Despite some political tension in Zimbabwe, members of the tourism industry say the destination continues to grow in popularity, even if clients are reluctant to self-drive.

Zimbabwe’s political situation is shaky at present, marked by an economic crisis that has resulted in anti-Mugabe protests and police action to silence them. But with much of its tourism concentrated in Victoria Falls (Hwange National Park is a two-hour drive from the Falls) and most safari locations some distance from the cities, the troubles would seem to be at a distance.

A lack of cash is at the root of the current crisis, and the government has been encouraging the tourism industry to adopt rand-based pricing. For some time, the industry has used US dollar pricing and seems reluctant to veer from the stability of the American currency.

“The political situation has at present not impacted us considerably as our lodges are situated far away from the capital, and the airport is still operating nicely,” says Mareike Pietzsch of Jenman Safaris. “We’ve noticed an increase in walking safaris and wellness products.”

Simon Stobbs of Wilderness Safaris, says Zimbabwe is still growing in popularity since the opening of the new Victoria Falls International Airport, with renewed interest in the country’s incredible tourism offering.

As far as the international market is concerned, Victoria Falls continues in the main to be sold as an add-on to South Africa or combined with Botswana’s Chobe, says Henk Graaff of SW Africa Destination Marketing, who detects client reluctance to do self-drives in Zimbabwe due to fears of road blocks and other security concerns.

New and trending

• Wilderness Safaris’ newly-launched camps in the Mana Pools National Park, Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi, feature attractive design with low environmental impact.
• The Hide in Hwange National Park has been named ‘Best Safari Camp – Tented’ by The Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents for the 17th consecutive year.
• Changa Safari Camp in the Matusadona National Park has a new and improved website.
• Shearwater Adventures will open a 100-bed camp at Victoria Falls in December.