Vanessa Lewis

Vanessa was born in Choma. She grew up in Zambia’s Copperbelt, but spent her holidays in the village with her Tonga grandmother. Vanessa studied Marketing at Hull University in the UK, and pursued a career in sales and administration for six years in the UK.

Fifteen years ago, Vanessa relocated to the shores of Lake Kariba with her late husband Jamie, together building a lodge in the remote Lotri Bay. She is running this business to date, promoting eco-tourism and the Tonga culture. Vanessa has worked extensively with the community on a range of projects, becoming an integral part of the community and developing close working relationships with local headmen and chiefs.