By Brenna Matendere
In the heart of Zimbabwe’s premier wildlife territory, a storm is brewing — and it’s not from the skies.
A proposed 45-kilometre detour cutting through the sensitive buffer zone of Hwange National Park has ignited fierce resistance from conservationists and safari operators alike.
The detour, part of the ongoing Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Road upgrade, is intended to link Cross Mabale and Cross Dete.
But its placement through a critical wildlife corridor has drawn sharp criticism for threatening the very ecological integrity that sustains both wildlife and the local tourism economy.
Traffic noise negatively affects wildlife by disrupting communication, navigation, and foraging, leading to increased stress and physiological harm.
This noise can mask critical sounds like predator warnings or prey movements, interfere with mating calls, and force animals to alter their behavior and habitat use, ultimately impacting their ability to survive and reproduce.
As tensions rise, the Ministry of Transport has called an urgent stakeholder meeting, scheduled for this Wednesday in Harare, to address mounting concerns. A circular seen by this publication reads:
“Let’s have our issues clearly outlined in preparation for the meeting.”
The project contractor, Asphalt Products, confirmed the meeting but remained tight-lipped pending further discussions. Conservationists, however, are not waiting in silence.
Wildlife in the Crosshairs
Painted Dog Conservation (PDC), one of the leading voices in the campaign, has warned that the detour would cut through key migratory and movement corridors used by elephants, painted dogs, and other large mammals.
These routes connect Hwange National Park with surrounding communal lands, forming lifelines that ensure genetic diversity, safety, and ecosystem balance.
In a letter seen by Gemnation addressed to the road contractor, PDC Executive Director Peter Blinston wrote:
“The introduction of commercial traffic through this sensitive zone would severely undermine decades of conservation work . . . It poses a grave risk to wildlife, particularly endangered species such as the painted dog.”
Blinston further criticized the lack of consultation with conservation stakeholders and called for an immediate halt to construction until a full environmental review is conducted.
Tourism Under Threat
The fallout extends beyond wildlife.
Amalinda Safari Collection — which operates premier lodges such as Sable Valley, Khulu Bush Camp, and Ivory Lodge — echoed similar concerns in a formal appeal to government and tourism bodies. Their letter emphasized the logistical and economic consequences of channeling heavy construction traffic through narrow, ecologically fragile roads:
“While we support national infrastructure development, this detour threatens both the ecology of the area and the viability of our tourism operations.”
The proposed route passes through a major guest access point to Hwange National Park, with the potential to cause delays, road degradation, and disrupted transfers — directly impacting visitor experiences and conservation funding streams tied to tourism revenue.
Conservation vs Construction
Ecological experts argue that past vehicle-wildlife collisions in the region paint a worrying picture. With increased truck traffic, the risks of roadkill and habitat disturbance rise sharply. Conservation leaders are now calling for common-sense solutions that protect both progress and the planet.
Key demands include:
Immediate suspension of works along the proposed route
Comprehensive environmental and stakeholder consultation
Exploration of alternative routes that avoid wildlife corridors
Amalinda Safari Collection proposed the adoption of an existing commercial bypass as a more viable option — one that keeps wildlife safe, tourism intact, and infrastructure on track.
“This is not just a road. It’s a decision that will define the future of Hwange’s fragile ecosystem and the communities that depend on it,” reads their letter.
Where Do We Go From Here?
As stakeholders prepare to face off in Harare, the question hangs heavy in the air: Can Zimbabwe build the future without paving over the natural treasures that define it?
With tourism dollars funding anti-poaching units, conservation education, and community employment, the cost of ecological missteps could reverberate far beyond a 45-kilometre stretch of tarmac.
The world will be watching.
Join the Conversation:
What’s your take on balancing infrastructure and conservation in protected areas? Share your thoughts below or tag us on social media using #ProtectHwange.
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