Lapalala Wilderness

Lapalala Wilderness
Lapalala Nature Reserve
Lapalala Wilderness, South Africa
Location in South Africa
Location	Limpopo
Nearest city	Polokwane, South Africa
Coordinates	23°50′32″S 28°21′59″E / 23.8422°S 28.3663°E / -23.8422; 28.3663
Area	48,000 ha (190 sq mi)
Established	1981
Operator	Lapalala Wilderness Foundation

Lapalala Wilderness is a 48,000 hectare Big 5 conservation area situated within the UNESCO^[1] declared Waterberg Biosphere and protected under the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act of 57 of 2003.

The Palala and Blocklands rivers flow through Lapalala for over 60 km and are identified as National Freshwater Ecosystem Priority Areas. The landscape forms part of the Central Bushveld Biome.^[2]

Eight different types of land have been identified in the reserve, which is an indicator of heterogeneity, and thus the diversity of Lapalala habitats. The diversity of habitats and long-term conservation is attractive to a large number of birds and wildlife.^[3] It was the first privately protected area in South Africa to reintroduce black rhinoceros in 1981.

Lapalala Wilderness School was established in 1985 with the aim of promoting wildlife conservation among young people – often from historically disadvantaged communities. The school is today widely recognised as a centre of excellence for its environmental education programmes, which include teacher training, internships, and outreach programmes. Brand-new, eco-friendly facilities were officially opened in 2022.

See also[edit]

• Prehistoric rock paintings
• Blue Wildebeest

References[edit]

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External links[edit]

• Lapalala Wilderness Summary Information
• Lapalala Wilderness School