THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is putting up a lion enclosure at Tshabalala Game Sanctuary in Bulawayo as part of efforts to promote domestic tourism.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo said construction of the pen to house seven lions was nearing completion.
“Construction of the Tshabalala Lion Enclosure is now at 90 percent completion. It will have the capacity to house seven lions, far much larger than the Chinhoyi one,” he said.
ZimParks introduced lions at the Chinhoyi Caves Recreational Park last year. Tshabalala Game Sanctuary is located eight kilometres south-east of the Bulawayo City Centre. The Game sanctuary has many lovely locations for picnics. It contains several walking and horseback trails. Incidentally, the Game Sanctuary is situated on the former lands of Fairburn Usher, a British sailor who relocated to Bulawayo in the late 1800s and married one of the daughters of King Lobengula. Mr Farawo said the bringing in of lions as part of ZimParks’ efforts to diversify fauna in a bid to attract more visitors at the wildlife sanctuary.
“We hope to diversify tourism products in Bulawayo which will also ensure that people from the city can also see lions at a sanctuary close by as we are trying to increase domestic tourism and this is the vision of our Government.
“The sanctuary has been quite dormant so we hope the lion enclosure will benefit tourists and local schools because we have an educational centre within the sanctuary which will be open to anyone who is interested to know more about wildlife,” said Mr Farawo.
Tshabalala Game Sanctuary is made up of thorny bushveld and hosts a variety of wildlife which includes guinea fowl, francolins, giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala, tsessebe and other smaller antelope, and many species of wild birds and waterfowl.
Mr Farawo said plans are also underway to put in place facilities to accommodate wildlife such as birds, snakes as well as crocodiles.
ZTA appoints acting CEO
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) Chief Operating Officer, Givemore Chidzidzi has been appointed ZTA Acting CEO with immediate effect, taking over from Rita Likukuma.
According to ZTA, Likukuma, who was seconded by the board to temporarily take charge of the organisation’s executive affairs after the CEO, Dr Karikoga Kaseke, fell ill, has reverted to her non-executive role in the authority’s board. Likukuma had been leading the organisation in an acting capacity with effect from 1st February.
ZTA Deputy Board Chairperson, Dr Precious Sibiya, commented: “Since her secondment, Rita has played a critical role in the development and success of the organisation and, while we will miss her in the executive structures, we believe that her inspiring leadership will continue to be valuable once again in the board. In the same vein, I would like to congratulate Givemore for this appointment as the Acting Chief Executive. We as the board are confident in him and the executive team at the ZTA that they will continue to restore the important contribution tourism makes to the economy.”
A Hotels Association of Zimbabwe member who preferred to remain anonymous said there was the need for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority board to appoint a substantive CEO.
“While as an industry we appreciated that Mr Chidzidzi has been with ZTA for some time and is now experienced, it is important to note that if someone is acting, the assumption is that the person may not make permanent decisions, resultantly slowing down decision-making in the entire industry,” said the member, adding that “Even those who might want to engage the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority may choose to wait until a substantive CE has been appointed. Third parties may not want to work with someone in an acting capacity.” – Tourism Update
Victoria Falls to go green
In an effort to promote green tourism and to curb power shortages, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and Victoria Falls tourism players are setting up a solar farm in the town.
According to the ZTA, a number of undisclosed investors have reportedly expressed interest in funding the multimillion-dollar project.
ZTA Acting CE, Rita Likukuma, says the solar project is now being expedited because of the power challenges facing the destination. “The (solar) project, if it were to take off, has a beautiful dimension of enhancing the status of tourism quality in this town, in the sense that environmental issues are topical. There are now people who visit a place because it is environmentally friendly. Moving from high carbon emission electricity generation options to zero carbon emission is definitely a plus. Our thrust has been that Vic Falls must become a hundred percent green city.”
Wild Horizons Spokesperson, Barbra Murasiranwa, commented: “We are looking at going green as an industry instead of continuously drawing from resources that we will never be able to replace.” – Tourism Update
South Korean tour operator wants to sell Zim tourism in Asia
A leading South Korean tour operator hopes to explore Sanganai/Hlanganani World Travel Expo and sell Zimbabwe’s tourism products in that country and Asia at large.
Cheng Shipak who is among the buyers from South Korea confirmed they had booked for a pre-tour ahead of the world expo which would take them to Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Bulawayo and Harare. “We are attending Sanganai/Hlanganani as buyers and looking forward to meeting the rest of the world at this tourism exchange.
“We want to enhance our knowledge and experience about destinations we have since booked to take part in a pre-tour that covers the Mighty Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Bulawayo and Harare,” he said.
“We insist on collaborating with tour companies in Zimbabwe and southern Africa as a whole thereby driving tourist traffic from South Korea and Asia at large,” he added.
