Proclaimed in 1979, Tsolwana Nature Reserve was the final result of the state-subsidised stock reduction schemes that were introduced by the government in the severe drought of the late sixties to help protect the soil against erosion.

In winter snow falls frequently while cold, wet southerly wind spells can cause wildlife losses, particularly in the plains antelope species.

[1] Located in the Karoo, the reserve is home to many animal species including the white rhino, giraffe, eland, blesbok, mountain reedbuck, Cape mountain zebra, dassie, ant bear (aardvark), bat-eared fox, black backed jackal, baboon, gemsbuck, kudu, lynx, oryx, mongoose and springbok.

Tsolwana Game Reserve is home to South Africa's national bird, the Blue Crane, as well as the Cape Vulture and Ostrich.

Tsolwana Nature Reserve is located near villages such as Tentergate, Thornhill, Waverley and Khwezi and provides employment for people living in these areas.