Travel to Zimbabwe; Why Wait? | Africa Travel Newsletter

by Emma Gass, 19 March 2010

For far too long now the only news coming out of Zimbabwe has been bad news; of dictatorships, ruined economies, destroyed farms and poverty. For far too long tourists and travellers have been opting to visit her neighbours instead or just putting off visiting Zimbabwe until..., well indefinitely. But at last the winds of change are starting to whisper over the undulating African landscapes of this landlocked Southern African country.

Travel to Zimbabwe is a hot topic

The travel advisories from Britain and America, which for so long have not supported travel to Zimbabwe, have at last been lifted. For months now I've been seeing reports of refurbishments of Zimbabwe's grand old hotels and lodges and forward-thinking travel initiatives being distributed through the African travel industry. The travel supplements of the world's media are suddenly over flowing with articles on travel to Zimbabwe and it is appearing on the cover of travel magazines everywhere. Go2Africa also reports a real increase in travellers opting to visit Zimbabwe recently.

Support the people of Zimbabwe

This renewed interest in travel to Zimbabwe is not total support of the political situation in this troubled country. America cites the return of "basic” food, fuel and medical services to the country as their reason for lifting the travel warning last year, rather than any softening towards the political situation there.

The introduction of the US dollar as the official currency of Zimbabwe has made an incredibly positive difference to the local economy, and to tourism. It has brought the hyper-inflation under control, food has returned to the shelves and, like a new toy to a child, credit cards are now accepted at some hotels and restaurants.

There has been great concern that by supporting tourism in Zimbabwe, visitors are supporting Bob Mugabe and his cronies. I would argue that by visiting this incredibly beautiful country you are supporting the local Zimbabwean people. Although there is now food in the shops, the average person is still desperately in need of an income to pay for it and there is a real desire among Zimabweans for the ability to make an honest living. Tourism has traditionally been a significant part of Zimbabwe's economy and it deserves to be again.

Why you should visit Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is an incredible African wilderness destination. It always has been; even those people who braved the fuel shortages and depressing times returned with stories of breath taking natural beauty and generous, friendly people.

When I think of Zimbabwe's landscapes my mind's eye is filled with endless blue skies, gigantic waving baobab trees, intriguing granite boulders, chocolate-brown rivers infested with crocodiles, and sunsets that set fire to the distant horizon. Add to this a cast of wild animals to fill an African storybook and some of Africa's most dedicated and knowledgeable game guides, a safari in Zimbabwe is an authentic African experience. These incredibly passionate and educated (education is Mugabe's one great legacy) safari professionals deserve your tourist dollars after years dedicated to keeping Zimbabwe's wildlife areas intact; they have been doing it for love not money for long enough.

The jewel in Zimbabwe's crown of natural beauty, and the area least affected by Zimbabwe's political troubles, is the thundering Victoria Falls. This cascading wall of water, whose dense rising spray can block out the sun has to be seen to be believed; it is the largest wall of water in the world. The Victoria Falls region of Zimbabwe has always been Zimbabwe's premier tourist attraction, and although it has lost a large percentage of its visitors to neighbouring Zambia, it was looking better than ever when I visited there recently (read about my visit to Victoria Falls - the Zimbabwe side). Zambia's economy has definitely benefitted from the lack of faith in Zimbabwe, and it offers a unique view of the falls, but if you want the best view of the Zambezi River crashing into the 100m deep gorge then you need to visit Zimbabwe.

I grew up in this beautiful country and have a real soft spot for her well being, but I recommend that visitors stop putting off their travel to Zimbabwe. I believe that by being there you are stimulating the broken economy and helping people feed their families. Beat the crowds and go now; you will be welcomed by regular Zimbabweans with wide smiles and genuine pleasure that you have come to visit their country.

Where to go in Zimbabwe:

Victoria Falls: Not only are the Victoria Falls a spectacular sight, a World Heritage site and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World, it is also an adventure capital. Go bungy jumping, white water rafting, micro-lighting and swim at the top falls.

There is also great game viewing along the Zambezi River and high tea at the colonial Victoria Falls Hotel is an institution.

Mana Pools: This is often described as one of the last true wilderness areas left in Africa. And with few visitors in the last few years, it is even more wild! This World Heritage Site, famous for its large populations of crocodiles and hippos is situated on the great Zambezi River.

The way to experience Mana Pools National Park is by canoe and on foot, for a large part of the year vehicles are unable to access it anyway.

Hwange National Park: This is an enormous, mostly unfenced game area, within striking distance of Victoria Falls. Hwange is known for its elephants and is also home to wild dog.

Print this page | Send to a friend