Welcome to the maiden edition of Destination ZW, a monthly publication dedicated to covering principally the travel and tourism industry of Zimbabwe, with a mix of regional and international issues. We will take you to the best places and give you an appreciation of the wonders Zimbabwe hosts and more.
We seek to be an authoritative platform and promise to connect you with insightful articles. Exploring with images and words will be our contribution to packaging the Zimbabwean Tourism Sector and hopefully to your liking.
This edition is packed with insights that will make you feel the pulse of our Zimbabwean and by extension, African travel and tourism industry. Our lead piece is on Rainbow Tourism Group, one of the leading players in the Zimbabwean and African hospitality space; get to know how they are perfecting the art of bringing distinctive lodging experiences to discerning travellers.
The focus on accommodation facilities continues with a look at African Sun Limited, another big name in southern African hospitality. Get to understand why this hotel brand’s products and services are sought-after.
A piece on Winnie Muchanyuka, the Substantive Chief Executive Officer of ZTA, gets you to know about her BIG IDEA on taking Zimbabwean attractions to the next level; great news for our beautiful country targeting US$5 billion in revenue by 2025.
Next is a look at the Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality. Get to know what the custodian of our travel and tourism industry is up to, headed by the youthful Mangaliso Ndlovu, as Minister.
For those out to take home some stunning works of art made by our talented craftspeople and even some well-known artists, we have the world-famous Elephant’s Walk Shopping & Artist Village in Victoria Falls.
On the aviation side, we let your thoughts fly with Air Zimbabwe, one of the safest national carriers around, and get to know first-hand about their world of hospitality, comfort and safety in the skies.
With conservation being a major topic in Zimbabwe, we look at Project Rewild Zambezi, an expose of how best to protect our environment. We also report on the progress made at the Victoria Falls Estate, a new luxury housing development bringing to the fore real estate trends and contributing to the beauty and fame of our globally renowned resort.
While the above takes most of our space, there are one or two more for your reading surprise and pleasure. We trust that we have brought you some great insights, and hope you’ll enjoy this promising travel and tourism mouthpiece for the long haul. Safe
holidays and travels to all!
It is a fact that if a hotel offers a distinctive accomodation experience, the memories and experience remain with the customers for a very long time. No matter how opulent, a room should most importantly offer comfort, a home away from home, and a sensory experience that promotes well-being.
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) is a leading player in the Tourism and Hospitality industry in Zimbabwe offering three distinct quality hotel brands, its flagship the iconic 5-star Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre, the majestic 4-star A ‘Zambezi River Lodge and the 3-star Rainbow Hotels (Bulawayo Rainbow Hotel, Kadoma Hotel & Conference Centre and New Ambassador Hotel). The Group also offers tour operation services through Heritage Expeditions Africa. RTG has positioned itself to become Africa’s premiere e-commerce gateway to a world of exciting products and experiences. The Group launched the Gateway Stream platform in 2018, which offers a unique online shopping experience with nine applications in one. The business has spread its wings into regional markets through management contracts and strategic alliances. The Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre and the Harare International Conference Centre are the jewels in their crown and among the busiest hotels and conference venues in the region.
For the rooms, a colour palette of earth colours was selected which includes grey and beige tones with natural timber finishes and hues of blue which together create a warm, nature-friendly atmosphere that has a calming and soothing effect to ensure that guests can unwind and enjoy a peaceful and restful time in the privacy of their rooms. The contemporary theme and colours extend to the wall paper which introduces both texture and contrast, while the introduction of large Afrocentric artwork, that celebrates our Zimbabwean heritage and people, adds drama and intrigue.
A room designed for class, comfort and style
Just relax and unwind
The modern look and feel is enhanced by luxurious ultramodern furniture pieces in various textures that match the colour palette. All rooms have a comfortable easy chair for guests to relax while enjoying a cup of coffee or their favourite night cap at the end of a busy day. The new work stations feature a comfortable work chair and desk that are ergonomically designed and aesthetically pleasing. The bathrooms were completely re-designed and modernised in line with international hospitality trends. All the standard rooms are now fitted with a generous modern shower rather than a bathtub for a luxurious, spa-like bathroom experience.
The interior design concept was done by a South African Architectural design company. The design was tailor-made for the business short-stay traveller –comfortable and elegant, in neutral tones with punches of colour, simple and uncluttered.
