The story of Nama-Qua Game Reserve begins with the Van Zyl family, whose roots run deep in the soil of the Vredendal and West Coast regions of South Africa. For generations, the Van Zyls have farmed this land with a legacy built on resilience, innovation, and a profound respect for nature. The family played a formative role in the development of agriculture and rural enterprise in the region, with influential figures such as Jan van Zyl, the visionary behind Fryer’s Cove Winery, who transformed the Doring Bay harbour into a thriving hub for wine, tourism, and community revival. This pioneering spirit flows through the Van Zyl bloodline—shaped by a deep connection to land, livestock, and legacy. Today, that legacy continues with Erik van Zyl, who is launching the Nama-Qua Game Reserve on the family’s historic farm, Draaihoek, beginning with 500 hectares. The reserve is a bold new initiative to protect wildlife, restore natural habitats, and create a space for eco-tourism and conservation that honours the family’s heritage while looking firmly to the future.