Ven-Africa was established by the Maldonado family, whose connection to conservation began long before the family arrived in Africa.
The story traces back to 1911, when the family established Hato El Frío Ranch in Venezuela. Spanning some 80,000 hectares across the floodplains of the Orinoco River, the ranch became renowned for its remarkable wildlife diversity and pioneering approach to private land management. Its permanent research station supported more than 120 research papers, contributing valuable knowledge about the plants and animals of the region.
The family’s early conservation spirit was shaped by Samuel Dario Maldonado, who dedicated much of his life to protecting Venezuela’s Amazon jungle. His son, Ivan Dario Maldonado, carried this ethos forward, pioneering sustainable cattle ranching in Venezuela during his lifetime while encouraging his employees and the surrounding community to understand and value the natural environment.
1973 — Following a visit to Africa, Ivan saw the potential of the land and established Ven-Africa as an extensive cattle ranch
2017 — A decision was made to return the land to its conservation roots. The cattle were sold and Ven-Africa was declared a Private Game Reserve
2022 — Ven-Africa took another significant step when its fences were removed along its boundary with a neighbouring reserve. Together, the properties formed the 15,000-hectare Mkuze Valley Wilderness Reserve, creating a larger, connected landscape for wildlife to move freely
Today, the Maldonado family continues to build on this long-standing connection to the natural world. Through conservation, restoration, education and meaningful community engagement, the aim is simple: to protect the land and wildlife while sharing its value with those who live on it and those who come to experience it.
Makongo Hills Lodge derives its name from the Maqongqo hilltops it overlooks, hilltops that mark one of the most significant Zulu-Zulu battles of all time.
There are places where history is written in books — and then there are places where you can stand on the very ground where it happened. Maqongqo is one such place.
More than 180 years ago, these hills became the setting for a dramatic struggle for the Zulu kingship. Two half-brothers, King Dingaan and Prince Mpande, stood on opposing sides as the future of the Zulu nation hung in the balance. Their forces met in battle on and around these hills, and when the fighting was over, Mpande had emerged victorious.
Today, the hills remain silent — but their story lives on.
In recognition of the significance of this sacred and historic landscape, the current Zulu King’s Praise Singer, or Imbongi, visited the Maqongqo Hills in 2026.
As a custodian of Zulu history, genealogy and oral tradition, the Imbongi carries the stories of the past through the power of spoken word, poetry and traditional praise. His visit was one of remembrance and ancestral acknowledgement — a moment to honour those who came before and to give voice to the history held within this land.
Standing on Maqongqo Hill, surrounded by the wild beauty of Zululand, it is possible to feel that this is more than just a landscape. It is a place of courage, conflict, triumph and memory — where the wilderness and the history of the Zulu nation are forever intertwined.
