Keta Private Nature Reserve

A private nature reserve situated on the edge of the Waterberg 80 odd kilometers from Lephalale and 110 kilometers from Mokopane. It consists of roughly 5000 hectares of mixed sweet and sour Waterberg bushveld. Six kilometers of the majestic Waterberg mountains

The Klein Makalwane river runs through the eastern boundary and provides an invaluable water source although in some seasons it dries up.

Some 20 to 40 years ago the land that had consisted Keta was ploughed up and planted to maize, sorghum, ground nuts and onions. Beautiful marula, leadwood and fig trees were removed from the open plains to make way for the crops. The Waterberg is a tough environment and often suffers from inconsistent rain which soon left these lands and cattle farming replaced crop farming.

The farm was bought in 1986 by our family. We have enjoyed the challenge of restoring Keta to its pristine habitat by eliminating alien plants, clearing bush encroachment and protecting the indigenous fauna and flora.

Terry has developed a number of dams on the farm, introduced animals that were long lost or eradicated from the area and indulged his passion for the trees, plants and birds.

With the re-establishment and protection of the natural fauna and flora, many mammals, birds and reptiles previously unseen have now returned.

Raptors and birds abound on Keta - resident black eagles, fish eagles, African hawk eagles

The reserve can now boast sightings of leopard, civet, serval, brown hyena and cape wild dog to mention but a few. Klipspringer, mountain and southern reedbuck and sharps grysbok are some of the rare smaller mammals that are now regular sightings. Keta also boasts a large herd of cape buffalo that are flourishing in the wide diversity of Waterberg fauna and flora.

Most of the staff employed are from the surrounding area and Keta is very aware of its social responsibility in the development of the local community.