The Zululand Rhino Reserve, situated near the world renowned Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal, was established in 2004, as a result of an initiative between Evemvelo KZN Wildlife, the World Wildlife Fund, and a group of fifteen local property owners, who felt the need to provide a safe haven for the endangered black rhino population. As a result, these land owners removed a series of internal fences on their properties, creating a twenty thousand (20,000) hectare endangered species reserve.

At one stage Black Rhino was the most common species of rhino in the world, and after a massive and frightening increase in poaching in the 1970's, more than ninety five percent (95%) of Africa's black rhino population was wiped out in only twenty years. Although numbers dropped to an all time low of only two thousand five (2,500) hundred, intensive conservation measures and protection efforts by organizations such as Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife have led to a gradual increase in population to about three thousand six hundred (3,600).

Recently declared as a protected area, the Zululand Rhino Reserve, not only promotes the conservation of the dwindling black rhino populations, but also houses a number of other unique species of birds, insects and flora. The reserve lies within the Msunduze valley in north-western Zululand, and is home to a wide variety of other animal species which include both black and white rhinoceros, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, nyala, blue wildebeest, warthog, impala, kudu and numerous other smaller antelope. Rare species occurring in the reserve are hyena, the shy and elusive suni antelope, leopard tortoises and leopard, though these species are nocturnal and sightings during the day are rarely made.

The Zululand area is known for its diverse and abundant bird life, and is rated as one of the top ten bird-watching areas in southern Africa. Over four hundred and fifty (450) different species have been recorded in the area, providing avid bird watchers with much activity throughout the year, however, during the summer months the species list is greatly increased by migrant species which include woodland kingfisher and broadbilled roller. Ideally situated, with both the Phongolo and Mkuze rivers to the south, the Zululand Rhino Reserve attracts all of the well known species endemic to the Zululand region, including sightings of rare species such as the pink- throated twin spot and the purple-crested lourie, Jameson's Firefinch, Heuglin's Robin, Rudd's Apalis, both Purple-banded and Marico Sunbird and Paradise Whydah. A special treat for visitors are the raptors of the area which include the Martial, Tawny, Brown Snake, Blackbreasted Snake Eagles and the Bateleur. The White-backed, Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures are also regularly sighted, as are occasionally the Cape Vulture.