A new game reserve set to open near Mossel Bay soon will boast Africa‘s "Big Five" animals.

Stocking of the 10000-hectare Gondwana Game Reserve with a wide selection of indigenous animals is nearing completion.

Gondwana is one of the largest game reserves in the Western Cape since the addition of almost 3000ha in March.

Stocking commenced in May last year and the aim is to be ready by the end of October.

The developers hope to make Gondwana a prime wildlife viewing destination for day visitors and holiday makers, who will be accommodated in one of its 20 lodges or in the recently completed "Fynbos Camp".

Reserve director Mark Rutherford says the stocking programme follows careful assessment of the animal-carrying capacity of the land to optimise numbers and establish the correct species to be introduced.

"We also want the correct balance between predators and prey," he said.

The reserve has 630 animals and should reach its full carrying capacity in 10 years, when live harvesting will be used to maintain optimum stock levels.

Two desert black rhino and a number of Cape buffalo will be released into it next month, and a pride of lions will be developed from three lionesses from the Amakhala Game Reserve and a three-year-old male.

Leopard stocking may not be necessary as a study is being conducted in conjunction with CapeNature to assess if they are already present.

Rutherford said the introduction of elephants would take place after discussion with the Elephant Management and Owners Association (Emoa), which stipulates the conditions and environment for the pachyderms.

"Legislation does not permit a large herd to be split for sale to different reserves because of the traumatic effect on the extended family," he said.

"We are therefore on the lookout for a small herd, perhaps only six animals."