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Can a Zimbabwe safari help protect wildlife while strengthening the communities that live alongside it?

Filmed at Zingweni Vlei Luxury Safari Camp near Hwange National Park, guest host Gracie Mika speaks with Arnold Payne, owner of Run Wild African Safaris and co-founder of Zingweni Vlei, about conservation, sustainable agriculture, food security, and educational travel in Zimbabwe.

Arnold explains the realities of human–wildlife conflict, including what happens when elephants destroy a village’s crops or predators threaten livestock. He also discusses why access to water, agricultural knowledge, and sustainable income opportunities are essential for both community well-being and the future of wildlife conservation.

The conversation explores how Urban Farming Education and Run Wild African Safaris hope to connect students with meaningful, hands-on experiences supporting local communities. Students from many different fields—including agriculture, engineering, environmental science, business, finance, and education—can bring valuable knowledge while gaining a deeper understanding of Zimbabwean culture, conservation, and community life.

In this episode:

• The relationship between rural communities and wildlife
• How human–wildlife conflict affects families and conservation
• Why water and sustainable agriculture are vital in Zimbabwe
• How community gardens can provide food and income
• Opportunities for students from different majors to contribute
• What travelers can expect from a Zimbabwe safari experience
• Life at Zingweni Vlei Luxury Safari Camp
• How responsible travel can create a lasting impact

Learn more:

Urban Farming Education
https://weareufe.org

Harvesting Wisdom Podcast
https://harvestingwisdompodcast.org

Run Wild African Safaris
https://runwildafricansafaris.com

Follow Zingweni Vlei on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/zingwenivlei/
https://www.zingwenivlei.com/

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