It may be small in size, but when it comes to heart, Pungwe's is as big as it gets. A champion of sustainable tourism, Pungwe's commitment to people and planet runs deep and true and is the pillar on which the Pungwe brand has been built. We understand that the key to protecting wilderness areas like the Manyeleti and the iconic species that call them home is harmony between conservation efforts, tourism, and the livelihoods of local communities...

At the heart of our ethos lies a deep-rooted belief in the interdependence between our safari business, the preservation of our precious natural heritage, and the well-being of the communities who call these lands home. For more than two decades Pungwe has worked tirelessly to cultivate, develop, and support the local villages that border the Manyeleti Nature Reserve, pioneering projects and programmes that uplift and empower local people, creating a bond between the work we do and their future.

One such project that exemplifies this dedication is the Pfukani Creche. Situated in Thorndale village, the first settlement just beyond Manyeleti’ s borders, this creche serves as a beacon of hope for the children of the Thorndale community. Spearheaded by Mary Mabunda, wife of Isaac Baloyi, Pungwe's esteemed Head Guide, the creche was built in 2004 and born out of a collective desire to provide quality early childhood education.

Mary, a qualified preschool educator and the Principal of Pfukani, approached Pungwe for assistance in building the creche. Recognising the importance of investing in the community's future, Pungwe wholeheartedly supported the initiative. 

Since its inception some 20 years ago, we've remained steadfast in our commitment to Pfukani, providing daily meals for the 63 enrolled children, sponsoring their annual graduation ceremony, and rallying our guests to contribute resources to the school. Mary now has five local ladies helping her - three teaching assistants and two cooks.

Recently, we were delighted to receive donations of soccer balls, netballs, stationery, and clothing from our generous guests. Witnessing the joy on Mary and the children's faces as we delivered these gifts was a testament to the impact of collective action in fostering positive change.

Our commitment to sustainable practices extends to every aspect of our operations. We employ 90% of our staff from the nine local communities immediately adjoining the Manyeleti. Moreover, we champion initiatives that promote environmental stewardship and cultural heritage preservation. Whether it's through sponsoring annual Heritage Day celebrations or supporting projects like Wild Shots Outreach, which empowers youth through wildlife photography workshops, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a deep appreciation for our natural and cultural heritage.

At Pungwe Safari Camp, we believe that true success lies not only in profit margins but in the positive impact we have on the land and people around us. By embracing the interconnectedness of conservation, tourism, and local communities, we pave the way for a future where wildlife thrives, cultures flourish, and communities prosper. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable and harmonious world!