Project Luangwa

Henry Mchenga

Room Attendant, Mwamba Bush Camp

When did you join Shenton Safaris?

I joined Shenton Safaris in 2006 and I’ve been here now for 12 years.

Tell us about your background

I was brought up in Mfuwe. I come from a family of eight—four boys and four girls— and I am the first born. I started my primary education at Ncheka Basic School and went as far as grade nine; I did not continue with school due to financial challenges at home. There was drought at this time due to poor rainfall and my parents relied on cotton farming for income. I then started a bit of farming and I was growing cotton, groundnuts and maize. A few years later I joined National Airports Corporation as a casual worker and worked for nine years.

What do you love most about Mwamba Bush Camp?

I love this place because it’s very quiet with a beautiful landscape. Sometimes I can listen to different types of bird calls.

James Zulu

Transfer Guide / Maintenance

Where were you brought up?

I was born in Mfuwe, Abraham village, Chief Mkhanya. I did my primary education partly in Lusaka and Mfuwe and then proceeded for my secondary education at Chasa Secondary School.

What first brought you to Shenton Safaris?

In 1993, I joined Shenton Safaris as a carpenter and only worked for them for two months before I resigned. In the year 2000 I rejoined the company as a plot supervisor at the plot where they grow vegetables for the camps and rear chickens for eggs for the camps. In 2003, I was transferred to Kaingo Camp as a waiter.

What is your role at Shenton Safaris?

In short, I would say I am multi-purpose. I do carpentry, fix electrical faults; I supervise different departments and do transfers for the guests.

What motivates you?

It’s the knowledge I get every day from my job— that’s what really gives me the motivation.

What do you love most about Kaingo Camp?

I would say the director himself. He’s a man whom you can approach at any time with your concerns and he will hear you. He is always ready to teach and understands our problems.

Project Luangwa is a unique charity helping communities in South Luangwa through educational, sponsorship, craft skills and gender support programmes.