Africa conservation experience with Anantara's wildlife guardian

Meet Picket Chabwedzeka, Game Reserve Manager at Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel, a guardian of the bush and the driving force behind the hotel’s pioneering black rhino conservation efforts.

Overseeing the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, Pickets’ role weaves together ecological science, community engagement, and unforgettable guest experiences. From monitoring elusive leopards to tracking the reserve’s rhino population twice daily, his team of rangers ensures that each game drive is not just scenic, it’s also purposeful.

The reserve itself is extraordinary, a Big Five territory boasting rich floral diversity and home to rare species like the pangolin and roan antelope. Yet it’s the black rhinos that command singular attention.

Launched in 2006, the reserve’s black rhino breeding programme is the only one of its kind in the region. Starting with just three rhinos, the population grew to 15, then some rhinos were relocated to bolster other national parks across Zimbabwe. Now, a new chapter begins. Thus year, the reserve will relocate five rhinos to Hwange National Park and welcome a new breeding bull to reinvigorate the gene pool, safeguarding the population from inbreeding and strengthening the long-term survival of this critically endangered species.

From collecting dung samples for DNA testing to leading anti-poaching patrols and spearheading research, every detail is handled with dedication. The result? After ten years under his stewardship, there have been zero poaching incidents.

At Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel, conservation is part of the guest journey. Every safari drive, every donation, and every conservation talk supports the reserve’s mission. Guests can request one-on-one talks with Picket and join immersive safari and Africa conservation experiences led by knowledgeable guides. There’s also the opportunity to contribute directly through the conservation levy, a meaningful way to leave a legacy long after departure.

The impact of all this work goes beyond wildlife. Thanks to the project, local schools have gained electricity, new classrooms have been built, and entire communities empowered. Conservation here is not just ecological, it’s social, educational, and deeply human.

Looking ahead, the dream is ambitious but clear: a flourishing rhino population and thriving ecosystems. The hope is that our inspired guests carry the spirit of conservation with them wherever they go, making a difference long after their journey ends.

For those wishing to experience Victoria Falls from both perspectives, The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara in Zambia sits across the mighty Zambezi River from Anantara Stanley & Livingstone. Also under the Anantara brand, this property offers guests the opportunity to witness the majestic cascade of 'The Smoke That Thunders' from the Zambian side.