Zimbabwe is home to the world's second largest population of African elephant and protecting this iconic species and the national parks they live in is a global priority. The increase in death of elephants is sadly a normal occurrence during such a dry time and serves as a natural population dynamic and provides additional food for predators and endangered vultures. In a month's time we will not be hearing any reports like these. There are still thousands of elephants alive and well and strong gene pools are maintained across Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has around 5 million hectares of national park land that covers 13 per cent of the country's total land area and which, under any economy, needs serious financial investment. Many private sector companies and NGOs with support from donors, overseas funding and primarily tourism are helping to protect and preserve this vital heritage.

The tourism connection

The African Bush Camps Foundation (ABCF) is funded through tourism from a levy at camps and lodges across Zimbabwe. It partners with several organisations, individuals and community groups on a variety of initiatives to provide viable solutions and best practice models to protect wildlife, through education and community empowerment.

Water is a precious resource and working with Friends of Hwange Trust, ABCF are working to develop and maintain water resources in Hwange National Park for the benefit of its wildlife, in collaboration with the authorities responsible for the Park. Hwange National Park has very little natural surface water during the dry months of the year. Most of the water has to be pumped from underground sources to surface pans so that the wildlife can drink, and 100 per cent solar energy is the ultimate goal to prevent animal deaths owing to lack of water.

www.africanbushcampsfoundation.org/

As a founding member of the Conservation and Wildlife Foundation (CWF) African Bush Camps supports critical conservation work by providing an additional CWF bed levy on all nights at their lodges and camps in Hwange National Park. CWF's recent 'Tuskers Project' focuses on the collaring of key elephants in the area to establish research into the seasonal movements of both bulls and cows. This helps to locate better water sources, protect community areas to reduce conflict and assist with law enforcement and anti-poaching patrols.

Tourism truly does help support the conservation and preservation of Africa's iconic elephant and continued support during these critical times is vital. All tourism stakeholders have a responsibility to make sure that elephant population numbers remain healthy across the country.

Sustainable safaris

African Bush Camps has crafted an immersive experience called the Community & Conservation Safari. On each leg of this safari, guests will see incredible wildlife, stay at African Bush Camps sustainable tented camps and will be able to visit the projects the Foundation has partnered with local communities on, giving them a glimpse into the fascinating world of responsible tourism and why African Bush Camps and African Bush Camps Foundation co-exist.Community & Conservation Safaris start from US$6095 per person fully inclusive.

https://africanbushcamps.com/safaris/community-conservation-safari/

About African Bush Camps

African Bush Camps is a private, owner-run African-based safari company that speaks of the art of service and offers you an authentic safari experience in the untamed African wilderness. Focused on your experience as their guest, their professional guides and naturalist enthusiasts will be at hand to ensure your journey with African Bush Camps is the very best safari experience available. African Bush Camps seeks to promote and influence travel to Africa on a global scale while operating with an environmentally sustainable footprint and an ethos that strives to empower local communities in the areas in which they operate, as well maintaining a strong focus on conservation.

Photos, African Bush Camps

Useful links

​www.africanbushcamps.com