Victoria Falls-based tour operator, Barbara Murasiranwa, is hopeful that the 12th edition of the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Expo would live up to expectations.
“We’re very ready as tourism industry and we’re expecting to meet up with a lot of buyers who will bring Zimbabwe as a destination back on the map,” she said.
“When the buyers come and buy from Zimbabwe not from South Africa buying Zimbabwe or Uganda or any other country it builds confidence for the buyers or source markets to say we’ve seen what they have in store”, said Murasiranwa.
“There is going to be some familiarisation tours where we receive buyers to show them what we have in terms of hotels and activities that we encourage them to spend more than the days that they are spending because they can see there is so much to do in Zimbabwe that they cannot just book for a day and leave Zimbabwe,” she said.
Murasiranwa said they were excited for the Sanganai/Hlanganai and thanked Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for putting together the world expo.
ZTA head of Corporate Affairs, Godfrey Koti, confirmed that over 250 exhibitors have registered with about 20 countries have confirmed their participation including India, China, Nigeria, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana and Mozambique.
“This is going to be a three-day event in which we are trying to promote Zimbabwe for MICE, which is Meetings, Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions.
“We are promoting Zimbabwe as a MICE-destination where people come and converge.
They must also take this opportunity to do business and we want to use this event to further promote that idea, especially with the fact that this exposition is registered under the United Nations World Tourism Organisation calendar,” he said. – IOL
Avis Zim guarantees fuel supply
Despite the fuel shortages, Avis has found solutions to assist its customers.“Avis guarantees a full tank of fuel on the collection of the vehicle and should our clients be travelling long distances and require additional fuel, Avis will provide it in 20-litre Jerry cans,” said Bev Sande, MD of Avis Rent a Car, Zimbabwe.
“As fuel is not included in our rates, all fuel used will be charged to the client’s rental,” said Sande.
Foreigners are still permitted to pay for car hire using their international credit cards. “Avis has Point of Sale machines linked to foreign currency accounts, which allows us to accept credit cards from anywhere in the world.”
Bev was quick to give assurance about the safety of self-drive in the country but said, due to the shortage of foreign currency, clients should avoid attracting attention by flashing large amounts of cash.
“We also encourage customers to rent a GPS from Avis as road signs are often missing.” She said driving at night was discouraged as there were often stray animals on the roads, She also advised drivers to exercise caution as traffic lights often did not work.
“All Avis customers have automatic membership of Road Angels Roadside Assistance so, should our clients run into a problem, help is only a phone call away.”
The company offers vehicles ranging from small cars to SUVs, 4x4s and minibuses on a self-drive or chauffeur-driven basis. Cars are offered on a point-to-point transfer basis, for cross-border and one-way rentals. Extras such as trailer hire and baby seats are also available on request.
Vehicles are available from Avis branches at Harare International Airport, Avis head office and the office (adjacent to Meikles Hotel) in Harare, Joshua Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls International Airport. For an additional fee, Avis can deliver a vehicle anywhere in Zimbabwe. – Tourism Update
Sports tourism comes to Victoria Falls
In an effort to promote sports tourism in the country, the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League (ZPSL) will host the first-ever international football symposium in Victoria Falls from October 10 to 12.
The event is open to football clubs, tourism players, financial institutions, other sporting codes, regional leagues, media organisations, football sponsors, corporates, football fans, universities and colleges.
ZPSL CEO, Kenny Ndebele, says the symposium’s purpose, among others, is to market destination Zimbabwe to the source market.
“We are hosting this in Victoria Falls, [and] the reason is that we want to promote sports tourism,” said Ndebele. “We will also discuss sport corporate governance and development, club licensing and its benefits, the future of football, globalisation of sports sponsorship, how football and its partners can realise commercial potential.”
New upmarket lodge for Victoria Falls
A NEW up-market lodge is set to open in Victoria Falls targeting tourists who want a quiet environment and interaction with the wild.
A total of 24 locals will be employed at the 12-bed tented Tsowa Safari Island, which is located in the Zambezi National Park. It is owned by Isibindi Africa Lodges founded by Mr Brett Gehren and offers guests the chance to appreciate the world’s wilderness in Victoria Falls from the comfort of the six tents.
Isibindi Africa Lodges spokesperson Ms Melanie Rosettenstein said the facility strives to also empower locals through employment and affordable rates.
“Tsowa Safari Lodge is an ideal spot from which to explore the area’s many attractions. The target market is the luxury eco-tourists and safari market and as with all Isibindi Lodges, we like to offer a great experience but always keeping our rates competitive so as to exceed expectations,” said Ms Rosettenstein.
She said their rates were affordable even to locals as a way of promoting domestic tourism. The main camp comprises tents, which are about 20 metres apart with a stylish lounge and dining area, as well as two swimming pools and a fire pit, all facing Zambezi River. Guests can watch the river glide by or view the abundant wildlife from every vantage point.
