The Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve is situated in the northern-most parts of South Africa, and is owned by the De Beers Diamond Mining Company - the mine itself is actually within the confines of the reserve.
The reserve is approximately 33 000 ha in size, and is characterised by the dominant mopane veld- type (Colophospermum mopane). Whilst scenic, the area is hot — summer temperatures regularly pass the 40 degrees Celsius mark.
The reserve is home to three of the big 5 (lion, elephant and leopard — rhino and buffalo are not found in the park). There was a population of African Wild Dogs resident in the park, who were in fact part of a research project being undertaken by the Carnivore Conservation Group, a branch of the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
Literally across the road is one of South Africa's newest national parks — the Mapungubwe National Park.
Famous quotes containing the words nature and/or reserve:
“A field of water betrays the spirit that is in the air. It is continually receiving new life and motion from above. It is intermediate in its nature between land and sky.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“In a democracy—even if it is a so-called democracy like our white-élitist one—the greatest veneration one can show the rule of law is to keep a watch on it, and to reserve the right to judge unjust laws and the subversion of the function of the law by the power of the state. That vigilance is the most important proof of respect for the law.”
—Nadine Gordimer (b. 1923)