On June 8, tragedy struck at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, when the lodge’s Head Guide Tendekai Madzivanzira was killed by an elephant in full musth.
Madzivanzira, who had years of experience, had escorted an international guest from the hotel to the nearby Siduli Hide on an armed walk at 16h00. The hide is close to a waterhole frequented by a variety of game and while the guest was inside the hide, a number of animals visited the waterhole, including a bull elephant in full musth.
The bull chased off another four elephants that had made their way to the water to drink and, after some time, the bull elephant started to move off. It was at this time (18h00) that, while Madzivanzira was escorting his guest back to the lodge, the bull spotted them and started to charge. According to the guest, Madzivanzira grabbed her arm and instructed her to run but by this stage the elephant was too close. Madzivanzira then instructed her to climb a nearby tree and stumbled as he turned to face the elephant as he discharged his weapon. The elephant hit the guide tossing him to the ground.
Efforts by observers and staff whistling and shouting from the lodge’s balcony to try to distract the charging bull elephant were to no avail. The elephant eventually ran off and staff members and a medical team were on site to rescue the guest from the tree and attend to Madzivanzira, who had been fatally wounded. Senior management from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and experienced wildlife experts, in co-ordination with the National Parks and Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), were called to secure the area and to conduct further investigations into the matter.
Once news of the incident had reached Africa Albida Tourism’s head office by 18h30, Madzivanzira the various management staff were deployed to assist with contacting family and immediate grief counselling ensued with the guide’s family and the guests.
While in transit today to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Ross Kennedy, Africa Albida Tourism’s Chief Executive, said: “It is a very sad and shocking thing to have happened and we will do everything we can do to provide support for Tendekai’s family. I‘ve been told the staff at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge have been amazing in dealing with the situation and I have to say a big thank you to all of them. This is the first time in the 17 years of the lodge being open that something like this has ever happened and as much as we train our staff for a worst case scenario when living in the bush with wild animals, you still never think an incident like this is ever going to take place. Tendekai was a skilled professional who had the respect of his wildlife peers and conservation colleagues, along with all clients, staff, and the community as a whole”
Sourced via SA Tourism Update Online for ecoAfrica Travel
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What was Tendekai Madzivanzira going to do with his discharged weapon? Shoot the elephant? It was human versus wildlife and this time the elephant won. So many times it’s the elephant loosing. In 2011 stupid hunters and poachers are still killing endangered wildlife. I’m sorry for Tendekai’s family and friends, but this time nature has spoken. Do not mess with wildlife.
Dear Annie,
You must be mistaken! Did you think Tendekai and his guest were going on an Elephant hunt? The lodge in question is an eco-tourism lodge, so people can go there to appreciate (and support) nature. The ‘hide’ is a place where one can observe Mother Nature without intruding and without being a disruption. So when that priviledged guest was being accompanied by a Ranger (the short distance, couple hundred yards) back to the camp. An Elephant charged without provocation. The lodge is in Zimbabwe which is a country in Africa that desperately needs tourists (and people like Tendekai to guide those tourists), to drive the eco-tourism industry that gives governments’ a reason to conserve wild places and their wildlife. Have you no desire to see the wildlife of Africa? You speak so defensively of it!! You obviously do not understand what has been written here and seeing that you were so eager to put your opinion out there, I suggest you educate yourself a little.
Anne
i agree with Ian you don’t know what you are talking about. I suggest you do you homework before you comment. Its is sad that Tendekai lost his life but he died doing what he loved best. He had respect, love and passion for animals. Tendekai has done some much work with regards to wild animals that was his life, his passion. Anne i suggest you get your facts right and have respect for the people who work with the wildlife.
I would have given you a five fold ministry for that comment but sadly Im not coz I dont know you never met you never will.The second reason I wont is that Tendekai was so loving and forgiving and will do the same with you.If you were at the site were Tendekai was attacked and the options he had to save his life ahead of that of is guest dont think you would have passed such a comment. I knew my brother for 36 years and always put his life in danger for others safety. For your information this was not the first time he risked his own life for people put under his care, a few years back he risked his life and this time it was a buffalo did it ever stop him NO he went back to work two days later before he had fully recovered. He died doing what he loved and was killed by an animal he spent all his life educating people from all over the world about
Anne,
hurtful, silly and uninformed are the only words that describe your comment. Tendekayi was brave,pasionate cheerful and very much opposed to the wanton killing of wildlife you accuse him of.
R.I.P nyakudirwa
My condolence to the family,and reading through the story Tendekayi surely deserves to be at the National shrine.It is because of people like him that i still want to persue a carrier in field guiding.May your soul rest in peace Broe.No doubt the all mighty has better plans for you but let the love you had for nature inspire us to continue from where you left and be the Guides Gurdian Angel.
I knew Tendekai from the time I was a young boy (primary school). He always did put others before himself and I have no doubt that even if he was to be given a second chance he still would put his life up to save others. My thoughts are with all the family. You guys where blessed to have had such a hero as part of your family. Tawanda, Tich, tafadzwa and Tendayi, God is watching and will give you the comfort that comes only from him…
May his soul rest in peace. I know he was an awesome man and he would have done it again for anyone if he could. HE TRULY WAS A BLESSING . Tawanda, Tichaona, Tafadzwa and Tendai you guys had a great brother and I am sorry for your lose. May God comfort you and give you peace that comes only from him.
“Mano Tende” l will miss him
this is painful, death is so cruel. may Tendekai’s soul rest in eternal peace. Anne, you are so mean. Unonamata here iwe? I wonder.
i only saw him once and a few times after i can remember being taken to see vultures feed and that was in may. its sad to know that he died. but i will always remember him may he rest in peace
Tendekai Madzivanzira was a good young man who came from a decent hard working family. His death has been a shock to my family especially the unthinkable way he died. It saddens me to read comments from clueless people like Ann who have no consideration for the grieving Madzivanzira family. I’ve always believed in saying nothing about anything if I do not have the facts. Please let us allow this family to grieve in peace without any salt pouring on fresh wounds. To the Madzivanzira family, from my family to yours, we are truly sorry for your loss. We watched Tendekai and his siblings from child hood to being good responsible adults. Now one of them has been taken away so cruelly from the family. We hope you stay strong for the sake of one another no matter how difficult it may be.