Have you ever stood on the slopes of the Lubombo Mountains at sunset, listening to the low rumbles of elephants in the valley below, and wondered what other rare creatures share this wilderness with you? At Royal Jozini, we’re lucky to live alongside a remarkable tapestry of wildlife and plant life — some of it unique to our corner of Eswatini.
Over the years, this land has transformed from special grazing land into part of a cross-border conservation area, designed to give animals and plants a safe haven to flourish again. And flourish they have!
Big and Bold: The Return of Giants
Yes — elephants are here! These majestic wanderers now roam our reserve once more, a living reminder of what wild Africa is all about. Alongside them, we also have buffalo (a shy herd of over 40 that seem to disappear into thick bush) and we have, we think, about 5 or 6 leopards. We have mapped out plans to reintroduce other iconic species that once called this area home: white rhino, and VERY SOON two pairs of cheetah! The Endangered Wildlife Trust assessed the reserve and we now have our permits! Watch this space!
The leopard, that elusive night-time prowler, has been seen and their return is part of a larger dream: to re-establish Royal Jozini as a thriving Big 5 destination within the Nsubane–Pongola Transfrontier Park.
Wild dog may not join us (they need more space than we can offer), but our mix of woodland, open grasslands, and riverine zones makes a perfect home for a rich variety of antelope, birds, and smaller predators.
Hidden Treasures Underfoot
It’s not just the animals that make this place special — it’s the plants too. Our thicket and woodland ecosystems are internationally significant. They remain largely pristine, sheltering a beautiful diversity of species.
While no officially “red-listed” endangered plants have been recorded on the site, the EIA highlights that rare and endemic species are likely to occur in our mountain forests and grasslands. In fact, a rare herb, Raphionacme velutina, has been recorded here — a subtle but meaningful sign of the land’s ecological richness.
Some zones, like the hump-back hills, Riparian corridors, and the Zibe River mouth, are designated as sensitive areas. These are the quiet corners where nature still whispers her oldest stories.
A Living Conservation Story
Royal Jozini isn’t just a game reserve. It’s part of a much bigger story: reconnecting fragmented habitats, protecting biodiversity, and giving future generations the chance to experience the wonder of wild spaces.
From elephants at dawn to the hum of unseen insects in the thicket, every sound and sight here is part of a living, breathing ecosystem that we’re privileged to help protect.
👉 When you visit, take a moment to look beyond the obvious. Watch the grasslands at dusk. Walk slowly along the lake edge (and watch out for crocodiles!) You might not see a rare plant or shy leopard on the first try — but knowing they’re out there, reclaiming their space, is part of the magic.
