla Hilcove, KwaZulu-Natal Conservation Stewardship Coordinator with Conservation Outcomes, emphasised the reserve's importance. “UmPhafa plays a key role in biodiversity conservation and research within KwaZulu-Natal. We’re proud to have supported this process and appreciate WWF’s assistance in helping to realise this important milestone.”