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Environment

In 2005, a serious drought caused all but a couple of the waterholes in Hwange National Park to dry up. In the absence of any permanent surface water throughout the park, these waterholes are vital to the survival of all animals in the park. That year, over 1000 elephant died along with many thousands of other species. Desperate scenes were witnessed as herds of buffalo and impala, travelling long distances, arrived at a waterhole only to find it dry. All they could do was rest awhile before turning away to search for water elsewhere, or lying down to die. Elephant bullied their way through to hold their trunks at the pumps, depriving smaller animals of any chance to drink. To mitigate this distressing situation in future years, the Friends of Hwange formed a trust to try and keep as many waterholes supplied with water all year round. The Hide Safari Camp is proud to support this endeavour and the other work that Friends of Hwange undertakes. The camp is home to Friends of Hwange staff and helps to raise awareness and funding for the ongoing work.

Along the Park’s southern boundary, many mammals fall victim to snaring. The lodge has thus has joined Hwange in combatting the effects of poaching, conducting patrols and removing snares.

Community

A number of schools in the villages that lie on the boundaries of Hwange have been in need of everything from classrooms to chalk. The Safari operator works with Children in the Wilderness and many donors to provide all equipment as well as teacher training and accommodation, so that the children can acquire an education.

In 2008, it was found that many children were getting so little to eat they could not even walk to school. The safari operator, its guests and Children in the Wilderness have since then provided one meal on every school day of the year to the children of five schools on the outskirts of Hwange.

They have in partnership with the local community developed a Responsible Code of Visitor Behaviour that is shared with guests before they go into the community for village visits so as to protect traditional cultures and minimize the impacts of tourism on living culture. They also provide guests with an Insider's Guide to Responsible Safaris which includes important cultural aspects.