A Conservation Triumph in Hwange
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s vast wilderness, Hwange National Park, a remarkable story of conservation, community, and resilience is unfolding.
In September 2023, I was fortunate enough to witness a remarkable chapter in Zimbabwe’s ongoing conservation efforts. A chapter that brought me back to a country on the brink of something extraordinary. This time, I journeyed to the southern Hwange plains. To a place that had once lost its white rhinos to the ravages of poaching, but where hope was being rekindled with the reintroduction of these magnificent creatures.
Hwange is no stranger to the seasoned safari-goer. However, the southern region is a world apart from the busier northern circuits. It is here, on the fringes of the park, that the Imvelo Safari Lodges’ Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI) is unfolding. A project that has caught the attention of conservationists and travelers alike.
This is not just another sanctuary. It is a beacon of hope, set on communal land, where local communities are joyfully at the heart of the effort to bring the rhinos back home.
A Return to Roots: The Rhino’s Journey Back to Hwange
The southern reaches of Hwange last echoed with the footfalls of white rhinos in the early 2000s. Sadly, their absence a stark reminder of the devastating impact of poaching. However, determined to rewrite this narrative, Imvelo’s Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI) embarked on a mission to bring these majestic creatures back. Top priority was given to ensuring their protection and intertwining their fate with that of the local communities.
Therefore, in a pioneering move, CRCI reintroduced rhinos onto communal lands – a world-first in conservation. This visionary approach not only aims to bolster rhino populations but also to uplift the communities residing on Hwange’s southeastern fringes – through employment, education, and direct revenue.
Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary: A Vision Realised
So, my journey began at the Ngamo Rhino Sanctuary, the first of its kind in this part of Zimbabwe. Established in May 2022, this sanctuary is where two white rhinos, Thuza and Kusasa, now roam. A sight that would have been unthinkable here just a few years ago. The sanctuary is nestled within communal land. A bold move that not only protects the rhinos but also brings tangible benefits to the local people.
Guided by the vigilant eyes of the Cobras Community Wildlife Protection scouts, who hail from the neighboring villages, the rhinos are safe. The presence of these scouts is a reminder of the deep connection between the land, its wildlife, and the people who call this area home.
Their work is vital. Not just for the survival of the rhinos, but for the community at large. Becasue part of the tourism revenue generated by visitors like myself goes directly back into local projects, including the funding of the Ngamo Clinic.
The Thrill of the Wild
There is something profoundly moving about encountering rhinos in such a wild and untouched landscape. Unlike in more frequented parks, where animals can become habituated to human presence, here in southern Hwange, the wildlife remains truly wild. The sight of a white rhino grazing against the backdrop of vast, open savannah is a reminder of what we stand to lose—and what we can still protect.
But it’s not just the rhinos that make this area special. As I ventured further into the wilderness, the sense of isolation and the sheer scale of the landscape was overwhelming. Here, you can drive for hours without seeing another vehicle, let alone another person.
The park is alive with wildlife—elephants, lions, and wild dogs among them—each more elusive and unpredictable than the last. The thrill of the unknown, of not knowing what might be around the next corner, is palpable.
Mlevu Sanctuary: The Next Chapter
Looking ahead, the Mlevu Sanctuary, set to receive its first rhinos in September 2024, is the next piece in this ambitious conservation puzzle.
Located not far from Ngamo, Mlevu is the second sanctuary in what will eventually become a network of protected areas designed to create a large conservancy that will serve as a buffer zone between Hwange National Park and the surrounding communal lands.
This initiative is not just about reintroducing rhinos; it’s about restoring a fragile ecosystem and ensuring that both wildlife and people can thrive together.
A Journey with Purpose
What sets this project apart is its deep commitment to community. This isn’t conservation for conservation’s sake. It’s about empowering local people, giving them a stake in the future of their land and its wildlife.
The CRCI has pioneered a model where the benefits of tourism flow directly to those who live closest to the park. When you stay here your visit will help fund essential services like healthcare and education. Plus the project reduces human-wildlife conflict by involving communities in the protection of their natural heritage.
So, for anyone seeking a safari experience that goes beyond the ordinary, a visit to southern Hwange and its community-run rhino sanctuaries is an absolute must. It’s a chance to witness conservation in action, to be part of a story that is still being written, and to experience the wild heart of Zimbabwe in a way that few others ever will.
Why This Matters: The Heartbeat of African Conservation
Today, this initiative stands as one of Africa’s most riveting conservation stories:
Resurrection of a Species: It’s about the revival of the white rhino – one of Africa’s most threatened large mammals – reclaiming its rightful place in Hwange.
Community-Centric Conservation: This is conservation reimagined, with rhinos thriving on community lands, emphasizing local stewardship over wildlife and natural resources.
Empowerment and Upliftment: The project ensures that local communities reap direct benefits, fostering a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature.
Safeguarding Hwange’s Legacy: By establishing a sustainable buffer zone, the initiative protects both the majestic Hwange National Park and the communities bordering it. Thus, addressing and alleviating human-wildlife conflicts.
Unparalleled Wildlife Experiences: Guests are offered transformative wildlife encounters, knowing their participation fuels positive change for local communities.
Join the Conservation Movement
At Mandala World Travel, we believe in travel that makes a difference. Partnering with Imvelo Safari Lodges, we offer our clients the opportunity to be part of something bigger. Something that leaves a lasting impact on both the land and its people. This is more than just a safari; it’s a journey into the heart of one of Africa’s most exciting conservation efforts.
So why not join us? Walk alongside the rhinos, meet the communities, and experience the thrill of the wild in a place where every moment counts. Contact us today to find out more about this exclusive experience and how you can be part of the future of conservation in Zimbabwe.
And check out our Sustainable Safari where you too can visit and support Thuza and Kusasa and their friends.
