South Luangwa wildlife camp, Zambia
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
Wildlife
Croc Valley Camp has joined an initiative that supports the ongoing sustainabilty of our wildlife. We donate a certain percentage of our income to to a company called SLCS(South Luangwa Cionservation Society) that has a passion for wildlife and the conservation thereof .They act as the gatekeepers of the South Luangwa National Park . There primary objectives are to patrol the park and surround for poaching activities ,removal of snares and the care of animals that have been caught in snares. Rachel McRobb has taken on the task with vigour and has had tremendous success in stemming the tide of an ever increasing attitude that poaching is acceptable. SLCS launches patrols on a daily basis with the intention of having presence in the park and hopefully this presence will act as a deterent for would be poachers.
Waste
The valley has started an initiative that all cans and bottles are kept and sent back to Lusaka on a weekly basis for reuse or incineration .
Water
As water is an important aspect of life ,staff are informed of the value in not wasting
Energy
We religiously put our geysers off during the quiet and hot season with the intent in saving energy.
Buildings
Croc Valley Camp has heeded the world’s carbon foot print call and is completely environmentally friendly and built from locally resourced natural products on stilts providing a fantastic viewpoint from which to see the wildlife that wanders through the camp while still encapsulating that rustic luxury.
Transport
We have purchased larger vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint in the park and our trips to town for our staff runs.
Suppliers
We use a variety of local vegetable farmers in the area that can guarantee us the freshness of their products that the clients demand. All building materials i.e. sand , stone and firewood are sourced through a legal channel of transporters that pay a certtain fee to collect from the area to the CRB ( community resources Board)
Community
Trends and Neighbours
All vegetables , building materials etc are locally sourced to help to alleviate the the lack of income in our area where no employment is available.
Volunteering and charity.
We own a small piece of land in town that houses the filling station in the area.We have allowed a community based company called (WCS) Wildlife conservation Society) to construct a building rent free as a distribution outlet for the hundreds of vegetable and maize farmers that support and supply the local community .This rent free initiative has allowed this company to sell their varied products at reduced prises.
Fair deal
Our company employs twenty eight staff members and all sataff are paid in excess of the minimum wage and additiuonal benefits .Staff showing leadership qualities and a willingness to learn are given the opportunity to to learn new skils .We currently have staff that their on the job training has qualified them to skill levels of plumbing , electrics , drivers, carpenters, thatchers and cooks.
Local crafts and Culture
Part of our commitment in the area is to frequent the local attractions like Kawaza village ,a traditional village that caters for the ever increasing demand of tourists to be part of the local community. Kawaza falls into that bracket .The village provides day trips with lunch been provided.The main attraction is an overnight stay with one of the families where you stay and enjoy the traditional meals and enjoy the evening of dancing and festivities .The Headman of the village will enthrall you with his tales and stories of days gone by as you sit down next to the fire enjoying your perfect hosts.
Chipembele wildlife and educational centre offers the tourist and the local school children and oppurtunity to understand the importance of the wildlife in the area.The small museum and lecture given by Anna and Steve gives you insight into the culture and traditions of the local community , taste of what you can expect to find in Zambia ,the importance of the wildlife ,the archeological gems and the heritage that was left by the diffirent tribes.
Tribal textile is a small textile factory that gives you the opportunity to witness the making of a very different type of fabric. The process involves some skilled people as all fabric is hand painted. As the main employer in the area they have been a great inspiration for others in trying to put the South Luangwa on the map . Croc Valley camp regularly sends our clients to support these important projects that in turn benefit the community directly.
Our second financial support goes to a new initiative called Project Luangwa that helps the local community by collecting donations worldwide for the building and repair of schools in the area . Karen and Dave are actively busy getting the project of the ground . The team have already completed two new classrooms in the area and are trying to alleviate the double school shifts.
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