WHO
WE ARE
OUR
STORY
About us:
Hwange National Park (HNP) is Zimbabwe’s largest natural reserve, spanning approximately 14,650 square kilometres in the western part of the country, just an hour’s drive south of Victoria Falls. Renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, HNP is home to more than 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 species of birds. It also plays a vital role in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA)—one of the world’s largest conservation landscapes—covering nearly 520,000 square kilometres across five countries: Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
The Conservation and Wildlife Fund (CWF) was established in 2017, when conservationists and key stakeholders around HNP came together to address critical challenges facing the region’s wildlife, habitats, and local communities. CWF operates in the landscape along HNP’s eastern boundary, which includes national forests, communal lands, and privately owned ranches — each supporting a rich array of wildlife.
CWF works collaboratively with government agencies charged with protecting biodiversity, and supports other conservation efforts in the region, including those led by established research institutions.
OUR
TEAM .
FUNDRAISING MANAGER
Cheyenne Mason
Born in Zimbabwe and having lived in Malawi, Tanzania and South Africa, Cheyenne is well and truly connected to the African continent and its wildlife.
Cheyenne has always felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect wildlife and conserve the bush for future generations. Her connection to the natural world, combined with a strong sense of purpose, has led her to pursue a career where she can make a meaningful contribution to conservation.
Cheyenne’s background is in law, and for the past five years she has worked as a Legal Project Manager in London. Although her time in the UK was a valuable experience, Zimbabwe has always felt like home, and she is delighted to be back.
She brings her experience in project management, law and working across complex organisations to her role as Fundraising Manager at CWF. She is passionate about building relationships, creating opportunities and securing the resources needed to support meaningful conservation work on the ground.
For Cheyenne, there is no better motivation than using her skills to contribute to a cause she genuinely believes in. She is deeply committed to CWF’s mission and is excited to help drive its fundraising efforts and play her part in protecting Zimbabwe’s incredible wildlife and wild places for generations to come.
FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER
Matty Hone
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Matt has dedicated his life to wildlife conservation and feels deeply privileged to protect the country’s natural heritage. With a lifelong passion for the bush, wildlife and conservation, he now leads ranger teams and drives holistic conservation strategies across the diverse landscapes of Hwange.
Matt is the driving force behind every on-the-ground initiative, from coordinating anti-poaching patrols to refining operational and ecological conservation strategies. His calm, disciplined leadership and unwavering commitment ensure that ethical and ecological preservation remain at the heart of every mission.
Bringing with him 16 years of military experience, Matt has served in operational conflict environments and holds extensive expertise in combat medicine, combat tracking, firearms instruction, advanced communications and signals. His experience, professionalism and passion for conservation have equipped him with the qualities needed to effectively command and mentor a highly capable ranger unit.
Driven by purpose and a deep respect for wildlife, Matt continues to play a vital role in safeguarding Zimbabwe’s wilderness for future generations.
FINANCE & OPERATIONS ADMINISTRATION
ANTI-POACHING SCOUTS
Our team of dedicated rangers is made up of committed individuals, the majority of which come from nearby communities, and have grown up in the Hwange area with wildlife as their neighbours.
Our rangers know the importance of protecting and conserving the heritage of the Zimbabwean people and they put their lives on the line to do so. Our rangers not only act as protectors, but also as educators, spending time in the communities surrounding the areas we operate in to listen to what the challenges may be and helping the communities to understand and realise the value of the wildlife and their habitats.
Christine Clarke-Farr
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by the country’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife, and natural heritage. My family spent countless weekends camping and exploring the bush, experiences that instilled a deep respect for nature and sparked a lifelong passion for wildlife conservation. Those early adventures shaped my commitment to protecting Zimbabwe’s unique ecosystems for future generations.
My career has allowed me to combine this passion with my strengths in business management and operations. I have built a solid foundation in accounting, administration, and operational planning, believing that sound business management is the backbone of every successful conservation and tourism organisation. By maintaining strong governance, implementing efficient systems, and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, I strive to support the long-term sustainability and growth of every organisation I serve.
Working within the safari and conservation industry is more than a profession, it is a purpose. I understand that well-managed operations and strong governance directly support wildlife conservation, community development, and exceptional guest experiences. My goal is to create the operational excellence that allows conservation initiatives to thrive.
As I continue my career in the conservation and tourism sector, I remain committed to supporting organisations that share my passion for protecting wildlife and natural environments. By combining commercial expertise, operational knowledge, and a genuine love for the African bush, I aim to help build resilient, sustainable organisations that leave a lasting positive impact on both people and nature.
OUR
PARTNERS.
CWF is an integral part of the Hwange community. We have built strong partnerships with stakeholders across the ecosystem, including partnerships with state entities such as Zimbabwe Forestry Commission, research organisations like WildCru, and other organisations carrying out critical conservation work in the area such as Painted Dog Conservation and Friends of Hwange .
