Biosphere Reserves in South Africa and Mpumalanga

Did you know South Africa has 10 Biosphere Reserves? 

Biosphere Reserves integrate the management of pristine biodiversity with active communities by strategically dividing land and operations into three zones:

1. Core zones, which are legally constituted and dedicated to long-term protection

2. Buffer zones, which are clearly identified and surrounding or contiguous to the core

3. Transition zones, which are where sustainable resource management practices are promoted

Collectively they cover 116 thousand square kilometres, approximately 9.5% of South Africa’s land area.

The 10 Biosphere reserves are:

• Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve

• Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve

• Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve

• Waterberg Biosphere Reserve

• Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve

• Vhembe Biosphere Reserve

• Gouriyz Cluster Biosphere Reserve

• Magaliesberg Biosphere Reserve

• Garden Route Biosphere Reserve

• Marico Biosphere Reserve

Only Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve is in Mpumalanga (and also Limpopo), it includes the Blyde River Canyon and Greater Kruger National Park.

In addition to Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Reserve Limpopo includes both Waterberg Biosphere Reserve and Vhembe Biosphere Reserve.