Kelly's Camp, Ilala, Mana Pools.

19/07/2026

Greetings to everyone,

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those across Zimbabwe and around the world who stood by us during the challenges surrounding Chewore Lodge. To our friends, clients, supporters, community leaders, and everyone who offered encouragement, assistance, and goodwill—thank you. The immense support shown to Laura, our families, and our staff has been truly humbling, and words alone cannot fully express our appreciation.

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.

Following the disappointing outcome of the Supreme Court judgement, we found ourselves at a very difficult point.

However, a meeting was convened involving all parties to the dispute. Although we attended with some hesitation, that decision proved to be a turning point.
The discussions were chaired by Ambassador Chifamba, the then, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, who committed himself to finding a solution that would satisfy all parties. 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.

As part of this agreement, we will be relocating. While opinions may differ on this decision, we believe it is the right path forward given all the circumstances and opportunities available to us. Most importantly, it brings peace of mind and allows us to focus on the future. We have been fortunate to secure a beautiful new location where we can continue our vision and enjoy the next chapter of our lives.

At present, we are actively moving operations from Chewore to Illala in Mana. It is an exciting time as one chapter closes and another begins. The opportunity to embark on this new venture, particularly as part of our retirement plans, fills us with optimism and gratitude. We feel truly blessed to have the health, strength, and determination to make it happen.

To those who may feel sympathy for us, please know that we are happy and looking forward to the future with enthusiasm. This outcome would not have been possible without the support of so many people. On behalf of myself, Laura,our family, and the staff of Chewore, I thank everyone who played a part—from the government officials who helped facilitate the resolution to the many supporters who stood by us throughout this journey.

You helped make this possible, and for that we will always be grateful.

With sincere thanks,

Terry Kelly
On behalf of Laura, our family, and the Chewore team

16/07/2026

Hi everyone,

It’s been a while!
We’d like to let you all know that we have finally come to a conclusion in our negotiations relating to Chewore.
We’ve struggled to put this all into words and are still working our way through the thank yous that we owe everyone, and trying to find the words to express our gratitude for you all. However in the meantime, we wanted you to all know, we have just started the relocation of our beloved Chewore camp into a prime site in the East of Mana, that has been allocated to us from ZimParks.
From all of us, we want to thank you all for supporting us, praying for us and sharing our message.
We will be putting out a more detailed thank-you and information over the weekend.
Exciting times ahead and we’re so greatful to be back at it.

Terry and Laura Kelly

07/02/2026

To everyone who has rallied behind us and supported us, please , we invite you to sign and share the petition below with your family, friends and groups.❤️

We, the undersigned citizens and supporters of justice, conservation, and lawful governance, respectfully appeal for Your Excellency’s intervention in the matter concerning the eviction of Chewore Lodge from the Chewore Safari Area.For more than two decades, Chewore Lodge has operated under leases...

05/02/2026

It has been almost 15 years of either being in court or in negotiations, trying to resolve this matter.

This process led us to the Supreme Court, where we received, what is in my opinion, a shocking judgment, evicting us. After that, the Ministry stepped in to try and facilitate an amicable settlement. For the sake of peace, we all agreed to try and find a solution — a way out of this chaos and a way to finally end these ongoing, unnecessary legal battles we were dragged into, that consume our lives.
Unfortunately, those negotiations have now come to an end with no solution achieved. What was offered was certainly not even close to a resolution, and sadly, we had no choice but to decline. We entered those negotiations with an open mind, good faith and a willingness to be flexible. Even though we have never wanted to leave our beloved Chewore, we were prepared to compromise if it meant finding a solution and bringing this long, unjust fight to an end.
Sadly, that was not to be. We are now in a position where we are preparing with our legal team to go the Constitutional Court. Are we confident that justice will prevail? Our experience dictates, sadly not, but we will exhaust all legal means to hold on to our rights.
A considerable damages claim against the Authority, National Parks, is being prepared and we pray that something positive comes from these processes.
If, in the end, we lose Chewore, our entire family, from my youngest grandchild, our children, our incredible team of guys and their families, and the many Zimbabweans and clients that frequent Chewore, Diane and I, will be absolutely heartbroken.
Over the last three of weeks, the global support we have received has been overwhelming — in ways that are difficult to explain. Support from all walks of life from Zimbabwe and the world, support questioning our judiciary, our institutions and individuals. Justifiably so. It is extraordinary how strangers come together simply because they know what is right. It is truly a beautiful thing.
The way strangers have rallied behind us, restored our faith in humanity and in connection.
And so, on that note, we as the Kelly family just want to say thank you Zimbabwe and all the folks from around the world that took time to care. There is still so much good out there.
We will continue with this struggle until there is absolutely nowhere left to go. Because it is right.
-Terry Kelly.

20/01/2026

To our fellow Zimbabweans and the global community, we extend our deepest gratitude. On behalf of the Kelly family, we wish to express heartfelt appreciation to each individual for their messages, calls, and prayers of support, which have been a significant source of comfort during this challenging period.🙏

We have undertaken with the Ministry and Honourable Ambassador T. Chifamba, who is chairing the ongoing talks, not to engage with the press during this process, and we intend to fully honour that commitment. We will be issuing a statement at the end of these discussions.
Once again, one and all, thank you. 🇿🇼