Unit 3, 18 Whites Way, Msasa Harare, Zimbabwe
Administration: +263 (4) 746903, Factory: +263 (4) 447587-8 Cell: +263 773 108 514 | +263 772 919 169 Email: globalshopfitterszim@gmail.com www.globalshopfitters.co.zw
These modifications capture the essence of modern luxury living and functionality. At 38m2 for standard rooms, the Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre (RTHCC) guest rooms are already the largest in Harare. Luxury in the hospitality industry is about space, opulence and quality. The new rooms encapsulate all these elements!
Attached to the hotel is the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) offering world class conferencing venues, a massive auditorium as well as space for indoor and outdoor expos and displays. The main auditorium has 4,500 seats as well as state of the art lighting and sound equipment. It has hosted a number of major musical performances including the late superstar Oliver Mutukudzi, Jah Prayzah, Jamaican dancehall musician Mr Vegas, and international star Bryan Adams among others. The conference centre is also the preferred venue for expos like the Sanganai Tourism Expo and ICT and SME expos. Included in the HICC are five recently refurbished conference rooms and a boardroom with a variety of seating capacities from 10 to 150 delegates.
The HICC has successfully hosted many regional conferences with the International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (ICASA) conference held in 2015 being one of the largest in recent years. The exhibition space can accommodate up to 150 individual stands and there’s adjacent parking for 1200 vehicles. Guests can rest assured of high security as the hotel has CCTV cameras and 24-hour security details who patrol the grounds. Also within the main HICC space is the Regency Casino which is operated independently. It’s open from 10.00 am to 4.00 am.
The exhibition space can accommodate up to 150 individual stands and there’s adjacent parking for 1200 vehicles. Guests can re st assured of high security as the hotel has CCTV cameras and 24-hour security details who patrol the grounds.
Large conference and meetings area
The refurbishments included the installation of two brand new hi-tech guest and service elevators to complement the modern five-star environment. The magnitude of the refurbishment project resulted in the temporary closure of the hotel’s guest rooms and hotel side conference facilities for the three-months period.
The Company recently completed the refurbishment of 183 guest rooms of the five-star Rainbow Towers Hotel & Conference Centre in a record time of three months at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It represents an investment of US$4.6 million. This was the hotel’s first full rooms rebuild and refurbishment since its construction in 1985. The scope of works included
the complete stripping of all the rooms, , new furniture, new plumbing, electricals, new air-conditioning units and completely new bathrooms. Part of the works necessitated the remodelling of the guest room interior space such as the construction of bulk heads with down lights to enhance the overall room lighting, the general ambience and mood.
The prestigious hotel, a glittering, golden icon in the City, boasts 304 rooms including the Presidential Suite, three Diplomatic suites, 18 Executive suites, 48 Luxury Suites, 98 Twin Bed suites and 136 Double Bed Rooms. All the rooms have a spectacular view either over the city skyline or across the pool area.
The hotel also boasts four separate bar areas including Sahwira, outdoors by the pool, serving drinks and light snacks as well as a poolside braai service. Hungwe Bar is situated on the second mezzanine level and offers Karaoke every Thursday. Aviator’s Bar is a traditional English style pub with big screens for watching sports. The Gazebo Bar is open all day – situated in the main ground floor lobby and a great get-together place.
Refreshing service with a smile
The hotel also has three top quality restaurants available for hotel residents or for visitors. The restaurants are overseen by the Executive Chef Thomas Koke who has many years of experience at leading hotels and resorts across the world. La Patisserie is situated in the main lobby of the hotel and offers teas and coffees as well as a selection of both
sweet and savoury pastries and light meals. It’s an elegant venue that’s great for business meetings or getting together with friends and family. Harvest Garden has a great view of the pool area and offers an African themed menu – popular with both locals and international travellers and also a Western menu, so there is something for every palette. They
offer buffet style meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s also the preferred venue for conference delegates to enjoy meals during their programmes. Kombahari offers a fusion of African and Asian styled meals prepared right before your eyes. It’s a great experience to witness ‘live cooking’ as the chefs prepare your meal in front of you!
You can also order light meals, snacks and drinks at the pool area and there’s a dedicated kitchen for their 24-hour room service option. In addition, there’s a private lounge on the 15th floor which is for guests booked in the premium rooms on the top floors of the hotel where they can also order food to be served in the lounge if they don’t want to go to any of the other restaurants. Vegetarian, vegan and Halaal menus are available on request. RTG caters for all their residents’ wishes. Other facilities include the swimming pool, tennis courts and a fully fitted out gym and sauna as well as a beauty salon.
