Singita Pamushana, Zimbabwe

winner, 2011 Conservation Award

Situated in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, this lodge was established with the core purpose of making a meaningful contribution towards the cost of conserving this extraordinary 122,789 acre reserve in the south eastern corner of Zimbabwe. Alongside the Reserve, the Malilangwe Trust, a Zimbabwean non-profit-organisation, has been in existence for 15 years and, over that time, has rehabilitated the natural habitat to its original state; conserved the existing wildlife whilst carefully reintroducing 17 previously plentiful resident species. In total 3,112 animals, ranging from Black Rhino to Zebra, have been brought back home to breed and re-establish themselves in their natural environment.

Singita Pamushana's conservation work has a strong research team at its base - including scholarships given to Zimbabwean students to further their understanding of key species. The Game Scout team operates effectively to ensure poaching animals is minimal, to establish an enhanced gene pool of key species and to facilitate the propagation of disease resistant animals. Additionally, the Game Scout team is tasked with general land management and wildlife viewing opportunities for Singita Pamushana guests.

Singita Pamushana takes conservation beyond nature towards the preservation of local culture. It is responsible for the protection, preservation and promotion of over 80 historical San rock art painting sites which are to be found on the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve. It offers its guests the opportunity to see these San rock art paintings as well as visits to local communities where they can gain insight into the local Shangaan culture and daily life as well as the development challenges faced by the people of the area.
Singita Pamushana's community support includes the employment of 250 mostly local Zimbabweans, an extensive feeding scheme for pre-school children living within the vicinity of the reserve and the provision of drinkable, clean borehole water to approximately 10,000 people in the area. Singita Pamushana and the Malilangwe Wildlife Trust exist solely to generate income, via high value tourism, to fund conservation and community outreach programmes.