LAND. WILDLIFE. PEOPLE.
A COMMUNITY UNITED IN CONSERVING THE ENVIRONMENT, PROTECTING ITS NATURAL RICHES, AND INVESTING IN ITS PEOPLE …
THE FUTURE.
Astounding things happen when we stand together
Indalo is a collection of private game reserves based in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Orignally formed as a forum to address conservation and social issues, Indalo has recently evolved into the Indalo Protected Environment.
In 2018 Indalo was formally recognised and registered by the Department of Environmental Affairs as part of the National Protected Area Expansion Strategy for South Africa.
Spanning more than 90 000 hectares, across three municipalities the Indalo Protected Environment is the largest private protected environment in the Eastern Cape.
90,000 +Hectares
The largest protected environment in the Eastern Cape help in private hands. This include two global biodiversity hotspots of Fynbos and Albany thicket.
1,584 Direct Jobs Created
Creating employment oppurtunity’s for local people and in turn supporting over 6,000 dependants on average.
20+ Community Projects & Foundations
All member reserves contribute towards local community projects and a number of them have their own charitable foundations.
MEMBERS
OUR IMPACT
Indalo’s 90 000+ hectares are home to six of South Africa’s nine biomes. Over 24 000 animals from more than 38 different species, and over 60 threatened plant species, thrive in natural harmony – a balance Indalo protects and defends with sound conservation practices and the systematic removal of invasive alien plants.
Indalo contributes to job creation and transformation in the region, diversifying rural livelihoods in order to absorb the devastating impact of drought and the declining profitability of traditional livestock farming. 80% of staff members come from previously disadvantaged communities and 30% are under 35. Being part of the Indalo community financially empowers the lives of 1584 employees, their 6000+ dependents, and the region beyond; with Indalo awarding 80% of outsourced business to local Eastern Cape companies.
South Africa’s ‘big 5’ share their Indalo home with 15 mammals, 12 threatened birds, two threatened fish, and a threatened butterfly species as well as 10 vulnerable, seven endangered, and two critically endangered species. These natural treasures, including the endangered Black Rhino and the critically endangered Estuarine Pipefish, deserve the concentrated expert care the Indalo community provides, as well as the safety afforded by dedicated anti-poaching units.
56 621 visitors per reserve in 2023, up from 48 967 in 2018 and up to 700 overnight guests each night produces an annual gross revenue of over R2.2 billion – 70% of which comes from foreign guests. As eco-tourism is central to the community’s economic wellbeing, each of the member game reserves is committed to offering a distinct and unique experience, ensuring Indalo remains a sought-after destination. The reserves offer game viewing, high- end accommodation, spa treatments, and even shopping. Further revenue streams can be found in education and training, hiking, conferencing, and game sales.
Indalo invests in the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the community; engaging in education initiatives focused on healthcare, job and skills development, hospitality, parenting, and leadership. Child education is supported through the provision of computer skills, bursaries, and ongoing improvements to local primary schools. In addition, education and training is offered to pass on the knowledge, awareness and practical skills each citizen of Indalo needs to contribute positively to the environment, the community, and the future of these.
WINDFARMS
Indalo is pro renewable energy but wind farms in the wrong places present a clear danger to our natural environment and eco tourism. We support windfarms in non ecologically sensitive areas.
WILDLIFE POACHING
Wildlife poaching, headlined by the Rhino poaching crisis in South Africa is a clear and very present danger. Indalo Reserves have been greatly affected by this and a large amount of time and effort is put into combatting poaching.
FRACKING & MINING
Fracking and mining exploration significantly degrades the natural environment and halts the increase of protected environments.