Isibindi Africa Lodges’ Isibindi Foundation, has raised over R520 000 (€26 995) through donations from the corporate and retail sectors, anonymous donors, the travel industry, previous guests and via its GivenGain fundraiser.

Last month, the Foundation launched a widespread feeding campaign for vulnerable homesteads in the rural communities alongside Isibindi’s protected area.

Food deliveries have been completed to all three of the South African lodges and it is now gearing up for its Zimbabwean operation to Tsowa Safari Island in the Zambezi National Park.

Working closely with local clinics, schools, community organisations and counsellors, the Foundation has compiled detailed field data and locations on vulnerable homesteads in each area.

“A huge thank-you goes out to all our donors,” said Paige Gehren, a Director of the Foundation.  “We are elated by the cellphone groups that have been started by our previous guests and tour operators in far-flung corners of the globe, who have been driving this project.

“We are also indebted to all our game rangers, snorkelling guides, cooks, canoeing guides, dive-masters and walking guides – the many, many people of Isibindi who have volunteered their time on this project. They have been incredible.”