WILDERNESS ZAMBEZI OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATOR 

SHUVANAYI TARUVINGA

Meet Shuvanayi, the driving force alongside the Operations Manager in ensuring the seamless management of Wilderness’ Zambezi Operations across the region. Her dynamic presence exemplifies the core values of Wilderness, serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to conservation and community.

Hailing from the cotton-farming town of Kadoma, Zimbabwe, Shuvanayi’s upbringing was deeply influenced by her parents’ roles as Salvation Army pastors. Throughout her youth, she traversed the country with them, fostering a profound passion for people and a keen interest in the diverse cultures and languages of Zimbabwe. Community work became an integral part of her identity.

Shuvanayi translated her love for her homeland into a dynamic career in tourism, commencing with studies in Tour Guiding and Guest Relationship Management at the University of Zimbabwe. She continued her educational journey with Environmental Education Training Development Practices (EETDP) through the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) and delved into Community Development at the Atlantic International University.

In 2011, she joined Wilderness as a Travel Consultant, transitioning to an operational role in 2013 as a Tours and Transfers Co-ordinator for Wilderness Zambezi’s Touring division. In 2015, Shuvanayi took on the role of Administrative Assistant at Children in the Wilderness (CITW), contributing significantly to the organisation’s impactful work. Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in spearheading the Conservation Heroes COVID-Relief Project, distributing 170 tonnes of food and essential supplies to 17,000 vulnerable community members.

In 2021, upon re-joining Wilderness, Shuvanayi, as the Community Liaison Officer for the Zambezi region, oversaw community development, collaborated with CITW, and facilitated sustainable conservation, aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental custodians. As of 2024, she now serves as the Zambezi Camps Operations Administrator, assisting the Operations Manager in ensuring seamless operations across all camps in the region, providing guests with remarkable adventures and a memorable stay. Shuvanayi seamlessly embodies the spirit of Wilderness, her commitment extending far beyond office hours. Her unwavering ethos and passion for community development shine as a torchbearer, not only within the company but also within her own family and the broader community.

A dedicated mother to a 16-year-old daughter, she aspires to nurture her into an impactful young lady, instilling values of compassion, leadership, and environmental stewardship. In reflecting on her journey, Shuvanayi emphasises, “We can positively impact the world if we all do what we can in our communities. Humankind should have a vested interest in the environment in which we live because the heritage we enjoy today is borrowed from future generations. It is up to us to treasure it and look after it for them”.