The hotel has a business centre on the first mezzanine floor which is convenient for residents needing office facilities as well as nine conference rooms (on the hotel-side) spread across the first and second floor mezzanines ranging from large rooms which can take up to 500 guests to more intimate venues which can take up to 10 guests. La Chandelle is a favourite conference venue offering both a bar and a buffet service for delegates. As a city hotel rather than a resort venue the hotel relies more on conferencing as a major attraction.
Affrocentric Amai’s Menu
Launched in 2018, Gateway Stream is Zimbabwe’s first super-app with nine subapps across a diverse range of products and services. Owned by Rainbow Tourism Group, the platform is a home-grown innovation that Zimbabweans can be proud of, having been locally conceptualized.
A global diversified and unified online business ecosystem, Gateway Stream provides access to markets and connects customers with the highest quality of products and services. The platform is zerorated, thereby ensuring that users save on data costs when they transact and use the platform.
Our value creation capacity is anchored on having developed a super-app platform which appeals to multi-faceted markets. In the short term Gateway Stream’s focus
is its ability to deliver goods and services anywhere in Zimbabwe. In the long term, the real investment value that the Gateway Stream is creating is the ownership of markets. We will own markets that are global and diversified to form a Gateway Stream ecosystem. In the short to medium term the focus is on delivering services and goods in the local and Africa market. The benefits of owning markets are immense and key among them are;
• Ability to list multi-faceted service providers, e.g, insurance, health
• Ownership of data which is an invaluable asset in the global economy
• A captive and engaged audience which appeals to advertisers
Developed as an asset-light business model, Gateway Stream is an ownership of a marketplace that gives way to diverse perpetual, passive and active cashflow streams. The Gateway Stream business ecosystem consists of the customer, Gateway Stream online e-commerce infrastructure, applications, business portal and the consumer. This ecosystem generates passive and active income from the following five strategic sources;
i.Delivery of goods and services
ii.Rental of virtual space
iii.Commission and mark-ups
iv.Advertising
v.Data Analytics
1. Hospitality and Leisure; This covers; Hotels, Homes & Boats, and Holiday Packages. Here users can book accommodation at listed hotels, lodges, and other alternative accommodation like campsites, boats, or a homestay. The Holiday Packages sub-app gives the user the freedom and control to create a holiday package or select from an exciting list of leisure activities. This is a model outside of the traditional pre-made holiday packages that give users the ability and control to create their holiday packages from the many activities available. There are multiple listed packages available as well. Gateway Stream has 5,385 rooms in Zimbabwe and 55,916 rooms across Africa. Some of the listed partners include the City Lodge Group of South Africa.
2. Food and Drink sub-app; Users will find a variety of food options with over 90 restaurants. Customers can process their order on the platform and opt to either collect their meal or for Gateway Stream to deliver to their doorstep.
3. Online shopping sub-app; With over 5000 hardware and appliances listed, users have a one-stop-shop for all their building and DIY needs. This sub-app product range has been extended to now offer clothing, including school uniforms, through a strategic partnership with Enbee Stores.
4. Groceries shopping sub-app; There are over 3000 grocery items listed per region. These include food items; meats, vegetables, beverages, and liquor; household items – detergents, toiletries, etc.
5. Book-a-ride sub-app; This ride-hailing service enables a user to book a trip and instantly get a driver allocated for pick up. The extensive driver network makes processing a trip easy, with all confirmations done instantly.
6.Events & Venues sub-app; Users can book cinema tickets, virtual music concerts, and sporting events.
7. Insurance sub-app; Through strategic partnerships with leading insurance service providers that include CBZ Insurance, First Mutual Life, and CredSure, Gateway Stream now offers a variety of insurance products which include motor vehicle, property, medical and funeral cover. These products are available for both the local and diaspora markets.
8. Music sub-app; Gateway Stream Music is a multi-dimensional entertainment platform that offers audio, video, livestreaming services, and over 30,000 songs. Users can enjoy free content streaming (music, videos), buy music, and watch live virtual shows through the Pay-Per-View feature. Artists can upload their music, set pricing, interact with fans through the interactive social feature and host virtual shows.
9. Online auctions; This is one of the most popular offerings on the platform, where customers can bid for a room and get very competitive rates, book, then pay online.
