A WILD Night for Conservation – A celebration of art, food and wine
WILDTRUST, fondly known as Wildlands Conservation Trust, is excited to host a fundraiser at the Garlington Bistro on the 30th of April 2025. This local Non-Profit, Non-Government and Public Welfare Organisation was established in 2004 through the merger of two regional Trusts. It pursues the realisation of its vision of "A Thriving and Resilient World" through two core programmes: WILDLANDS and WILDOCEANS.
WILDLANDS focuses on protecting and restoring terrestrial biodiversity and wildlife, empowering and uplifting communities.
WILDOCEANS protects and restores marine and coastal biodiversity while building resilience for coastal communities.
Both programmes aim to enhance sustainability and impact through future leader development, science and knowledge generation, support to decision-makers and management authorities, community development and livelihoods support, awareness and communication, and advocacy and campaigning.
WILDTRUST is inviting the Hilton and greater Midlands community to support this initiative which is going to be a celebration of art, food, good wine and conservation. The key focus for this event is going to be on Somkhanda Game Reserve. Somkhanda is a 12 000ha Big 5 game reserve in the heart of Northern KZN, managed and owned by the Emvokweni Community Trust, the local traditional authority which claimed this ancestral land in 2006 through the land restitution program. The community and traditional authority decided to use a portion of their land for conservation, establishing Somkhanda Game Reserve, making it one of the first ever community owned reserves in South Africa. This unique Big 5 reserve has thriving populations of wildlife and biodiversity; and is a shining example of a wildlife economy and engine for growth for the local community.
A ticket to support this conservation initiative costs R500 per person which will include gourmet canapes, wines by Spier Wine Farm and access to an art auction featuring some exceptional local artists. WILDTRUST is excited to have the support of Sarah Pryke, a revered glass and fine art mosaic artist who creates unique pieces inspired by nature. Another fine artist that will have her work on auction is Dani Wales of Art of Dani. She’s also a Midlands based artist who specializes in wildlife inspired art using pen and ink medium.
Added to incredible support of the Midlands business community, there will be accommodation vouchers up for grabs sponsored by the likes of Fordoun Hotel and Spa and Brahman Hills. Other avid WILDTRUST supporters include The Cavern and Montusi Mountain Lodge, based in the iconic Drakensberg. There will also be surprise items which people can only access by booking their seat. Tickets are limited and bookings must be confirmed by the 21st of April 2025.
To book, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call or Whatsapp 081 413 7902.
WILDTRUST respects the inter-connectedness of all things and is working to bring humankind and nature back into balance by reducing the impact of humanity, while providing opportunities for people and nature to thrive.
Pictured above L-R: Buyi Makhoba-Dlamini (WILDTRUST Donor and Partnerships Relations Manager), Noluthando Mbata (WILDTRUST Communications Manager, Nwabisa Khanyile (Garlington waitron) and Alex Poltera (Chef and Co-Owner of Garlington Bistro).
