All posts by : Golden Safari Honey

This weekend, we suited up and got hands-on with our hives, as my daughter Shamiso, my sister Nyasha, and I dove into another chapter of our beekeeping journey. There’s something special about working with family in the apiary; it turns what could be routine hive inspections into memorable experiences filled with learning, laughter, and awe at nature’s precision.

Preparing for Inspection.

Before we even opened a hive, we went over our checklist—protective suits, gloves, smokers, and inspection tools. Shamiso, eager as always, helped set up the smoker and learned how to create a calm, steady smoke to keep our bees relaxed. Nyasha, who’s getting more confident with every inspection, took charge of organizing the equipment, making sure everything was ready before we opened the first hive.

Diving into the Hives

As we lifted the lids off the hives, Shamiso and Nyasha stood ready, taking mental notes as we inspected each frame. We looked for signs of healthy brood, honey stores, and the presence of a strong queen. It’s always exciting to point out to Shamiso how to spot the queen bee and to see her try to find the queen on her own. With Nyasha’s keen eye and growing confidence, she was able to identify capped brood and healthy larvae, marking another milestone in her beekeeping journey.

Observing Hive Health and Growth

This inspection was all about monitoring the health and productivity of our colonies. We noticed that a couple of the hives had strong pollen stores, indicating that our bees were foraging well, likely preparing for the upcoming months. However, in one hive, we observed a slightly smaller population, which could mean several things—from a weaker queen to possible pests or other stressors. Together, we discussed possible actions to support the hive, with Shamiso enthusiastically suggesting solutions she’d read about in her bee books.

Passing Down Beekeeping Knowledge

One of my favorite parts of these family hive inspections is teaching Shamiso the art of beekeeping. Passing on the knowledge of these hard-working bees and their vital role in our ecosystem to her, and even seeing her teach Nyasha little things along the way, is incredibly rewarding. Watching them both grow in confidence and understanding reminds me of how beekeeping is more than just a task; it’s a connection to nature, family, and tradition.

Wrapping Up

By the end of the day, we had completed our hive inspections, made notes on the status of each colony, and prepared plans to follow up on any hives needing extra attention. The work was fulfilling and reminded us all of the importance of patience, observation, and gentle care in beekeeping.

This weekend’s experience reaffirmed the joys of sharing this journey with my family. Through our “Beekeeping Chronicles,” Shamiso, Nyasha, and I are not just working with bees; we’re creating lasting memories, growing together, and learning the invaluable lessons nature offers. We’re already looking forward to the next inspection, with fresh insights, new goals, and plenty of honey to keep us inspired.

Stay tuned for more from the hives, and thank you for following our journey!

This weekend while checking our catch/trap boxes, me and colleagues Godfrey Dongaronga and Rudo K Makuzwa witnessed something amazing! A large bee colony was hanging on the outside of one of the boxes, looking like they were in deep discussion. Then, just as quickly as they arrived, they flew off, leaving the box behind.

We think this was a perfect example of bee democracy in action! Through their intricate communication (like the famous waggle dance), bees make collective decisions about where to live. Maybe they decided the box was too small or not quite right for their colony. Either way, they all agreed to move on and find a better fit.

Bee democracy refers to the collective decision-making process that honey bee colonies use to make important group decisions, like choosing a new home or selecting a queen. When a colony needs to swarm (often to find a new hive), scout bees search for potential sites, then communicate their findings through the waggle dance, a special movement that conveys distance, direction, and quality of the site. The bees “vote” by dancing—those who like a site will dance for it, and over time, the colony reaches a consensus. This process ensures that the colony’s decision is based on the collective judgment of many, helping them find the best possible home for survival.

It’s incredible how these tiny creatures work together to ensure the survival of the colony. Bee democracy is real—and it’s a reminder that sometimes, collective decision-making leads to the best outcomes.

Delve into the fascinating world of honey production with us! From the delicate dance of bees collecting nectar to the intricate alchemy within the hive, the journey from flower to honey jar is nothing short of magical.

Let’s start by unraveling the incredible process that transforms nectar into golden honey.

Did you know that bees are nature’s master chefs?

These tiny, hardworking insects brave the outdoors, foraging for nectar to sustain the hive. Worker bees, the unsung heroes of honey production, venture from flower to flower, collecting nectar and storing it in special stomach pouches for the journey back home.

But the magic truly begins when they return to the hive. There, teamwork takes over! The foraging bees pass the nectar to younger house bees, who begin the transformation process. Each bee, in turn, works the nectar by chewing it and adding enzymes that break it down into simple sugars. This not only starts to transform the nectar into honey but also reduces its moisture content.

The nectar is then deposited into the iconic hexagonal honeycombs. Here, the bees fan their wings vigorously, reducing the moisture content even further—from 70% to a perfect 20%. Slowly but surely, the nectar thickens into the sweet, golden honey we love.

When the honey is ready, the bees cap the honeycomb with a layer of beeswax, sealing it to preserve the honey for… well, indefinitely! Now, that’s nature’s version of perfection. Isn’t it amazing how bees work together to create this liquid gold? Next time you enjoy a spoonful of honey, remember the incredible journey it took from flower to hive.

In 2015, Kudakwashe “Kuda” Makuzwa’s life took a transformative turn. While participating in the Mandela Washington Fellowship, she received a grant from the United States African Development Fund (USADF) to kick-start a beekeeping venture. This opportunity marked the beginning of a mission that would not only empower rural women but also contribute to environmental sustainability.

Returning home from the United States, Kuda was driven by a clear purpose: to uplift communities by engaging in beekeeping and honey production. What initially started as a small project involving just ten women has since blossomed into a nationwide initiative. The brand born from this vision, Anaya Honey which has since rebranded to Golden Safari Honey , symbolizes hope and opportunity for many rural folk living in rural Zimbabwe, who previously struggled to survive on less than $2 a day.

For these folks, beekeeping has been a game-changer. By producing honey, they now earn a vital supplementary income that helps to support their families and improve their overall well-being. This additional income goes a long way in providing basic needs, such as food, education for their children, and healthcare.

But the impact of Kuda’s work goes beyond economic empowerment. Beekeeping is also playing a significant role in environmental conservation. Bees are essential to maintaining balanced ecosystems, as they are crucial pollinators for many plants and crops. By nurturing bees, these women have become guardians of nature, contributing to biodiversity and the health of the planet.

In addition to caring for bees, these “bee stewards” actively engage in climate change mitigation by planting and protecting trees. These trees not only provide habitat and nectar for bees but also play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, helping to reduce the carbon footprint and combat climate change.

Kuda’s initiative has grown into more than just a business—it’s a movement that uplifts communities and protects the environment. Through Golden Safari Honey, Kuda is helping rural beekeepers  rewrite their life stories, from living in poverty to becoming empowered agents of change. With each jar of honey produced, local Beekeepers are not only securing better futures for themselves but also contributing to a healthier planet, one bee at a time.