Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
The Ivory Trail Adventure provides the truly adventurous traveler with the opportunity to explore rarely visited parts of this gem amongst African parks.
The exact route and campsites will be tailored to take advantage of seasonal hot spots and to accommodate specific requests. The itinerary is tailored to include as much or as little walking safaris as guests would like. Due to the nature of changing campsites during the Ivory Trail Adventure, the equipment and accommodation is that of a fly camping experience.
Guests will have a dedicated professional guide and safari vehicle for the duration of their Ivory Trail Adventure. A second support vehicle carries all the equipment and luggage ahead to ensure that lunches and the campsites are set up prior to guests’ arrival. Due to the nature of changing campsites during the Ivory Trail Adventure, the equipment and accommodation is that of a fly camping experience.
The itinerary and the campsites will be chosen by Chilo Gorge based on the time of year, the accessibility of various locations, and our knowledgeable view on the likely wildlife hotspots at that time of year. If guests have particular preference for certain campsites and locations, they should let us know as soon as possible so that we can endeavour to reserve these campsites on their behalf.
The Ivory Trail Adventure consists of exclusive use fly camp comprising of up to three 2-man dome tents, with enough height to stand-up, each featuring twin cots with foam mattresses and comfortable bedding. A bucket shower, with canvas frame to give privacy, and duckboards underfoot, and camp sites have well-constructed and safe bush loos (long-drops). Meal times are enjoyed under the shade with stunning views, and in inclement weather a gazebo will be used to provide shelter. LED lights for tents, kitchen & service area. An invertor on the game drive vehicle to charge camera batteries. There will be 2 vehicles for these trips - the 9-seater safari vehicle for guests, and another vehicle for the equipment and staff, who can go on ahead and set up for lunch / campsite, as appropriate.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Community-Led Conservation
The first CAMPFIRE program in Zimbabwe was started here in Gonarezhou by one of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge’s directors – Clive Stockil, and its principles have since been replicated across Africa and the rest of the world.
Chilo engages with and supports a variety of initiatives and programs in our efforts to not only bridge community and conservation but also to create opportunities and showcase to our guests how their travel choices have a positive impact.
This collaboration and co-existence of a private entity and traditional living has been a contributor the 6000 Shangaan having settled here, living in traditional home steads and the village now has a clinic, schools, boreholes and griding mills.
Jamanda Conservancy
The Jamanda Conservancy was established to ensure the peaceful coexistence between the local community of Mahenye and surrounding wildlife areas of Gonarezhou. The community has relinquished 120 square kilometres of their cattle grazing land, which is bordering Gonarezhou National Park for wildlife conservation and photographic safaris. The land has been protected with fences and anti-poaching patrols and today, wildlife roams freely in this conservancy, established by the community.
Pack 4 a Purpose
Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact. We know that so often our guests, upon visiting our community partners, wonder if there is a way that they can give back and make a difference. One initiative Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge takes part in is Pack 4 a Purpose, where you can come already equipped with supplies. It may seem like a small gesture but it will go a long way in this remote part of the World. For instance, for 5 pounds (2.27 kilos), you can bring one of the following:
Why not drop us an email at info@chilogorge.com to find out more about how you can pack 4 a purpose.
Nutritional Garden
Planting seeds for the future is both a physical and metaphorical endeavor for the formidable female farmers of Mahenye Village. Their vegetable gardens are the life source for many Shangaan families – keeping culture and community alive. This lifeline extends beyond the village and into the Gonarezhou National Park, as food security results in lowering the risk of temptation to commit wildlife crime in order to survive. Human, animal and ecosystem health are inextricably connected. These gardens are pivotal to maintaining the fragile balance of Human-Wildlife cohabitation.
Initially supported by the EU, SAT-WILD and Odyssey for Change, together with Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, to lay a solid foundation for preparing future landscapes for the residents of Mahenye Village. The nutritional gardens support the community themselves, as well as supply the lodge with vegetables. This ensures the gardens have a market, a worthwhile incentive for long term viability. Adopting an agro-pastoral lifestyle reduces conflict between wildlife and humans as well as contributing toward better ecosystem health.
Campfire
The first CAMPFIRE program (Communal Areas Management Program for Indigenous Resources) in Zimbabwe was started here, and its principles have since been replicated across Africa and the rest of the world. Engagement with the Mahenye community developed under the CAMPFIRE program recognized the necessity of involving the community in management decisions. This resulted in developing a strategy which would empower the people as well as create sustainable utilization of natural resources. Headed by Clive Stockil, Chilo Gorge is extremely proud and passionate about this project. The Mahenye initiative has been expanded and promoted in over forty other districts within the country, proving the success of community engagement and equitable benefit sharing – working together to protect our National Parks.
Over the years, guns have been replaced by cameras, and local people and visitors alike have learned to appreciate the animals as they should be; intact in their natural habitat. In recognition of his unswerving commitment, Clive was awarded the Prince William Award for Conservation in 2013.
“If you are a conservationist, your problem is all about space, so deal with human pressures first. CAMPFIRE has turned conflict into cooperation and everyone has benefitted. The community is happy, the parks are happy and the animals are happy. Everyone wins.”
Clive Stockil
The following camps compliment Ivory Trail Adventure Fly Camping Experience well, and should be considered when extending an itinerary.
Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
Gonarezhou National Park, Zimbabwe
Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
305 Booty Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
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