Feature: Should safari fans return to Zimbabwe?
For years Zimbabwe has been one of the most controversial countries in Africa, but one safari company has said that now is the time for Western tourists to rediscover the natural wonders of this beautiful country.
The Zambezi Safari and Travel Company, which operates tours all across Africa, predicted this week that Zimbabwe is due a resurgence in tourism after its recent political turmoil.
President Robert Mugabe has regularly been in the news during his 31-year rule for alleged corruption and human rights abuses, but with the country’s economy making tentative steps towards recovery and a coalition government providing a glimpse of political change, Zambezi Safari insists that foreign tourism revenue will now do more good than harm.
African delights
The natural appeal of Zimbabwe’s countryside is clear for all to see. The dramatic Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Wonders of the World and renowned as Africa’s adventure travel hotspot for canoeists and white water rafters alike.
Those looking to avoid the safari crowds of Kenya and Botswana will enjoy the hidden gems of the Eastern Highlands and Hwange National Park, home to some of the last great elephant, buffalo and sable herds in Southern Africa.
Furthermore, rare species like gemsbok and red hartebeest can sometimes be seen in this protected park, which plays an important role in wildlife conservation efforts in this region.
As well as the wildlife, this varied country also offers fascinating historical sites, such as the Great Zimbabwe ruins, which were built in the 11th Century from large blocks of hand-cut stone on the ancient slave route between East and Southern Africa.
Forbidden safari?
With Zimbabwe’s colonial past in mind, many Brits have been anxious about visiting the state, which was formerly known as Southern Rhodesia under British rule until a guerrilla uprising in 1979.
Despite this, many safari companies continue to operate routes into the country, including Sun Safaris, Aardvark Safaris and Wildlife Africa, but few have been willing to speak up on Zimbabwe’s behalf.
John Berry, Managing Director of the Zambezi Safari and Travel Company, broke with protocol this week to claim: “Real change is coming. We're keeping an eye on what happens with the forthcoming elections, but the time is ripe to rediscover Zimbabwe.”
He added that British tourists visiting the area will be directly contributing to wildlife preservation, by keeping local conservationists and safari operators in employment.
“We urge anyone who's passionate about Africa to take another look at Zimbabwe,” he continued.
Furthermore, Zambezi Safari does not visit any area of Zimbabwe where poaching takes place, on principle, and their website promises that none of the 10 per cent government fees paid by travellers will end up lining the pockets of Mugabe’s treasury officials.
Not the only ones
In addition to Zambezi Safari, major worldwide operator W&O Travel re-opened its tours into Zimbabwe last September, and the reactions have been highly encouraging.
Carina Hibbitt, senior consultant at W&O Travel’s Rainbow Tours, who travelled extensively in Zimbabwe before the troubles, has recently returned.
“I was spellbound all over again by the sheer beauty, drama and diversity of Zimbabwe,” she said, “Game is filling the national parks again, the Falls were magnificent and the warm welcome from the local community was tremendous.”
Furthermore, Zimbabwe is a country which desperately needs foreign money to help improve the standard of living for its beleaguered people, with the local life expectancy estimated at just 47 years.
Opinions changing
Already there are small signs that Britain’s attitude towards Zimbabwe is altering. Although Zambezi Safari claims that 95 per cent of people they have canvassed over the past 10 years have been set against visiting the country, travel industry experts have indicated that the mood is slowly improving.
Daily Telegraph Travel Group Editor, Graham Boynton last year wrote of his experiences in Zimbabwe, saying that: “If you want to visit a wonderful African country struggling to survive after years of abuse, then go. You will see largely unspoilt wilderness and meet wonderful people.”
However, he stopped short of giving a full endorsement, warning tourists to be very careful and make sure that their money is going to the people on the ground who really need it, instead of corrupt government cronies.
With the Zimbabwean government expected to call a general election at some point this year, all eyes will be on this former safari hotspot to see if 2011 is indeed the time is right to return.
