If there is one thing that makes your Southern African safari even more of a ‘feel-good’ experience, it is the knowledge that your well-deserved vacation is in turn benefiting those in need. The Malilangwe Trust is such an organization, harnessing the pulling power of tourism to do good for local communities.
Malilangwe which means ‘call of the leopard’, is a Zimbabwean non-profit organization, owned entirely by Zimbabweans, and operates solely for the benefit of the local community. The Trust is centered on the 100 000 acre Malilangwe Private Reserve in southern Zimbabwe, next to Gonarezhou National Park.
This Big Five reserve has only two camps and guests are encouraged to enjoy their time in nature by relaxing among the unique sights and sounds of the bush, where the deep calm of the wilderness can seep right into their bones.
The stone wall and thatch architecture of Singita Pamushana is reminiscent of the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, although the lavish interiors speak of more recent times. The camp is exquisitely private, set high in the folds of the hills surrounded by boulders and bush. This eco-friendly lodge offers 6 large luxury suites and a 5-bedroom villa - each featuring a private plunge pool and spectacular views of the Malilangwe Lake through floor-to-ceiling windows.
All the tourism activities which take place in this reserve are for the benefit of conservation, community development and the Zimbabwean tourist industry itself - the Malilangwe Trust makes significant contributions in all of these areas by sponsoring the following:
- An intensive conservation education program at Hakamela Camp, where Grade 6 students from nearby communities are taught about the value of conservation.
- A supplementary feeding program for 19,500 primary and pre-school children every school day.
- Six Irrigation schemes in the district which support 150 people each.
- College bursaries for 6 Shangaan students.
- Campaigns targeted at creating awareness of HIV/AIDS and how to prevent it.
- Infrastructure development in the form of schools, clinics and boreholes.
- The Kambako Living Museum which showcases the traditional sustainable bush craft survival skills of the Shangaan people.
- Research into specific ecological issues.
- A breeding program for several species.
- Comprehensive anti-poaching measures.
- An extensive recycling program.
By involving the local communities in overseeing all these operations, the Trust provides income for everyone who lives in the region.
Ask us about the possibility of including a trip to Malilangwe Private Reserve on your Southern African safari.
