The first game to be introduced to the 8800-hectare Mabalingwe farm back in 1989, was a couple of Hippos, White Rhino, and Sable antelope. A few years later, in 1996, elephants, originally from the Kruger National Park, were relocated to the Reserve as part of a rescue effort, and soon thereafter a herd of buffalo was introduced. Since then, the game at the Reserve has thrived and today more than 40 species of mammal and more than 220 bird species call this ecosystem, consisting of mountains, savannah and African bushveld, home.

However, as the game numbers grew over the years so also did the number of people that visit and reside on Mabalingwe on a full-time basis which meant an increase in conflict and challenges associated with managing the game in a manner that ultimately protects both animals and humans. As such the game owners established “Ludum” in 2018, meaning Game in Latin, not only as being necessary, but also as part of their vision to manage and conserve the game that calls this Reserve home, in such a way that it ensures their preservation whilst simultaneously also protecting the interests of the Reserve’s residence. Ludum will also be used as a vehicle to have ownership of the animals vest in the property owners.