Lon's Collection
Rooted in the heart of Zimbabwe, Lon's Collection is a group of three intimate lodges and one community-driven charity, each offering guests a deeply authentic experience of Zimbabwean hospitality.
Guided by the seasoned hands of Sarah and Russell Vollaire—hosts of The Hog & Lily—and Liesl and Sean, who lovingly stewards both Denney Lodge in Milibizi and Lon’s Camp alongside the Vollaires, the collection is built on over 75 years of combined hospitality wisdom. Every detail, from the warm welcome to the rhythm of nature outside your safari tent or thatched cottage, reflects a commitment to a genuine African experience. At its core, Lon's Collection is more than a place to stay—it’s a promise to show you the heart of Zimbabwe.
Whether you’re tracing elephant paths at dawn or sharing stories by firelight, we invite you to experience Zimbabwe not as a visitor, but as a welcomed guest in a living, breathing landscape of culture, care, and conservation.
Introducing Lon Denney
Lonnie Paul Denney was born in the USA. While living with his Grandfather from the age of 8, he grew up reading mouldy old outdoor and safari magazines, with a special interest in Africa.
After a successful career in America, the draw of Africa proved too strong. He headed to Tanzania in 1992 and then onto Zimbabwe in 1994. Lon fell in love with Zimbabwe and decided to make it his home.
Not long after he arrived, he started a safari company, which allowed him to follow his outdoor pursuits and maintain a close connection to the African bush.
Sadly Lon passed away in late 2024, but his presence is still strongly felt in everything we do. He was instrumental in setting up the community programs, forging strong local ties and ensuring conservation was a key part of his business.
Lon's legacy allows us to share his passion for the African bush, helping others to make lifelong memories.
Giving back to our community
Through its community charity, Lon's Collection empowers local villages with access to clean water via tank installations, and support for small enterprises that foster sustainable livelihoods. In addition to this, there is a program of regular donations to bolster village school supplies and a program to provide sanitary products to local school girls.
Another very important aspect of our community involvement is the fight against poaching. Run from Lon's Camp, professionally trained guides and trackers conduct daily walks through the bush, collecting and destroying snares. These guides also provide an essential connection to the local villages, sharing best practice and guidance on how to co-exist with the wildlife and work with the tourist trade.
We'd be happy to introduce you to our community partners when you visit. We're also willing to assist in the distribution of donations, please get in touch and we'll facilitate however we can.