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Lynsey Cumings is one of the stars of HGTV’s new series ‘Renovation Wild’, which follows her and her husband Grant Cumings as they renovate their family-run safari camps in Africa. The show, which premiered on May 15, 2023, showcases the challenges and rewards of creating unique and luxurious travel destinations in the remote and wild Zambian bush. Here are some of the details you need to know about Lynsey Cumings and her renovation journey.

Who is Lynsey Cumings?

Lynsey Cumings is a fifth-generation African who was born and raised in Zimbabwe. She met Grant Cumings, a native Zambian, when they were both working for British Airways in London. They fell in love and moved to Zambia, where they joined Grant’s parents in running the Chiawa Safari and Old Mondoro Camps. Lynsey has a degree in Hotel Management and has also worked for Marriott Hotels. She is the co-owner and director of the safari operations, as well as a mother of three children: Josh, Emma, and Luke.

What are the safari camps that Lynsey Cumings renovated?

Lynsey and Grant Cumings own and operate two sister properties in the Lower Zambezi National Park: Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro Camp. Chiawa Camp is a high-end resort that offers luxury tents, a pool, a spa, a gym, and a dining area overlooking the Zambezi River. Old Mondoro Camp is a more rustic and intimate camp that features reed villas, outdoor bathrooms, and a fire pit. Both camps offer guests the opportunity to experience the wildlife and scenery of Zambia, including elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, crocodiles, and more.

What were the challenges that Lynsey Cumings faced during the renovation?

Renovating in the African wilderness is not an easy task. Lynsey and Grant Cumings had to deal with various obstacles, such as:

• Weather: The renovation project started during the rainy season, which made the roads muddy and impassable. The camps were also prone to flooding, storms, and lightning strikes.
• Wildlife: The camps are located in a national park that is home to many wild animals. Lynsey and Grant had to be careful not to disturb or harm the animals or their habitats. They also had to protect themselves and their workers from potential attacks or injuries.
• Logistics: Getting supplies and materials to the remote camps was a challenge. Lynsey and Grant had to rely on boats, trucks, planes, and helicopters to transport everything they needed. They also had to deal with customs delays, shortages, and price fluctuations.
• Design: Lynsey and Grant wanted to create unique and comfortable spaces that blended with the natural environment. They had to use local materials, such as reeds, wood, stone, and canvas. They also had to incorporate elements of African culture and art into their design.

What were the results of Lynsey Cumings’ renovation?

Despite the difficulties, Lynsey and Grant Cumings managed to complete their renovation project before opening day. They transformed their safari camps into stunning and sustainable destinations that impressed their guests and critics alike. Some of the highlights of their renovation include:

• Chiawa Camp: They upgraded the tents with new floors, roofs, furniture, lighting, and amenities. They also added a new bar area, a fire pit lounge, a library, and a wine cellar. They enhanced the pool area with new decking, sunbeds, umbrellas, and a jacuzzi. They also improved the spa area with new treatment rooms, showers, and a sauna.
• Old Mondoro Camp: They renovated the reed villas with new roofs, walls, doors, windows, beds, fans, and mosquito nets. They also added new ensuite bathrooms with indoor showers, sinks, toilets, and hot water systems. They created a unique outdoor washroom with a bathtub overlooking the river. They also refurbished the dining area with new tables, chairs, cushions, lamps, and artwork.

Lynsey Cumings Renovation Wild is an inspiring show that showcases how one family turned their passion for Africa into a successful business. It also reveals how they overcame the challenges of renovating in a wild and remote location. If you want to see more of their amazing work and adventures, you can watch ‘Renovation Wild’ on HGTV or Max.

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