Gateway Stream has regional offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Matabeleland North, Midlands, Masvingo, Manicaland, and Kadoma, to ensure seamless service. The geographical coverage of these regions is extended beyond these cities and towns to the more distant places such as Gokwe, Gwanda, and Chipinge through a nodal network. This ensures that deliveries across the country are done within our delivery promise timeline of 48 hours, in a coordinated manner. Most of our users are Zimbabweans living in the diaspora ordering for their loved ones. We have received orders from the UK, USA, Russia, Australia, Dubai, Kazakhstan, Kenya, South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana amongst many other countries.
Visit: www.gatewaystream.com
Gateway Stream has various payment options which offer both convenience and security to users as follows:
» Local mobile money platforms (Ecocash, Onemoney, Tele cash.)
» V-payments (Locally issued bank cards Zimswitch).
» MasterCard, Visa card, Amex, international cards.
» Regional mobile payments (Airtel Money, Vodafone mPesa MTN mobile money, M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa).
» Paypal.
» Direct Payments Online (DPO) for countries on the African continent.
1. The Gateway Stream provides multiple options and choices for any product /service
• Over 3000 grocery and 5000 hardware products per region
• Over 90 restaurants listed in Harare
• Over 50,000 rooms across Africa with Zimbabwe having 5,385 rooms.
2. Convenience and ease of use
• You save money, :fuel, time, and data costs; simply place your order online, our efficient team will shop on your behalf and deliver to your doorstep.
• The platform is user-friendly with a clear and well-defined user interface.
• Ease of registration/sign up (Phone number and email)
• User activity history is available
3. Instant booking and multiple payment options
• Mobile money
• Bank card
• Online payments
4. Widest national geographic reach.
5. Safety and reduced risk of exposure to COVID-19.
La Patisserie Coffee Shop
To complement the hotels business the Group has a tour operations arm - Heritage Expeditions Africa (HExA) which is located in the foyer of the main hotel. HExA offers cultural, natural and historical tours across Zimbabwe and the region including airport transfers. In Harare they offer Sunshine City tours which include visits to cultural centres like the Mbare Township tour as well as visits to Heroes’ Acre. Local wildlife and nature tours include Lake Chivero, Domboshawa,
Mukuvisi Woodlands, Haka Game Park, Mbizi Game Park and others. At Rainbow Towers Hotel and Conference Centre they also have their Adventure park for adrenaline junkies and thrill seekers that includes a zipline fly over the gardens, abseiling and rock wall climbing, the high beam and croc bridge walks, paintball, volley ball and quad-bikes. Not for the faint hearted but great adventures for kids, the young at heart and for teambuilding exercises.
Rainbow Tourism Group (RTG) is a responsible corporate citizen and is mindful of the impact of its business activities on the community and the environment in which it operates. It is in this context that the Company has a structured Corporate Social Investment strategy which defines the objectives, rationale and parameters of its social investment strategy.
The Group’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) approach is guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goals for Sustainable Development, are a collection of 17 global goals set out by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015. The SDGs are part of Resolution 70/1 of the United Nations General Assembly: “Transforming our World: the 2030 Agenda for
• SDG Goal 1: *End poverty in all its forms everywhere. This SDG speaks to the eradication of extreme poverty.
• SDG Goal 2: *End hunger, achieve food security and *improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.
• SDG Goal 15: *Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
The RTG brand philosophy is centred around “freshness” – fresh food, fresh pillow, fresh smile. As a hospitality brand, food is a key element of the product offering. Our guests and society in general are now more health conscious and particular about the food they consume with a preference for organic food. We are therefore able to ensure that
Sustainability is at the core of the Group’s CSI efforts, ensuring that the investment is able to empower communities so that they become self- reliant and develop the ability to generate an income. Members of the local communities are trained by CCBICA. The curricula include training in the production of vegetables and nutritional herbs such as thyme, basil, rosemary, lemon grass and stinging nettle. Trainees are taught the nutritional value of all the plants and how to produce them organically. The courses run for three to nine months after which trainees graduate on completion. Armed with the knowledge gained from the training the communities are able to develop self-sustaining nutritional gardens for consumption and commercial purposes resulting in sustainable development and transformation of lives as they can now generate revenue from the gardens. Over 1000 people have been trained in the past three years, including schools, children’s homes and people with compromised immunity.
