Our Publisher, Craig Rix, Urges Readers to Visit His Homeland
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Zimbabwe itting in a cold Oxfordshire office, it was are invested in the protection of wildlife and thrilling to watch the scenes from Harare the environment. It is truly remarkable to think and Bulawayo as the recent ‘transition’ that your visit to a small lodge will have such of power in Zimbabwe unfolded. It was a dramatic, and immediate, impact on whole Sa deeply emotional time; Zimbabwe is where communities. my soul and roots lie. Above all, I was struck And the great thing is, Zimbabwe is ready. by a feeling that, for the first time in so long, Of course, it is well known that the country we were witnessing Zimbabweans expressing has a wonderful range of attractions for such a themselves freely, with abandon and sincerity. (relatively) compact country, most of which are Why you should visit The open-armed embrace across cultural, racial highlighted on pages 104-105. Each is serviced and religious divides gave testimony to the reality by accommodation options for all budgets, that Zimbabweans are good people, honourable, and Zimbabwe’s respected guide-training dignified, respectful and very welcoming. There programme continues to ensure that safaris are is a reason why visitors consistently talk about safe and stimulating. OurZIMBABWE publisher, Craig Rix, urges readers to visit his the friendliness and warmth of her people. It was Despite the economic challenges, the homeland sooner rather than later, to capture the wonderful to see this released so freely for the infrastructure is remarkably well maintained world to see. — it is in better nick than most countries in atmosphere and help boost the country’s development I sincerely hope that travellers will now Africa. It is a very easy country to drive around, embrace Zimbabwe with enthusiasm. We started especially now that the numerous roadblocks Travel Africa 20 years ago, in part, because on that have been in place in recent years have all NOW our international travels we had been surprised to but disappeared. This opens up the Eastern hear a perception of Zimbabwe that didn’t reflect Highlands, Great Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba and the nation we knew. Yet over the years it was clear Matobo Hills. One can comfortably drive from that many people were hesitant to visit because of one destination to another in just two-to-four their concerns about the political environment. hours on good quality roads. The journey to a reliable democracy in Since the new Victoria Falls International Zimbabwe can now begin, and a spirit of Airport was opened a year ago, more than 127,000 optimism and hope that has lain within her people additional aircraft seats have been added on the has been released. In itself, that is good reason to route to Victoria Falls, which sits at the fulcrum of get on a plane as soon as you can: to capture the a most extraordinary wildlife region. More long- mood of excitement and show your support as haul carriers are expected to launch services in they try to sustain momentum moving forward. this year. Internal transport is already boosted by, One of the great social benefits of tourism among others, the recent launch of flights servicing is the exchange of ideas, the conversation that Gonarezhou in the south, and the revival of the happens when people from different societies 22-hour ferry service across Lake Kariba, an old meet. This exposure is particularly important favourite for self-drive visitors. One of the first right now to Zimbabweans and the freedom of deals announced by the new government was a expression they seek, and it will help visitors to plan to expand the airport at Harare. better understand the local environment. There’s been a surprising amount of More importantly, tourism is a cheap creator investment in recent years. Not only have many of employment; and perhaps the one thing lodges and camps been refurbished in anticipation Zimbabweans want more than anything is a of a surge in tourism, but new shopping malls, job. On average, every employed Zimbabwean bars and restaurants have emerged. When I was currently supports between 7 to 11 other family in Harare last March, I was struck by how busy members, taking into account the extended family restaurants were every day mid-week. There is a culture. Companies who have reduced staffing buoyant middle-class, who have somehow found levels in recent years will swiftly take on new a way to endure and who will be central to the people as more guests arrive. ongoing transition and emerging economy. But that is only the beginning of the story. As One senses there is an excitement in the the economy crumbled, most operators became air, an optimism that needs and deserves to be deeply embedded in development projects and sustained. Your visit, sooner rather than later, High spirits. Traversing the new SkyWalk, comprising two walkways suspended conservation