In a statement, Mr Gehren said while the lodge is located remotely, it is surprisingly accessible and easy to get to.
“It’s a great privilege and honour to have been awarded the concession to develop a camp on Tsowa Safari Island. As with all our lodges, every care and consideration has been taken to ensure our six eco-sensitive luxury tents have a minimal environmental impact and blend into the stunning natural surroundings.
“We’re confident that our guests will be delighted to know that they are journeying with purpose when they stay with Isibindi Africa,” he said.
The lodge is located centrally between Victoria Falls, Kasane in Botswana, Namibian border and Livingstone in Zambia. Isibindi Africa Lodges’ has other properties in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal namely Thonga Beach Lodge and Kosi Forest Lodge, both located in Isimangaliso Wetland Park and Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park, all in KwaZulu Natal.
Mr Gehren said Isibindi Africa Lodges prides itself for investing across the region where a number of community programmes have been introduced.
In Victoria Falls, the group has launched Isibindi Foundation, to uplift the community through conservation projects. The foundation was established this year to consolidate 23 years of community and conservation projects and to also create a purpose-driven entity to assist community initiatives.
With World Wildlife Fund (WWF) chairperson Mr Vusi Khanyile as its patron, it’s objective starts with allowing guests to be philanthropic travellers and to journey with purpose.
Some of its programmes include helping rural schools with feeding programmes, financing additional support teachers and quarterly visits from external educationists so as to improve the resourcing of education institutions. – The Herald
Khulu Bush Camp undergoes refurbishment
Amalinda Safari Collection is refurbishing Khulu Bush Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.
The Amalinda Safari Collection CEO, Sharon Stead, says the camp is being upgraded from a 12-bed tented camp, with three new tents, taking the maximum number of guests to 18. The new tents will be open for bookings by the end of October.
“Investing in our properties further enhances our belief that Zimbabwe is becoming a destination of choice amongst international travellers looking for an experiential life-changing holiday. Through the ups and downs of tourism over the years, we have pledged a firm commitment to the amazing wildlife landscapes and safari offering that Zimbabwe can provide,” says Stead.
Amalinda Safari Collection also operates Amalinda Lodge, Ivory Lodge and Tuskers’ Campsite.
– Tourism Update
Township tourism now in Victoria Falls
Dusty Road Victoria Falls has introduced a new tourism product, Dusty Road Township Experience, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
In the restaurant, food is cooked with original Zimbabwean ingredients, then guests have an opportunity to experience township life in Chinotimba, a high-density suburb and one of Victoria Falls’ oldest and largest residential areas.
DRVF Proprietor, Sarah Lilford, says the activity is suitable for groups and individuals.
“Dusty Road Township Experience is township tourism taken to another level, where guests are given the opportunity to be part of the local community here in Victoria Falls, eating local food cooked on an open fire in cast-iron pots and ovens. Interacting with local people is also part of the experience.”
Local specialities served at the restaurant include game meat and sadza (mealie meal), locally produced opaque beer (Chibuku), and Mahewu (flavoured maize drink).
Curios and artefacts are available to buy from stalls run by local women at the restaurant. – Tourism Update
New attraction to promote Zimbabwe’s cultural tourism
A new tourism product, Kore Kore Cultural Village (KKCV) will showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage and is set to be launched by year-end in Chinhoyi in Mashonaland Central Province.
Work on the village, which was constructed by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and the local community, is now complete. There are traditionally built, thatched and decorated huts (kitchen and bedrooms) with floors made from cow dung; traditional granaries; cattle kraals; and fowl runs. Traditional cooking utensils and cutlery, mortar and pestle and a quern-stone (used for hand grinding) are used at the site.
There are also displays of cultural music and dances at the village.
KKCV Chairperson, Francis Nyahwa, says: “We want to showcase… how we live in a traditional way without the inclusion of any Western civilisation. We are packaging our culture as a tourism product that must be enjoyed by tourists without even reference to any physical features or wildlife. We want tourists to appreciate Zimbabwean culture and visit us for that.
“Tourists can actually participate in whatever is being done at the village,” adds Nyahwa
ZTA Director of Domestic Tourism and Strategic Research, Sophie Zirebwa, says the KKCV has been established to diversify tourist attractions in Chinhoyi. “Instead of tourists coming to Chinhoyi to view the Chinhoyi Caves only, they can also spend more time in the town visiting the village.” She adds that KKCV “is a live-in village where tourists can book and spend some days at the village sleeping on the floor on reed mats, enjoying storytelling.”
Individuals and groups can be accommodated at the village.
Other attractions in Chinhoyi include Chinhoyi Caves and a recreational park with lions and other wild animals.
– Tourism Update