Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve

The Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve is situated in the northern-most parts of South Africa, and is owned by the De Beers Diamond Mining Company - the mine itself is actually within the confines of the reserve.

The reserve is approximately 360 square kilometres in size, and is characterised by the dominant mopane vel- type ("Colophospermum mopane"). Whilst scenic, the area is hot - summer temperatures regularly pass the 40 degrees Celsius mark.

The reserve is home to four of the big 5 (lion, elephant, rhino, leopard - only buffalo are not found in the park). There is also a population of African Wild Dogs resident in the park, who are in fact part of a research project being undertaken by the Carnivore Conservation Group, a branch of the Endangered Wildlife Trust.

Literally across the road is one of South Africa's newest national parks - the Mapungubwe National Park.