26 Jul 2021

Join Imvelo Safari Lodges innovative virtual pump run

935C-trailpicture-png-v2.png

2021's first pump run has begun!

“It’s a big job, but a very important one. Thanks to Imvelo and our donor friends' water pumping efforts, many animals in Hwange are looked after and definitely at least 10000 elephant…so it’s all worth it!” says Becki Ncube, who is part of the Imvelo team and is championing our water for wildlife pumping activities and leading the charge on keeping our wildlife hydrated.
 
During Hwange’s dry season, there is very little natural surface water for wildlife and Imvelo commits itself to supplying water to wildlife across 16 pans using 19 pumps. Six of these are solar hybrid pumps located in the southern part of the park, in areas prone to drought and highly visited by animals. These pumps provide water during the sunshine hours using solar energy; they are then complemented by a diesel engine that can be turned on to keep pumping throughout the night. These pumps need maintenance and we therefore carry out “Pump Runs” which guests staying at Bomani and Camelthorn can join us on, visiting the series of pumps and bringing support where necessary.

2021’s first pump run was a long and intense trip through deep Kalahari sands, carrying a full load of engines, supplies, fuel and workers. These workers will be out in the bush taking care of the pumps and making sure that they are fully operational and pumping at full capacity for the duration of our pumping exercise in the coming months.

Supplying water for wildlife is an important operation that is financially, energy and resource demanding and we’re grateful for the support of amazing donors and friends that assist Imvelo in our efforts. These Pump Runs are vital as they ensure our pumps in the southern area of the park are pumping to full capacity, that Pump Attendants on site are fed and that the waterholes are supporting as much wildlife as possible!  This year, we invite you all to virtually join in the support for an excellent cause. Walk, run, swim, cycle, skate, row wherever you are - our virtual “Pump Run" trail will take you across the southern part of Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park and allows you to not only contribute but you'll also discover the water holes where Imvelo Safari Lodges is pumping water to support the area's amazing wildlife. Join us on this virtual pump run by signing up to our My Mission Pump: https://www.myvirtualmission.com/missions/119959/hwange-pump-run

This exciting new initiative is not only fun and interactive but educational and every cent of your registration fee goes towards our collective pumping efforts for wildlife and for people. It’s simple - start a mission, exercise and record and view your progress.