The landmark conservation partnership between Imvelo Safari Lodges and the Community Rhino Conservation Initiative (CRCI) in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe has been recognized by Time Magazine as one of their top travel opportunities for 2022. Named in Time’s ‘World’s Greatest Places’ list, Zimbabwe, specifically Imvelo Safari Lodges in Hwange National Park, is a varied and exciting safari destination, with a myriad of experiential safari activities on offer to guests. Now, with a long-time dream come to fruition, Imvelo’s guests have the chance to see white rhino in the Hwange ecosystem for the first time in more than 20 years.
In May of 2022, CRCI and Imvelo translocated two white rhinos to community lands bordering Hwange National Park with the aim of restoring the species to its historic range while also empowering the local community to protect a species that was wiped out during a poaching crisis decades ago. This grand vision now brought to life is the only project of its kind in Zimbabwe. Local community members are now the rhino’s stewards, ensuring they are properly cared for and protected.
The rhinos, named Thuza and Kusasa by community members, have been adjusting well to their new environs. After a month in a habituation boma, the rhinos have bravely ventured into their new home, the community-run Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary.
Guests staying at Imvelo’s Camelthorn Lodge or Bomani Tented Camp will have the chance to visit the rhinos during their stay. The rhino conservation and community fee is US$180pp (children 12 and under are 50%), of which 100% goes towards supporting the sanctuary and local communities. The sanctuary and rhino tour is a must do experience– giving guests the opportunity to walk with the rhino in close range, meet the Cobras (the special forces anti-poaching unit team) as well as visit the sanctuary to learn all about this project and the vision for the future. It is a very memorable few hours.
Imvelo Safari Lodges operates four lodges and camps in and adjacent to Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe – Bomani Tented Lodge, Camelthorn Lodge, Nehimba Lodge and Jozibanini Camp. Camelthorn Lodge is located inside the Imvelo Ngamo Wildlife Sanctuary, a community-owned conservancy bordering the national park on communal land belonging to the local communities. Guests who stay at these unique, owner-run lodges enjoy incomparable wildlife and photographic safaris with highly experienced guides, guided game walks, spectacular views and surroundings, adrenaline-packed activities, luxurious accommodation, and thoughtful and attentive staff.
Camelthorn Lodge is also running a stay 4/pay 3 in celebration of this milestone initiative which is valid for travel until 30th November 2022. There has never been a better time to visit one of the ‘ World’s Greatest Places ’.
