By Costain Shamu
…..Recently in Malilangwe
Just over 20km away from Chiredzi CBD, lies one of the majestic world wonders, seating on a 500 square kilometer arid land. A thick forest, characterised by various kinds of Flora and Fauna are found.
This is Malilangwe Game Park, a dreamland every person must visit.
According to those in the know about Malilangwe, the name was derived from a sound of a roaring Leopard that was always heard coming from the thicket by the surrounding community members.
The beautiful sanctuary is associated with teaming groups of the big 5 animals, nocturnal animals and birds, as well as game animals like Inyala, Antelope, Zebras and tall figured Giraffes that can not be missed during a game drive.
The animal conservancy shares a border with Zimbabwe’s second largest national park, Gonarezhou, which measures bigger than Malilangwe, about 5000 square kilometers, covering the whole of south eastern Zimbabwe.
During a game tour in Malilangwe, there is no way one can miss the strategically planted water points that are dotted on several dry points where animals converge to quench their thirsty generated by the scorching heat of the day.
Most predators such as Crocodiles and big cats, take full advantage of the dry season (May to October) to catch their prey easily.
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This period is the best time to go for a game tour in Malilangwe because though it is hot, the grass is shorter, while the trees will have shed off their leaves.
Animals are forced to gather at drinking points, and this makes it easier for visitors to see different kinds of animals at one place.Game viewing is difficult during the rainy season, from November to March but it offers great landscape veiws which will be greener than never before.
The availability of both the white and black Rhinoceros offers a great bio-diversity in the Savannah that is mainly composed of Mupani Forests and Baobab trees.Sables, Impalas, Kudus, Waterbucks and Eland are all available in this wildlife reserve, while the wide variety of bird species hoover around portions of the game park in different melodious tunes.
Hunting patrols by wild dogs, white lions and hyenas is something that one would not miss during the game drives.
A visit of the day is not enough until one visits the 5 Star Pamushana/ Singita lodge, situated on top of a mountain.
Below it, is Lake Malilangwe, a scenic and composing outdoor leisure centre.
Pamushana/Singita probably the most asking lodge in Zimbabwe, with it’s services ranging from over US $2 400-00 a day.
Locals have a waiver of 75% discount, as a way of promoting domestic tourism as well as ploughing back to the community.
The fees payable allow visitors to engage on various activities and sporting that includes Tiger fishing, (using fly, lure or bait), game drives, bush walks and visiting of the 2000 year old rock art sites.
The creme’ de la creme lodge offers a relaxed atmosphere for families and friends because it provides a dedicated private Chef, game drive vehicle, field guides and a several self service activities.
One of the World’s richest persons, Bill and Melinda Gates, once stayed at the famous lodge ,while the famous ‘Waka waka’ singer, Shakira also once had a feel of the exclusive African Villa.
The animal conservancy is owned by a Zimbabwean non-profit organization, Malilangwe Trust, that is guided by core values on environment conservation and public,corperate responsibility.
Since 1994 the Trust has been supporting the surrounding communities on various developmental and social development issues.
Culturally, the Trust has been on the forefront of supporting and promoting cultural activities, evidenced by the formation and support of the Kambako village.
The Khomanani Garden is one such project that was initiated by the Trust.
The Trust is also providing nutritious drinks (maheu) to over 20 000 pupils in schools surrounding it.
