Experiences ⟶

Educational workshop at Mulberry Mongoose, South Luangwa

On the edge of one of Zambia’s most breathtaking wilderness areas, South Luangwa National Park, lies an experience that brings you closer not only to the wild but to the people working to protect it.

Wildlife, culture, and conservation in one Zambian safari

Known for its legendary Zambia walking safaris, thriving leopard population, and soul-stirring sunsets, South Luangwa National Park is a destination that leaves a lasting impression. While game drives and bush walks showcase the beauty of the wilderness, a visit to Mulberry Mongoose offers a meaningful glimpse into conservation in action, rooted in creativity, resilience, and community.

Transforming snares into art: where purpose fuels craftsmanship

Just 15 minutes from the South Luangwa National Park gate and 40 minutes from Zambia’s Mfuwe Airport, a modest yet extraordinary workshop welcomes travellers into a world where jewellery carries more than aesthetic value, it tells a story of transformation. Here, in the heart of a rural village, local female artisans repurpose snare wire once set by poachers into bold statement pieces that reflect the importance of the wildlife and communities they help protect.

Set beneath a shaded veranda, you’ll be greeted with a warm Zambian welcome and an invitation to experience something truly unforgettable.

Highlights of visiting Mulberry Mongoose on your luxury Zambia safari

zambian woman creating jewellery at mulberry mongoose

Stunning stamped copper bracelets are created from removed snares.

woman in zambia collecting lucky beans in the fields near mulberry mongoose

Chola collecting “lucky beans” to include in the Mulberry Mongoose jewellery.

rangers in south luangwa collecting snare wire

Rangers in South Luangwa National Park remove wire snares as part of their anti-poaching patrols.

zambian woman processing snare wire at mulberry mongoose

The women of Mulberry Mongoose clean and repurpose collected wires, removing the possibility of the material going back into circulation as snares.

hammering recovered snare metal into jewellery

Snare wire is hammered into bold pieces of jewellery that reflect the importance of the wildlife and communities here.

zambian woman with pouches made from chitenje cloth

Elisabeth makes jewellery pouches from vibrant Zambian chitenje cloth.

Your hands-on jewellery experience on safari in the South Luangwa National Park

Your visit begins with a guided tour of the jewellery workshop. Learn how snare wire is recovered by anti-poaching patrols, then painstakingly cleaned, coiled, and shaped into jewellery. Watching the women work with quiet focus and pride is as powerful as the jewellery they craft. Opt to take part in the Snare Bead Challenge if you’re keen to experience the physical strength and skill it takes to manipulate the tough wire! It’s a simple yet powerful way to connect with the craftsmanship behind each design, and with the mission that inspires it.

Meet the makers – jewellery workshops with local artisans

For an even more immersive experience, join the team in the jewellery-making activity. Craft pieces using ethically sourced materials such as wild seed pods, vegetable ivory, and vibrant chitenje cloth. With guidance and conversation flowing freely, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the team’s work and lives, as well as the challenges and joys of life in the Luangwa Valley.

Visitors who stay longer often find the most memorable moments come over a cup of tea and homemade biscuits. It’s here that personal stories surface – such as those of Elisabeth, a single mother who exudes joy and bravery, whilst supporting 14 dependents through her sewing, and Sara, who determinedly transformed personal hardship into success through a thriving fabric business supplying gift bags. These are women defined by strength in adversity, and their stories will stay with you long after your safari ends.

woman meeting guest at mulberry mongoose workshop

You’ll receive a warm Zambian welcome at the Mulberry Mongoose workshop and an invitation to experience something truly meaningful.

Creating ethical jewellery that empowers women and protects wildlife

Every piece of jewellery you see or create contributes directly to the community and conservation. To date, Mulberry Mongoose has raised over  $164,500 for anti-snare patrols in the neighbouring South Luangwa National Park and supports more than 400 local Zambians. All materials are locally and ethically sourced, and every element, from the design to the handmade packaging, reflects the values of sustainability and shared purpose.

An unforgettable stop in South Luangwa, Zambia – visit Mulberry Mongoose

Whether it’s a midday stop between game drives or the first chapter in your South Luangwa journey on your way to your luxury Zambia safari lodge, visiting Mulberry Mongoose is more than a shopping experience – it’s an encounter with real impact. Here, you don’t just leave with jewellery; you leave with a connection. An understanding of the importance of conservation, the resilience of this remarkable Zambian female-led team, and the beauty of turning something harmful into something hopeful.

Plan your meaningful Zambia safari

Our expert-curated Zambia walking safari “Africa: Heart & Sole” could be tailored to include a visit to Mulberry Mongoose whilst in South Luangwa. Explore the Zambia safari journey here. 

Can’t travel yet? Support the artisans online at mulberrymongoose.com or follow their story on Instagram @mulberrymongoose.