LIFE BY LEXUS 42
two local women were contracted to crochet the decorative beadwork accents on the bedside lights. “We kept all the design elements as authentic and real to the surroundings as possible – making it comfortable, without overdressing it,” says Tanja. For Camp Manager Everard James,
who was born and raised in Zimbabwe, the realisation of his dream of working in ecotourism started in 2011, when he joined Wilderness Safaris. He worked at a few of its camps before moving to Chikwenya in 2018. “Getting to share life-changing wilderness experiences with our guests, sharing our culture with them and showing them the beauty of our country are what I enjoy most about my work,” he says. Chikwenya Head Chef Eshuwet
commitment to the 4Cs ethos of Commerce, Community, Culture and Conservation, the focus is on an ecotourism venture that positively impacts the biodiversity conservation of the concession and empowerment of local people. Tanja Beyers, interior designer and
owner of Profurn Contracts, bought in locally handcrafted elements such as the timber daybeds, beaded chandeliers and hand-rolled clay beads, benefiting 34 families from the income generated. Reclaimed timber was used for cantilevered vanity slabs, while hand- batiked guest gowns were designed and hand-printed by a local textile artist and
Kufakwejoni, another Zimbabwean who joined Wilderness Safaris in 1999 and moved up the ranks from a kitchen porter to his current position, which allows him to tantalise guests’ tastebuds with his exceptional culinary art skills, expresses his love of local in his dishes. “Our guests really enjoy getting a taste of our local food culture, enhanced by the beautiful bush setting,” he explains. His favourite traditional recipe is Black Jack vegetables. “It’s the perfect relish for sadza [the Shona word for maize meal] or as a side vegetable with a meat stew.” It’s these special human touches working
seamlessly alongside scenes of ellies standing on their hind legs and gaping- mouthed crocs sunbathing on the river banks that take an experience at Chikwenya Camp and Mana Pools beyond amazing. For bookings and further information:
https://wilderness-safaris.com/our-camps/ camps/chikwenya
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