By Naledi Nyoni
HARARE — The owners of Chewore Lodge say they have finally ended a bitter 15-year dispute with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) after reaching a negotiated settlement with the government that will see them relocate their tourism business to Illala in Mana Pools National Park.
In a statement posted on the Chewore Lodge and Campsite Facebook page on Sunday, Terry Kelly said the breakthrough followed months of negotiations facilitated by the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife.
Kelly apologised for the lack of updates during the talks, saying it was necessary to remain silent while negotiations were underway.
“I also apologise for not providing regular updates over the past few months.
“As negotiations were underway, it was important to remain patient and refrain from public discussion until the process was complete,” he said.
Kelly credited Ambassador Tadeous Chifamba, then permanent secretary in the Ministry of Environment, and Director-General Professor Edson Gandiwa for helping secure a resolution after years of deadlock.
“Through the efforts of the Ambassador, Prof. Gandiwa, and their team, a resolution was achieved — something that had eluded us for the past fifteen years.
“We are pleased to say that the negotiated settlement has delivered an outcome with which we are extremely satisfied,” Kelly said.
As part of the agreement, the family will relocate its operations to Illala in Mana Pools National Park.
“We have been fortunate to secure a beautiful new location where we can continue our vision and enjoy the next chapter of our lives,” Kelly said.
The agreement marks a dramatic turnaround from the family’s position earlier this year after the Supreme Court ruled against them on January 12, 2026.
Following that judgment, Kelly announced plans to challenge the ruling in the Constitutional Court and pursue substantial damages against ZimParks, arguing that negotiations had collapsed after nearly 15 years of attempts to resolve the lease dispute.
However, fresh talks brokered by the Ministry of Environment resulted in the settlement announced on July 19.
Kelly said the agreement had brought closure after years of uncertainty.
“To those who may feel sympathy for us, please know that we are happy and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm,” he said.
He also thanked government officials, employees, clients and supporters in Zimbabwe and abroad for standing by the family throughout the protracted dispute.
The settlement brings to an end one of Zimbabwe’s longest-running tourism lease disputes, paving the way for the Kelly family to resume operations from their new base at Illala in Mana Pools National Park.
