Game reserves and other forms of protected areas are growing in South Africa and particularly in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. There is an experienced increase in the demand of wildlife production and nature tourism and game reserves are thought to be profitable and ideal for combining biodiversity conservation and tourism. People living in or adjacent to these areas however often contest the establishment of such, and reconciliation sometimes seems unattainable. This study investigates a current case in KwaZulu-Natal where local people dispute the development of the eMakhosini-Ophathe Heritage Park and as a result the completion of the park is delayed. The objectives of this study were to place the park in contexts relevant to the current conflicts, to identify the stakeholders and their perceptions and further to explain these. The underlying vision of the park was also investigated and this was co-analysed with the stakeholder analysis. The results showed a general negative view on park management but differing views on the park itself. This is explained with the notable difference on how stakeholders are affected by the park: some will benefit economically and some are supposed to relocate. Negative views on park management stem essentially from lack of trust and transparency and there are doubts in management’s capacity to develop and run the park. The vision of the park embodies a very static view of nature, culture and people; and when transformed into practice conflicts arise.