Howard Russell: In one word, adventure. And exploration, if I had two.
Russell: We offer access to unique wilderness. It’s unique because it’s harder and harder to find true pristine wilderness in Africa, and in the rest of the world. We’re located at the edge of Gonarezhou National Park and it's one of the few places where visitors can access a seldom visited, huge national park with incredible biodiversity.
Russell: I think communication is probably the biggest challenge. Communicating to the world outside of Africa in terms of what Africa has to offer, what Africa really is in terms of a destination for tourists and that the majority of places, despite what is portrayed in media, are incredibly safe, welcoming and visitor friendly.
Russell: Our brand represents a very authentic experience in rural Africa. We are located a long way from any other centres and, therefore, what visitors get when they come to us, is very much an authentic experience with the community, wilderness and with the wildlife. It is perhaps, in many ways, one of the more authentic products that people can get exposure to and see the Africa of what was rather than what is.
Russell: Sure, it plays a huge part. We are an incredibly remote destination and, therefore, to reach out to people all around the world, it is absolutely vital that we can do so in a medium with which they’re comfortable and which they understand and allow them insight into the experience we offer them if they come and visit. Getting that right is one of the most important things.
Russell: One of my co-directors, and the founding father of Chilo Gorge, is a man called Clive Stockil and he is a conservationist through and through - he was awarded the inaugural Prince William Award for Conservation, in large part due to his work with the community in founding the initial CAMPFIRE project in Mahenye. So when we talk about cooperation with the local community and managing the animal-human conflict between the animals in the park and the local villages, I think it’s fair to say that, while nothing is perfect, what we have around our lodge is probably as good an example as you’ll see in most parts of Africa, if not the world.
We continue to work closely with the community and the National Park on a number of projects to protect the wildlife and biodiversity - for example, the strong growth in the elephant population is now putting serious pressure on the majestic Baobab trees in the park, and we are working to protect as many of these old timers as we can!
Community led conservation from Chilo Gorge on Vimeo.
Russell: I think the only advice I have is keep pushing, keep working at it!
