DEVILS GORGE
ZIMBABWE
Devil’s Gorge sits within Kavango Zambezi transfrontier wildlife habitat zone, and is a vital wildlife corridor linking two world famous national parks. The 84,000 acre area encompasses iconic African species and landscapes.
Historically, Devil’s Gorge has been a vital winter watering area for migrating herds of elephants and buffalo, which are naturally followed by classic predators like lions.
The area is also famed for its crocodile population, and a significant proportion of Lake Kariba’s crocodiles migrate to the area to lay their eggs in riverine habitat.
Community development programs like clinic and school construction, clean water supply, and road constructions have alleviated some living pressures.
The landscape has enormous potential. At present, some areas have been degraded by livestock, and wildlife populations have been depleted due to poaching – which many people have needed to survive.
Improved governance has also helped stabilise the situation, and wildlife protection activities like species reintroduction, ranger training programs, anti-poaching units, and safe game corridors, have achieved outstanding success though populations of animals remain very low.
Excellent security systems have now been put in place that can justify further species reintroductions, and provide safe investments. The strong natural borders of the Zambezi and Gwaii Rivers even make the reintroduction of the critically endangered black rhino an exciting, and achievable vision.
With ongoing, and scaled-up community conservation programs, Devil’s Gorge has the potential to be home to empowered communities, rehabilitated landscapes, and thriving wildlife.
