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Shangaan Community

Shangaan Community

Gonarezhou is Shangaan country, and has been since at least the mid 19th century, when the local tribe arrived from central Africa during the great migrations of the Mfecane. Also known as the MaChangana, or the XiTsonga, they live around Gonarezhou and across the border in southern Mozambique, South Africa and Swaziland.

Clive Stockil grew up amongst the Shangaan, and with the community, has created a unique environment where local cultures, wildlife and responsible tourism are all able to thrive and enrich one another. The local community at Mahenye Village have built a school, clinic, police station and mill from income earned through tourism.

Any visit to Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge and Gonarezhou is as much about the local community as it is about the beauty of the natural landscape and the animals. Visitors can enjoy the riches of Shangaan culture, partake in the wisdom of ages, and witness first hand the bright promise of a truly sustainable future.