Looking after our world
Conservation
Preserving the iconic African wildlife, flora and fauna that you see in and around the gardens at Mpfuvu Manor is important to us. Through how we operate the lodge, we actively try to contribute to conservations efforts in South Africa.
We view ourselves as custodians of this incredible world – as such, a key priority of ours is to minimise our impact on the natural world so that it may be enjoyed by our children and beyond.
Our approach
Our South African lodge and the activities we encourage are designed with sustainability in mind.
In the near future, we aim to have Mpfuvu Manor powered by solar panels, and currently we use refillable bathroom and cleaning products where possible. We also welcome conservation volunteers to spend time with us and learn from Graham Cooke, a highly distinguished and internationally known guide whose story of hand rearing two leopard cubs and releasing them into the wild is told in the now popular book – “My Life with Leopards”.
Graham, a founding member of EcoTraining, a field guiding school in South Africa, enjoys passing on his knowledge to volunteers and guests by training them in the art of bush etiquette and guiding.
He is also actively involved in training anti-poaching units. Graham thrives on sharing his passion and in-depth knowledge about the bush, reconnecting people with the natural world, giving guests more than just a stay in a luxury South African lodge but an informed look into the lives and understanding of the myriad of birds, animals, plants and insects Africa has to offer.
Graham has a special interest in wildlife photography, all the wildlife photos you see on this website have been taken by Graham himself.
Maja is Co-Chair of a Global Pangolin Conservation Charity and was responsible for opening the first pangolin rehabilitation, rescue and research centre of Central African Republic.
JOin us
Volunteer Program
Here at Mpfuvu Manor we invite nature enthusiasts from all backgrounds and experience to join our volunteer program. Whether you want to spend two weeks or a month with us, we’ll ensure you leave equipped with knowledge of the South African bush and a deeper understanding of its inhabitants.
Being a South Africa Conservation Volunteer at Mpfuvu Manor would mean working alongside legendary guide Graham Cooke. Volunteers can get involved in habitat management, species study, lodge management and other conservation activities.
Volunteering with us will provide a rare opportunity to encounter great wildlife experiences in a beautiful part of the South African bush. When you volunteer with us, you’ll muck in as part of the team and experience all aspects of our work, from clearing alien vegetation to cutting up animal food, join us for drives or help us with snare removal.
Accommodation is included in our wildlife volunteer program. Volunteers can also assist in a variety of lodge/hospitality activities as well as working alongside pangolin conservation projects with Maja.
There are a variety of places around our South African lodge all working on good causes and we’re proud to be part of a collective dedicated to conserving South Africa’s wildlife.
Find out more about where we’re located or contact us to discuss things you might like to do during your time with us.