I decided to join fellow nature lovers at the Mukuvisi March for Elephants, an annual event hosted in the serene Mukuvisi Woodlands. Supported by Zambezi Elephant Fund, Triathlon Zimbabwe, and My Trees – Miti Yangu. The march brought together families, friends, dogs, and a whole lot of sunshine.

It wasn’t much of a hustle for me as Mukuvisi is my go-to spot for walks, so this felt like a stroll through familiar terrain, only this time with a deeper meaning. The march is held every year to raise awareness and funds for elephant conservation in Zimbabwe. With the country hosting Africa’s second-largest elephant population, estimated between 76,000 and 93,000, the stakes are high. These majestic animals face growing threats from poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. Events like this help fund anti-poaching efforts, ranger support, aerial surveillance, and conservation education.

Did you know that elephants are a keystone species, meaning their presence is vital to the health of entire ecosystems? Losing them would ripple through the environment in ways we can’t afford. That’s why My Trees – Miti Yangu plays a crucial role in this march, reminding us that protecting elephants also means protecting their habitats, starting with planting trees.

After the walk, the atmosphere shifted into a lively marketplace. Stalls offered everything from locally grown saplings to handmade clothes, homeware, and delicious food. It was a beautiful reminder that conservation can be woven into everyday life, through what we buy, what we plant, and what we support. So, what can you do? Join the next march. Support local conservation groups. Plant a tree. Talk about elephant protection. Every small action adds up to a bigger impact. 

Let’s keep walking the talk, for the elephants, for the forests, and for future generations.