Bergplaas Nature Reserve - Giving the Land Back to Itself

Nestled in the far reaches of South Africa’s Eastern Cape province, Bergplaas Nature Reserve is a place where the power of landscape is deeply felt. For more than 25 years, Princess Irene of the Netherlands has safeguarded this 5,500-hectare reserve, guided by a profound belief in the intelligence of nature and the importance of reconnecting with it. Her vision has always been clear - to give the land back to itself.

That vision has evolved into Spirit of the Wild, Bergplaas’ signature programme where nature itself becomes the teacher. Today, under the leadership of General Manager Wayne Maspero, the initiative focuses less on traditional safari-style game drives and more on creating space for reflection, connection, and personal growth within nature’s presence.

“Guiding is about people and how we make them feel,” says Wayne. “Being in nature should be an emotive experience, not just about knowledge or ticking off sightings.”

Through this approach, Bergplaas invites guests and participants to slow down, walk lightly, and rediscover what it means to be part of the natural world.

A Place of Healing and Connection

The story of Bergplaas began in 1999, when Princess Irene experienced the healing power of this rugged landscape. Once a working sheep and cattle farm, the property was transformed into a sanctuary for nature and for people seeking reconnection. From the outset, the purpose was not to maximise tourism or profit, but to focus on conservation, connection, and care.

Over the decades, Bergplaas has become a pioneering space for authentic encounters with nature, welcoming students, park rangers, and community members from across South Africa. Each experience deepens understanding of nature’s capacity to restore balance, both ecologically and emotionally.

The Long Run Journey

Bergplaas joined The Long Run as an Affiliate Member 12 years ago, seeking to engage with a global network of tourism and conservation leaders dedicated to sustainability. For Wayne, the alignment was immediate.

“We might not look like a five-star lodge, but the 4Cs, Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce, have always been part of who we are. The Long Run gives us the framework and motivation to keep improving.”

Through participation in Annual Member Meetings, hosting regional gatherings, and sharing their experiences, the Bergplaas team has found both validation and inspiration within the community. What began as a search for belonging has evolved into leadership within The Long Run movement, particularly through Wayne’s advocacy for the Rights of Nature.

Leading a Movement

Today, Bergplaas is emerging as a vocal advocate for recognising the intrinsic rights of landscapes, the idea that nature itself holds inherent value and deserves protection beyond its utility to humans.

“We started small, but I believe that in five to ten years, Rights of Nature will be part of everyday conservation conversations,” Wayne explains. “Bergplaas is a living example of what that shift looks like.”

This perspective reflects a growing global movement that views conservation as a shared responsibility, rooted not only in science but also in ethics, empathy, and respect for natural systems.

Becoming a Full Site Member of The Long Run

With its enduring vision and proven commitment, Bergplaas Nature Reserve has now become a Full Site Member of The Long Run. This milestone marks a deepened commitment to align every decision and practice with a holistic sustainability framework that balances the needs of nature, people, and enterprise.

For The Long Run, Bergplaas contributes a distinctive and thoughtful voice, one that places nature at the centre of conservation, education, and spirituality, and challenges others to rethink their relationship with the living world.

For Bergplaas, this recognition affirms that responsible tourism is not defined by scale, style, or luxury, but by the depth of commitment to shared values and long-term impact.

“Even for places that aren’t sure they fit the mould, there is space in The Long Run,” Wayne reflects. “Different experiences and values can all contribute. For us, this is not the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a new chapter.”

A Vision for Regenerative Tourism 

Bergplaas embodies what regenerative tourism can look like when driven by purpose rather than profit. It reminds us that conservation is not only about protecting species and landscapes but about nurturing the human spirit through connection to the natural world.

Through its work, Bergplaas continues to influence how sustainability is understood, not as a destination but as an ongoing practice that honours both people and planet.