In 2018, we unveiled a new trip to Zimbabwe called Water For Hwange and kicked off a fundraising campaign through our Travelers Conservation Trust to support wildlife conservation and community development in and around Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. Our goal was to raise $24,000 to replace two diesel water pumps in Hwange with solar-diesel hybrids and to install two new water pumps for communities adjacent to the park. These solar-diesel pumps will provide sustainable and reliable water sources for wildlife and drinking water for local villages. (Learn more about the importance of the project here: A Closer look 1; A Closer look 2; Interview Video here). Guests who signed up for our trip not only made a contribution to the project but will also get a chance to see the results of our project when they are in Zimbabwe this June.
Interest in our trip was extremely high and it sold out in just a matter of weeks (having a personal invitation from head guide Mark Butcher sure helped too!). Further, we are very proud to say that we exceeded our fundraising goal and raised a total of $28,440! We raised $6,000 with the help of the Wildland Adventures travelers going on the safari and we also were awarded a $20,000 grant from the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund. Plus, an additional $2,000 from the help of all of our GoFundMe supporters and an additional $440 from Microsoft Giving. We at Wildland are super proud of the outcome of our fundraising efforts for the people and wildlife of Zimbabwe!
Due to the overwhelming interest and success, we are thrilled to announce our 2020 Water for Hwange Safari! The cost of this safari includes contributions that will go directly to the maintenance and upkeep of the new pumps and guests will learn, firsthand, about conservation efforts in Zimbabwe during their 11-day safari through Hwange National Park, visits to local communities and time in Victoria Falls. Space on this adventure is limited to a small group of not more than 12 guests.
For more information about conservation efforts in Zimbabwe contact Chris Moriarty