Lwafi Game Reserve, spanning 2,200 square kilometres in the remote landscapes of western Tanzania, is an ecological sanctuary of great significance. Its topography, characterized by undulating hills, Miombo woodlands, and riverine forests, underscores the reserve's rich biodiversity. Located next to Katavi National Park, Lwafi serves as an important corridor facilitating wildlife movement between two protected areas. Particularly elephants and, notably, chimpanzees, initially documented in 2014.

As an integral component of the Katavi-Rukwa ecosystem Lwafi Game Reserve plays a pivotal role in the broader conservation of the area. Currently, there is not enough data on the movement patterns of the elephants migrating between Zambia and Tanzania, entering the reserve and connecting onwards to Katavi National Park. Agropastoral communities situated around the southern boundary of Lwafi face a constant battle with elephant crop-raiding, with land cultivated along their migratory route.

We will be working directly with the communities around Lwafi to develop strategies for farm defence, crop diversification, agroforestry and beekeeping promoting sustainable, alternative livelihoods and coexistence with elephants. Additionally, we will be monitoring elephants and collaborating with Lwafi Game Reserve to study their movements and important corridor crossings between the GR and National Park.