programmes. Tourism is now will certainly help. And, importantly, you will over Mutarazi Falls in the Eastern Highlands. Alongside is the SkyLine, a 400m-long, funding education and healthcare in rural areas, have a glorious time. When you do go, give 500m-high zipline, possibly the most picturesque in the world and by recognising the value of tourism, villagers Zimbabwe my love. CHRISTOPHER CRAGG / FAR AND WIDE ZIMBABWE 96 January-March 2018 | Travel Africa Travel Africa | January-March 2018 97 MalawiZimbabwe Beks Ndlovu, African Bush Camps Ours has been a journey of dark shadows turning into sorrows, hunger and shattered hope. A once-great nation PERSPECTIVES brought low, a mighty people reduced to poverty in a rich country. But recent So how do “Zimbabwe has long been the safari “I believe events have hinted at a new dawn, Zimbabweans darling of the tourism world, but the that tourists and I have never felt so excited and perceived political and economic crisis should visit energised. Witnessing Zimbabweans feel about the over the last decade or so kept people away. Zimbabwe re-introduce themselves to the world changes in Now that there has been a change, people will now, before through one voice, regardless of their country, be excited and start returning. The way in which the floodgates colour, race or creed, made me realise the transition happened — how peaceful it was open. Be the that we are the most peace-loving and why do — is some of the best PR any country could wish pioneers of people under the sun. they feel it is for. It demonstrated the beautiful nature and rediscovery!” “Despite its political challenges, important you resilience of our people. Zimbabwe remains a welcoming, safe make a trip “I believe that tourists should visit Zimbabwe “Tourism destination. This is very evident here in now, before the floodgates open. Be the pioneers is constantly Bulawayo, ‘the City of Kings’, where there top of of rediscovery! Zimbabweans are eager to share visitors will receive a royal welcome. your agenda evolving, and their passion and knowledge, and our prices demands by “Revenue from tourism contributes this year? are very competitive compared to many other travellers to funding conservation initiatives, We asked countries. I believe that Zimbabwe offers one of force service many of which boost development a selection the wildest, most remote, and truly authentic safari providers to and education. In areas like Matobo, experiences. But it is far more multi-dimensional constantly tourism is necessary to help protect of people than just a standard safari offering. improve their our rhinos and the wider environment. associated with “Because the operators that have hung in here skill set” “Tourism is constantly evolving, over the last 15 years have demonstrated an acute and demands by travellers force tourism for dedication to conservation, guests can clearly see service providers to constantly their opinion. how tourism paves the way for wildlife conservation improve their skill set. Some tour to be a conduit for prosperity and development in operators give scholarships, while local communities. This serves to affirm our shared others have built schools. humanity, challenge perceptions and Your visit will make an enrich curious, energetic safari travellers immediate difference.” who are open to discovery.” EVANS MABIZA, ROWALLAN PARK, Evans Mabiza BEKS NDLOVU, GUIDE AND CEO OF AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS CHILDREN & NATURE CONSERVATION TRUST 98 January-March 2018 | Travel Africa MalawiZimbabwe “Zimbabwe was, is and shall be once more, a jewel in African tourism! With the Victoria Falls at its hub, four other World Heritage Sites and a diversity of destinations, experiences and accommodation across a spectacular landscape, we have so much to offer. “Why visit Zimbabwe in 2018? Zimbabwe is a proven, high-quality destination. Over the last three years there has been significant investment in tourism, most notably the opening of the new Victoria Falls International Airport, which helped generate a 25 per cent increase in international arrivals in 2017, attracting new long-haul carriers. More are expected to start Ross Kennedy direct flights this year. There’s been a knock-on effect, with improved internal travel options, and “The new political the private sector is investing in hotels, lodges dispensation is showing a and restaurants. New shopping malls have been clear ‘open arms welcome’ built, attracting international brands, and there’s Tendai Mdluli policy to the world, and we renewed creativity in the arts. With this energy and are working closely with ambition comes a natural lifting of standards and “For quite a long time Zimbabwe was the appropriate ministries service delivery. subjected to political unrest and virtual to enhance the ease of “The new political dispensation is showing a economic collapse, and the number of doing business with clear ‘open arms welcome’ policy to the world, tourists declined.