New Safari Lodge Linked to Influential African Arms Dealer's Family Opens in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools

Molori Safari, a safari company originating from South Africa's Madikwe Game Reserve, has extended its presence by introducing Molori Mashuma in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This camp is part of the Rora Private Collection and offers travellers a distinctive African safari experience within the confines of a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Molori Mashuma commenced operations on August 15, featuring only six tented accommodations that provide seclusion, unobstructed vistas, and access to the wildlife-rich grasslands of Mashuma Pan. Molori Mashuma is accessible seasonally from early April to late October, with nightly rates starting at USD 1,725.

New Safari Lodge Linked to Influential African Arms Dealer's Family Opens in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools


Mana Pools National Park boasts the largest population of crocodiles and hippos in the country, numerous apex predators, and hundreds of bird species. Earlier this month, Scottish television presenter Lorraine Kelly shared her mesmerizing adventure in Mana Pools, Zimbabwe's pristine wilderness, on her British morning television program titled "Lorraine" on ITV.

"Mana Pools is among the scarce UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Southern Africa, and once you've had the chance to explore it, you can readily grasp why - its exceptional biodiversity and wildlife encounters are unparalleled in all my years spent in the wilderness," stated co-owner Eric Ichikowitz during an interview with Travel + Leisure.

New Safari Lodge Linked to Influential African Arms Dealer's Family Opens in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools

Molori Safari was co-established by Ivor Ichikowitz, a South African entrepreneur, and his high school comrade and fellow lodge partner, Kirk Lazarus, an 18-year veteran of the international energy sector based in London. Both individuals boast extensive networks, including notable figures like the late Nelson Mandela and former South African Foreign Minister Pik Botha, who often left comments in the Molori guest book. Ivor Ichikowitz, the founder and current chairman of the Paramount Group, a prominent African arms supplier headquartered in South Africa, also holds an influential position within the African National Congress. 

As reported by The Africa Report, he is credited with initiating recent mediation efforts between Russian President Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky, alongside French entrepreneur and self-proclaimed philanthropist Jean-Yves Ollivier, although Ichikowitz did not participate in the trip. African leaders such as Presidents Macky Sall, Yoweri Museveni, Cyril Ramaphosa, Azali Assoumani, Hakainde Hichilema, and Abdel Fattah al-Sisi personally expressed their gratitude to Ichikowitz for his role in organizing this mediation, which, after initial skepticism, commenced on June 16.

New Safari Lodge Linked to Influential African Arms Dealer's Family Opens in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools

Initially serving as a private retreat and rendezvous point for prominent figures in African politics, the establishment became accessible to paying guests in 2009. Ivor Ichikowitz described it as "the Camp David of Africa" in an article published by Forbes, which may elucidate the enthusiastic thank-you note in the guest book from Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister of Kenya, during a period of post-election turmoil in the country.

New Safari Lodge Linked to Influential African Arms Dealer's Family Opens in Zimbabwe's Mana Pools

Last year, Ivor Ichikowitz's company, Paramount Group unveiled a South African-made precision strike aircraft named Mwari in the Shona language.

*Story compiled from various online sources
*Image Credits: Rora Private Collection

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Mungwadzi Godwin

twitterinstagramI like sharing positive stories about Zimbabweans at home and abroad. I also write articles on Personal Finance, Fashion, Music, and Tech. Let's connect!

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