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Recognizing the problems of extreme poverty, poor health
and natural resource abuse in the GMA, Chiawa Camp uses its own funds and resources, and collects donations from its guests, to provide school uniforms and stationary for
271 AIDS orphans in the rural schools, and donate medical supplies to the local clinic. Chiawa is also one of the largest contributors to the charity Conservation Lower Zambezi (www.conservationlowerzambezi.org) which provides effective Environmental Education and outreach programs for the same communities and support to anti-poaching patrols. Chiawa Camp has committed to providing uniforms and footballs for the Chiawa village soccer team – such efforts not only alleviate some of the hardships that these communities suffer but also provide goodwill and understanding from which the people, wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi all gain.

I am glad to report that the rain has arrived after one of the driest Decembers I can remember. It has rained constantly since Christmas much to the relief of the game.  Chongwe River Camp has been taking the lead in an effort to have un-inhabited community land, that was previously used for safari hunting, changed into a community conservation area. The photographic operators using the area would then be replacing the funds that would have been realized out of hunting them and a lot more. It has been a long process that has required many hours of (yours truly’s) time speaking to village elders, operators and ZAWA.  A well worthwhile cause that will see some significant funds going the way of the local community and long term protection for an area that can be added to the Lower Zambezi National Park.

Happy New Year!!! In January the camps are closed due to the rains, however, this is a very busy time of the year for the local farmers who are planting their crops. Normally planting would begin in November, but because of late and moderate rains this year, planting has been delayed in some areas. Last year Zambia had a bumper harvest and unfortunately this year is not looking as positive. On the other hand, tourism is really shaping up to be another record year for visitors. Our bookings are rolling in rapidly and we are excited about re-opening on the 1st April and hosting our first guests for 2007. Our "April and May Weekly Special" (7 night fully inclusive Lower Zambezi and Vic Falls safari) has been very popular and space is becoming limited, so please make your bookings soon.

The new Grade 8 class is now complete and ready for the 2007 enrolment classes.  In the meantime the building has started on the grade 8’s teachers house and funds have been donated by the Loughborough Rotary club in Leicestershire,Uk for the teachers washroom and toilet.  The school is certainly looking up and we hope now to look into the future to upgrade the current education standards by having more teachers at the school to help lighten the load and make the classes smaller.

Once again our thanks go out to all who have helped and donated funds and items to the school and villages at Siankaba.2007 promises to bring more hope and a better future to all the children at Siankaba village.

The Tongabezi Trust School is now successfully in its 11th year and we will continue to send updates through Tujatane and Tongabezi newsletters.  As part of our contribution to the community & environment, we identified the Falls border area as a place needing urgent attention. Management approached authorities concerned for permission to recruit staff & arrange the clean up initially for a 2 year contract period.  We have recruited 3 cleaners / gardeners who maintain the area daily under supervision of the Livingstone Island manager.  We will soon also plant flowers /shrubs and improve the landscaping.  The next stage involves improving toilets facilities for visitors passing through the border buildings and mount signs encouraging people to respect the environment & keep the area clean and tidy.

Mfuwe Trails Ltd works hand in hand with two schools in the Valley, Chiwatala and Chilongozi, managing donations and funds raised to develop many smaller projects within these two schools in order to help both become more self sufficient.  The schools’ fish farm, vegetable gardens and fruit groves have proved to be a great success, providing nutritional food for the children and local community.  Excess produce is then bought by Mfuwe Lodge and The Bushcamp Company, thus generating further funds to aid new projects. 
Mfuwe Trails would like to thank all of our existing donors for their continued support in helping to make these projects a success. For more information or to make a donation please contact: andy@bushcampcompany.com  

The late Norman Carr believed passionately that Zambia’s tourist industry should benefit local people.  They are after all, the traditional “owners” of the natural resource that we’re promoting. He also believed in making education available to as many as possible and in equality of opportunity.

We hope therefore that he would be proud of where the company stands today, in the forefront of socially and environmentally responsible tourism.  Rose Jere, the country’s first female Zambian safari guide, trained and encouraged over the past 5 years is testament to the company’s philosophy and a glimpse as to where our future lies.

Robin Pope Safaris has had a very successful year in regards to its community projects. The Kawaza Education Fund has started the new Chembe Community School, with 150 children under a mango tree, and has now built a storeroom and provided 40 desks.
At Nsefu School two houses have been built, so that the headmaster and deputy can now live on-site, and the first classroom block is complete. At Kawaza, we have installed solar panels so that 2 classrooms are now lit and there is power for computers and videos.

We have big plans for 2007, none of which would be possible without the support from our clients!!! Thank you.