In a joint statement issued by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), authorities said talks had been held with Suscaden Investments, Big Five Safari Lodges, and ZimParks to facilitate dialogue over the future of Chewore Safari Lodge.
“The engagements have been constructive, and all parties have expressed a shared commitment to resolving the matter within the shortest possible time frame, in a manner that is fair, mutually beneficial, and aligned with the applicable legal and policy frameworks,” the statement said.
Chewore Lodge, operated by veteran safari operator Terry William Kelly (73), was ordered to vacate the site after the Supreme Court upheld earlier High Court findings that a lease agreement dating back to 2010 was invalid.
The courts ruled that the lease lacked proven approval from the responsible minister, despite the document bearing a ministerial signature and ZimParks having accepted rent and treated the lease as valid for more than a decade.
Kelly, who operated the lodge for about 15 years through Suscaden Investments, is estimated to have invested millions into the development and operation of Chewore Safari Lodge.
The ruling means he now faces eviction without compensation, despite years of state acceptance of the lease and rental payments.
The Ministry reiterated that Zimbabwe “remains open for business” and reaffirmed its commitment to the promotion, facilitation and protection of investment, even as the legal process takes its course.
Chewore Safari Lodge is internationally known and attracts visitors from across the world, making the dispute closely watched within Zimbabwe’s tourism and investment sectors.
