Situated just 40km from Harare, Bally Vaughan Game Park, Animal Sanctuary and Mwanga Lodge, was founded and run by our family over the last 40 years.
Our goal is to manage this pristine part of God’s creation, for the glory of God, the inspiration and enjoyment of all visitors / people, and the well-being of every part (animate or inanimate) of His creation.
We recognize this is a daunting task and have much work to do - but thanks to a conservation legacy through the work done by family members before us (and supporters), it is by the grace of God, do-able.
We acknowledge that the best conservation principles, guidelines and practices, can be found in the manufacturer’s handbook - the Bible. That the Genesis 1:28 mandate is our charge:
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
That clearly contained in this mandate is the challenge / call to wise stewardship of Nature.
It is our heart felt desire that all who come to Bally Vaughan, would be inspired by the natural beauty of our miombo woodlands and Uapaca (Masunje) forests, whale-back granite hills and wild life herds. That the peace, silence and beauty would “restore and refresh one’s soul”, the inner world ...
Building on the foundation of the values in scripture and the work of caring / conservation laid down by brilliant conservationists and scientists in an African / Zimbabwean context, we endeavor to do our best to continue to contribute to the great cause of conserving indigenous wildlife (and plant) species, for the future.
We acknowledge that the urgency to conserve and preserve species and habitats in Zimbabwe, and globally, has never been greater than it is now.
We acknowledge the wisdom of the old adage, “Don’t put ALL your eggs in ONE basket” applies so poignantly to wild life conservation today! To this end we believe that wildlife species MUST be saved in as wide a variety of “baskets” as possible: state run National Parks, Recreational Parks, Safari Areas, Botanical Gardens etc, as well as in the private sector... private game parks, sanctuaries, conservancies etc, and further afield, in well managed / reputable zoos and parks as well.
With ALL this in place, at the rate at which wild life is vanishing from the wild in Africa, we should, hopefully, save species and their habitat, from the brink.
We acknowledge that people, not animals or plants, make decisions about the future of conservation.... so it is to this generation, and the next, that we seek to influence and ignite a passion to care for the wild!
We believe people cannot be reached by the virtual world of media alone (though it plays a great part in raising awareness), but by real encounters with real representatives of various species in the wild. We also recognize that many people are more deeply moved / impacted by an encounter with these animals, birds, reptiles etc, if more than one of the 5 senses is involved. Even in human relationships, the sense of touch is a powerful force... and makes a lasting impression.
Hence the wild life tourism aspect of our approach to conservation ( only the super wealthy can fund conservation as a hobby). Tourism dollars help equip and sustain the organization to conserve, protect and educate.
Bally Vaughan over the years has received some vital help / support from community - because the costs of feeding / supporting, and protecting wild life, are enormous - greater than the tourism income. Though in the present economy, the need is greater than the support. Any help and assistance is greatly appreciated.
Bally Vaughan offers a safe haven to a wide variety of wildlife species - the obvious larger mammals / game, as well as the plethora of smaller creatures, insects, plants etc, which play their roles in making the ecosystem “tick”.
We offer a home / sanctuary for as wide a variety of species as possible, for the education objectives stated above - as well as a safe haven for rescued and abandoned wild animals and birds etc. We also stock samples of valuable species to preserve vital genetics for the spreading of the “eggs” in more than “one basket”, already mentioned.
ACTIVITIES AND ACCOMMODATION
Mwanga Lodge - nestled in the midst of beautiful gardens with a swimming pool, in the game park, offers accommodation and meals, catering for overnight stays, conferences, weddings, special events etc. Prior bookings are necessary.
Day Safaris - start at 0930hrs with tea, and includes a tour of the Bally Vaughan Sanctuary, viewing a variety of animals in enclosures: lion, leopard, hyena, crocodile, warthog etc and a variety of birds; canoeing on a large dam with waterfowl, fish eagles etc; a two course lunch at Mwanga Lodge; game drive in the main game park viewing buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, blesbok, plains game etc. Bookings are necessary.
Guided walks, Game Drives, Canoeing and Bird watching - are available on request with experienced wild life guides
Bally Vaughan Sanctuary - is open 7 days a week, with a gate entry fee - no booking necessary. A variety of wild animals can be viewed in enclosures, including lion, leopard, hyena, crocodile, warthog, wild pig, primates etc and a variety of birds. Fast foods and drinks are available at the Gazebo. The Tree Tops Restaurant is open on special occasions, public holidays etc
EDUCATION / SCHOOLS TRIPS
Schools are encouraged to expose students to conservation at Bally Vaughan - special rates are available. Day excursions and overnight education camps are available.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Weddings, conferences, team building, mountain bike vents, birthdays etc, can be arranged by request.
BOOKINGS
For inquiries, overnight bookings / day safaris reservations contact Janet on +263-(0)242 776341, or cell +263(0)772 300935, at our reservations office, No 8 Murrandy Square West, Newlands, Harare. Bally Vaughan Sanctuary 0783 13 7 147.
Email: [email protected]
All photographs on this site are the property of Bally Vaughan Animal Sanctuary. If you would like to use our photos for any reason, please contact us for permission.
We look forward to seeing you.
