By Kaelan Young
Lawrencedale Outdoors
In southeastern Africa, Zimbabwe is recognized for its diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture, offering a variety of outdoor adventure opportunities.
Whether trekking through the Chimanimani mountains, whitewater rafting on the Zambezi River, or ziplining above Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe attracts travelers eager to connect with nature.
As adventure activities continue to grow in the country, organizations like Lawrencedale Outdoors are meeting the need for rewarding outdoor experiences in Zimbabwe with high standards for quality and safety.
From Outward Bound to Lawrencedale Outdoors
For Normore Chieza, it was a dream to teach in outdoor education. His long-term passion for sharing his love for the outdoors led him to Outward Bound Zimbabwe (OBZ), where he began as an outdoor education trainee instructor.
“I always wanted to share my passion for the outdoors with others, and experiential learning seemed like the perfect avenue,” Normore explains.
After three months as a trainee instructor, Normore signed on as a junior instructor, and by the end of 2021, he had advanced to the position of senior instructor. His journey with OBZ was filled with valuable lessons. “While working as a trainee instructor, I saw firsthand the diversity they were bringing into the outdoors and how important that mission was. The experiential programs were so amazing, and I knew I needed to be part of it,” Normore says.
In 2023, ready to offer more outdoor adventure opportunities to the community, Normore and a group of others came together to create Lawrencedale Outdoors. Normore’s vision for Lawrencedale Outdoors is clear: “I want to make outdoor learning accessible to all, establish a center that is innovative and creative, and ensure safety in all our activities.”
Normore’s connection to nature is evident in his words: “To me, the outdoors is my home.” His commitment to making outdoor experiences available to communities throughout Zimbabwe has helped shape the mission of Lawrencedale Outdoors, which offers a wide range of activities.
Located in a scenic region of Zimbabwe known for its mountains and rivers, the organization provides camping trips, campsites, and curated adventures for both individuals and groups.
In support of the work of the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, which manages the country’s spectacular National Parks, Lawrencedale Outdoors acts as a gateway to national sites, offering team-building exercises, leadership training, and outdoor courses designed to promote personal growth, collaboration, and environmental stewardship.
In addition to adventure programs, Lawrencedale Outdoors arranges educational trips for schools, institutions, and colleges across Zimbabwe. Each program is crafted to combine skill-building, outdoor safety, and a love for the natural environment.
Lawrencedale Outdoors participants engaging in an outdoor obstacle course. These helmets are non-regulation helmets. Lawrencedale Outdoors
Commitment to Safety
Normore emphasizes, “When it comes to our programs, risk management is always our first concern.” To improve the safety of participants, Lawrencedale brought in Viristar to draft a Risk Management Plan for the organization. This plan outlines the organization’s approach to safety, defines roles and responsibilities, and outlines policies and procedures for managing risks across various domains.
Viristar also supplied a variety of other resources, including a Field Risk Management Manual, Logistics & Activities Manual, Staff Training Plan, and Participant Acknowledgement & Agreement. These tools are designed to help enhance Lawrencedale’s safety infrastructure and support ongoing efforts in effective risk management.
Moreover, several Lawrencedale Outdoors’ Board Members have completed Viristar’s Risk Management for Outdoor Programs course, gaining valuable knowledge around risk management theory and practice. According to Normore, "This course helped us improve our safety culture and manage risks across risk domains.”
Lawrencedale Outdoors
Looking Ahead
As Zimbabwe’s outdoor adventure industry expands, Lawrencedale Outdoors aims to set a standard for structured community-focused programs with excellence in risk management.
"We want people to leave with more than just great memories. They should feel like they’ve learned something, grown, and done it all safely,” says Normore.
By prioritizing core values such as safety, education, and community engagement, Lawrencedale Outdoors seeks to enhance the participant experience and play a role in promoting best practices in outdoor adventure within Zimbabwe.