Things to do in Zimbabwe

Help sustain the wildlife in Hwange National Park

It’s satisfying to support the wildlife in Zimbabwe’s most famous and largest park…

By Mark Butcher

Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges

When Ted Davidson, the first warden to work in Hwange National Park, arrived in 1928, you can only imagine his surprise when he discovered there was no reliable surface water available for the wildlife during Hwange’s long dry seasons. During the wet season, the wildlife would flourish but when the rain ceased and the pans dried up, the animals would vanish, migrating to rivers outside the boundaries of the park. After some five years of mapping terrain and studying the environment while every dry season feeling frustrated by his inability to sustain his wildlife and in particular the elephants under his protection, it became clear that something needed to change. Davidson, a resourceful character, pressured the colonial authorities to release funding so he could establish year-round waterholes fed by windmills. The wildlife quickly responded and flourished under this new system.

When I came to Hwange as a young warden in the 1980s, we were already replacing windmills with diesel engine-driven pumps not beholden to the vagaries of the winds. These clever contraptions were deemed more effective at pumping the requisite amount of water needed to sustain the larger population of wildlife now inhabiting the park. Today I am the Manager Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges including Bomani Tented Lodge located on the south-east periphery of the park. From this remote outpost our guests can actually see these pumps in action on a pump run while delivering fresh food and technical supplies to the pump attendants. From May to November every year, enthusiastic youngsters, all hailing from the front-line villages, man each of the 19 waterholes across the 120km for which my team are responsible.

Today most of the diesel engines have been replaced by solar hybrid pumps. The solar component pumps water during the day time and the diesel hybrid component takes over in the evening as much of Hwange’s wildlife, in particular our famous elephant herds, drink all through the night. Not only is it satisfying to be involved in sustaining the wildlife in Zimbabwe’s most famous and largest park but it’s a fun day out too sandwiched between safari game drives and a delicious picnic lunch.

Available in these itineraries…

Itinerary

Special Offer

Essential Zimbabwe
by Adele Jones

Length8 Days

Price range£4,275 - £4,875pp
Itinerary

Family Victoria Falls and Safari Adventure
by Helen Austin

Length8 Days

Price range£4,075 - £4,850pp

Alfred & Mark Butcher

Mark Butcher is an eco-tourism professional with a passion for linking local communities directly to wildlife conservation. In the 80s, he was a ranger for the Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife and later, the Provincial Wildlife Officer in the Matabeleland North Province adjacent to Hwange National Park. Mark is now the Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, a selection of properties that directly benefit disenfranchised communities around Hwange.

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Adele, who's travelled extensively in Zimbabwe. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember – the ranger who can show you the best game viewing and fishing spots on the Zambezi, the guide who’ll introduce you to ‘moonbows’ at Victoria Falls and the locals who’ll share their dinner with you.

Adele Jones

Africa Travel Expert for Alfred&

Adele has been travelling for 21 years, with plenty of time in Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. As a keen wildlife enthusiast she is fascinated by seeing wild animals in their natural environment, as well as understanding how landscape and topography drive their behavioural patterns. Her experience in Africa got off to a memorable start, with a sighting of a wild dog pack within 10-minutes of landing on her first ever safari trip!
Cloud Magondo

Professional Guide at Nyamatusi Camp

Cloud joined African Bush Camps after five years of experience working as a professional river guide. He has also recently achieved his Professional Guide licence, a highly regarded achievement within the safari industry. His passions are canoeing, star gazing, animal behaviour and birds while also recognising the importance of the smaller things like insects and flora. As a guide who canoes the Zambezi, he has plenty of respect for the resident hippo and crocodiles.
Mark Butcher

Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges

Mark Butcher is an eco-tourism professional with a passion for linking local communities directly to wildlife conservation. In the 80s, he was a ranger for the Zimbabwe Department of National Parks and Wildlife and later, the Provincial Wildlife Officer in the Matabeleland North Province adjacent to Hwange National Park. Mark is now the Managing Director of Imvelo Safari Lodges, a selection of properties that directly benefit disenfranchised communities around Hwange.
Tich Tandi

Sales and marketing manager at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

During more than three decades in the hospitality industry, Tich Tandi has been everything from a waiter to a tours coordinator in a five-star hotel. Originally from Rusape in the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, he now works for Wild Horizons in Victoria Falls as part of the sales and marketing team, a role he thoroughly enjoys.
Jane Msamba

Deputy General Manager, Ilala Lodge Hotel

Born in Zimbabwe, Jane began working with Ilala Lodge Hotel as a senior cashier in 1995. She has worked her way through the ranks from Junior Tours Consultant to Tours Manager and this year took up the role of Deputy General Manager of the hotel. Happily married with three children, Jane has recently become a proud grandmother. She lives in Victoria Falls with her husband and the couple is passionate about wildlife.
Francis Nyabadza

Guide at Wild Horizons, Alfred&’s partner in Zimbabwe

Francis Nyabadza grew up hearing the roar of the Victoria Falls, and familiarity has done nothing to diminish his sense of awe every time he takes guests to experience this natural wonder for themselves – something he’s been doing for Wild Horizons since 1997. When not at the Falls, his favourite place to take visitors is the village that hosts the company’s Meet the People cultural activity.