The inspiration behind SYLVATICA Bioprotect™ was born from a lifetime of experience in the African wilderness. During his Trails Guide training, Hennie developed a deep fascination with how trees and plants naturally protect themselves against overbrowsing. Years later, while researching Iron Age archaeological sites, he began to wonder how early agricultural communities protected their crops — such as sorghum — from large herbivores like elephants. Although the physical evidence had long disappeared, the questions never left him.

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These questions resurfaced years later when Hennie was faced with the practical challenge of managing wildlife impact on lodge gardens and open spaces in Big 5 environments. With no effective solution available on the market, he turned to what he knew best: nature itself.

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Drawing on his academic background in Archaeology from UNISA, decades of hands-on experience working in Big 5 reserves, and insights into how plants have been used successfully by people for protection and healing for thousands of years, Hennie began an intensive process of research and experimentation.

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By combining traditional plant knowledge, scientific understanding, and his extensive field experience, SYLVATICA Bioprotect™ was created — a natural, ethical, and environmentally responsible solution that helps keep elephants safely away from trees, crops, infrastructure, agricultural areas, and lodges without causing any harm to people, animals, or plants.

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Built on genuine experience, scientific curiosity, and a deep respect for wildlife and conservation, SYLVATICA Bioprotect™ embodies Hennie’s lifelong passion: enabling people and nature to coexist in a safe, sustainable way.