Ophathe Game Reserve was proclaimed in 1991. Situated on the southern banks of the White Mfolozi river, this 8825 ha reserve is less than 10 kms from Ulundi and, more significantly, at the edge of the eMakhosini valley. The initial purpose for proclamation of Ophathe was "to serve as a sanctuary for the endangered Black Rhino and possibly other endangered species as well. "

Fauna and flora were to be managed and conserved so as to allow sustainable utilization of resources and protection for sensitive ecosystems.
The notion of developing the eMakhosini valley and Ophathe Game Reserve jointly had been under discussion for several years. In 2001, however, an agreement regarding management of a parcel of Ingonyama Trust land by *Amafa made the two areas contiguous. This gave impetus to the process, leading to the far-sighted decision by the KZN Wildlife Executive and Amafa Council to develop the area jointly. This area is now known as the eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park.

This park opens the way to realizing a rare combination of opportunities, linking a rich historical and cultural heritage site with a Game Reserve, assembling a significant area of land (approx. 24 000 ha) which can be proclaimed as a single protected area, the potential for further expansion into a park that displays significant biodiversity. eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park extends from an altitude of 1200 m above sea level in the west, through the moist mist belt grasslands and ngongoni grasslands, into valley bush veld below 300m. This covers a substantial range of riparian, wetland, woodland and grassland. The east-west altitude difference also represents a strong climatic gradient (principally rainfall and temperature). Together with the geology, this has resulted in a protected area covering a wide range of faunal and floral communities, the beta diversity of which is regarded as significant and sufficient large in area to carry the "big five"

Preserving a culture and history that has already left an indelible mark on the world stage, easily accessibly by main road and situated astride one of KZN' s main tourism routes, in close proximity to a medium sized town and an airport capable of handling large aircraft.

The Spirit of the eMakhosini Memorial was officially opened by His Majesty King Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu in 2003. The Memorial captures the long history of our nation and draws together the threads of what has gone before. The memorial is surrounded by seven animals horns, representing the graves of the seven Zulu kings who are buried in the eMakhosini area. Here, in this valley, Kings Unkosinkulu, Zulu, Phunga, Mageba, Ndaba, Jama and Senzangakhona lie buried.

*AMAFA was established in 1997 as a statutory body responsible for the protection and conservation of KwaZulu-Natal's cultural and historic heritage.