Somkhanda is a 12000ha community-owned game reserve in the Zululand district of KwaZulu Natal and is home to the last of the ‘Big 5’. Somkhanda is home to breeding populations of two key endangered mammal species – Black Rhino and the African Wild Dog. The full complement of species that historically occurred in the area includes Lion, Elephant, Hyena, Giraffe, White Rhino, Wildebeest, Zebra, Impala, Nyala, Kudu, Bushbuck, Reedbuck and many more. 

The Gumbi Tribe lost their tribal land during the years of Apartheid and in 2006 successfully won an ancestral land claim over a large area of Zululand and on a section of this they established the 12000ha Somkhanda game reserve.  The reserve supports the local community with job creation through ethical ecotourism and by providing schools and support to the local tribe.

The academic team at Somkhanda are able to offer a bespoke course to each institution dependent on their own personal objectives and learning needs.  We set out a basis of the trip, comprising of a 9 day academic module at Somkhanda plus an additional 3 day coastal module at Kosi Bay.