Once upon a time in southeastern Zimbabwe, a tired cattle ranch in the arid lowveld adjoining Gonarhezou National Park, was turned into one of the country’s first and its largest private game reserves. The wild animals fared far better than cattle, and safari revenues allowed for the re-introduction of many wild species. In time Lonestar Ranch joined the Singita safari portfolio and thus was born Malilangwe Private Game Reserve and Pumashana Lodge.
Malilangwe is a big place in every sense of that word, from the ultra-luxurious African safari lodge set on a sandstone ridge and overlooking Nyamasikana Gorge and dam (where hippos and elephants loll within sight), to the giant, ancient baobab trees that are a hallmark of the area. Along with the largest herds of both endangered black and white rhinos left on private land. It also preserves some fine examples of San, or Bushman, rock art that harks back to the dawn of humankind. If luxury is exclusivity, this remote African safari trip ticks all the boxes.
But it is perhaps a tour to one of the Malilangwe Trust schemes that best encapsulates the spirit of Malilangwe: in an exceptionally poor region guests’ money helps to feed around 20,000 schoolchildren and supports the agricultural endeavours that grow that food. Each year primary school leavers get to spend a week in the reserve on an environmental education camp. This is a place where you can be sure your eco dollars go a long, long way.
