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The Green Griffons
The Green Griffons
GweGwe’s BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is the reintroduction of white rhino to the vast grasslands of Mkambati which will restore a keystone species to its historical home range and revitalising the overall health of the ecosystem.
To prepare for this event, so many milestones need to be reached, two of the most important before rhinos can be reintroduced are the full buy-in by the local community and effective security. GweGwe Beach Lodge has launched the Green Griffons — an all-women anti-poaching and ecological monitoring team. Inspired by the award-winning Black Mambas of the Kruger region, the Green Griffons have been selected by their Trust and community leaders and are being trained to be deployed to safeguard Mkambati’s wildlife, monitor its biodiversity and engage local communities in protecting Mkambati’s extraordinary environment and natural heritage.
Their work represents more than conservation — it’s empowerment in action. By creating opportunities for impoverished rural women to take leading roles in environmental protection, the Green Griffons are helping shape a new generation of custodians for the Wild Coast.
One of the many other dominoes that must fall into place for rhinos to be reintroduced is the expansion of Mkambati Nature Reserve. The plan is to more than double its current size to create ample land for rhinos to roam and thrive. This vision can only be achieved by creating jobs and generating real commercial opportunities for the communities that surround the reserve.
Eye Testing
Eye Testing
Optometrists and their full range of testing equipment were brought in from East London to the Mkambati region, where access to even the most basic healthcare services is limited. Two free eye-testing clinics were held in the MLT area, providing vital care to local residents who often travel long distances — or simply go without — for essential health support.
For many community members, eye care is not just a medical service but a gateway to improved quality of life. Clear vision affects everything: the ability to work, to study, to move safely, and to participate fully in family and community life. By offering early detection of issues, proper screening, and immediate access to corrective eyewear, we are helping to prevent small, treatable problems from becoming long-term disabilities.
Around 300 people received free prescription and reading glasses — enabling many to see and read clearly again for the first time in years. This initiative is a reminder of how impactful basic healthcare can be, and how essential it is to continue bringing these services closer to those who need them most.
Education
Education
The funds will be used to equip seven primary schools across the seven wards that make up the trust, ensuring that the benefits of tourism reach the heart of education where it’s needed most.
Access to quality education is one of the most powerful tools for breaking the cycle of poverty. When children have the resources they need — from learning materials to a safe and supportive environment — they gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. Education empowers young people to pursue meaningful careers, support their families, and contribute to resilient, thriving communities.
By strengthening these schools, we are investing not just in classrooms, but in the future of Mkambati — creating long-term, generational impact that extends far beyond the tourism industry itself.
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