This initiative is also in alignment with the Government’s efforts in the promotion of food and nutrition security for all people at all times in Zimbabwe, particularly among the most vulnerable as prescribed by the Food and Nutrition Security Policy launched in 2013.
The pilot project, Kadoma Hotel and Conference Centre nutritional garden (which is the largest such garden housed by any hotel in Zimbabwe) has become a conference garden for NGOs and organisations in the food, health and agriculture sectors. They are able to practice and demonstrate the skills learnt from their conferences and workshops. It has also become an attraction for other general conferencing guests who now use their tea and lunch breaks to discover how to improve their nutrition and that of their families.
The environment is an integral part of the tourism product offering. The hospitality business thrives and depends on the flora and fauna as a key selling proposition as this is what attracts tourists to destinations. Corporates must therefore conduct business in a responsible manner that has a minimum impact on the environment, with a focus on conserving and protecting. A focus on education and awareness has seen RTG sponsor and host the annual Environmental Reporter of the Year awards in partnership with Environment Africa. This has created an important vehicle to drive awareness on the importance of greening, the effects of human impact on the environment and educating the public on how they can play a part in protecting the planet.
Since the launch of the National Clean-up Campaign by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe and Commander in Chief Of The Defence Forces His Excellency Dr.E.D. Mnangagwa, all Rainbow Tourism Group hotels participate in the monthly clean-up campaign in their various regions. Cleanliness and hygiene are critical elements to a tourist and this initiative has a positive and long term impact on tourism.
To find out more about the RTG offerings visit their website at rtgafrica.com and follow the Group on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn
text by Michael Nott | photos by Fotohaus
African Sun Limited (ASL) was first established in 1952 as Rhodesia and Nyasaland Hotels (Private) Limited, which became Meikles Southern Sun Hotels in 1979 and was renamed Zimbabwe Sun in 1980 after Independence, which was later rebranded to ASL in 2008. With over 50 years of experience in the tourism and leisure industry, ASL is undoubtedly the leading hotel investment company in the local hospitality business. They offer a broad stable of hotels, resorts, casinos and timeshare operations, located in all the major cities and tourist attraction areas across Zimbabwe. The company is listed on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and is an important part of the Zimbabwe Industrial Index.
There are four main divisions of the company –
Resort Hotels based in the main tourist attractions including Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre, The Kingdom at Victoria Falls, Caribbea Bay Resort in Kariba, Hwange Safari Lodge and Great Zimbabwe Hotel in Masvingo.
City and Country Hotels including Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga, Holiday Inns in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare as well as Monomotapa Hotel, also in Harare.
Sun Leisure Tours provides a variety of luxury vehicles offering safe, convenient and reliable airport and inter-city transfers as well as professional guided tours and activities in Zimbabwe’s major towns and tourist attractions. The group also operates 2 casinos under Sun Leisure, Harare Sun Casino, a charity casino located at the Harare Show Grounds and Makasa Sun Casino within The Kingdom at Victoria Falls Hotel.
But perhaps the most glittering jewel in their crown is the Victoria Falls Hotel Partnership jointly operated with Meikles Hospitality. The grand old Victoria Falls Hotel is a 5 star establishment recognised as one of the leading hotels of the world.
For this edition we’ll focus on ASL’s Victoria Falls holdings but we’ll take a look at their other properties in future issues.
Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre boasts 276 rooms including a Presidential suite, 1 deluxe suite, 11 Executive suites, 261 Luxury rooms and 2 Paraplegic Access rooms. All rooms are tastefully decorated with hints of ethnic style creating a combination of African ambience with comfort and elegance. There are four in-house restaurants to choose from: Samukele - carvery which has traditional entertainment in the evenings, Kasibi Terrace which has a buffet or a la carte options, Mapopoma Lounge which is more informal, and the outdoor Pool Area. In addition, there’s 24-hour room service which includes full meals, light snacks and vegetarian options. There are also three fully stocked bars in the hotel.
Leather inspired comfort and serene
Passage leading to rooms pass through open green spaces and views of the modern geometric lifts.
Boardroom setup
Close up of bedding luxury
Apart from the great views of the river and the abundance of wildlife which can be viewed, the main attraction is the 18-hole golf course designed by the legendary Gary Player himself. The hotel offers a number of other activities and facilities including tennis and squash courts, a fully equipped gym, as well as a hair and beauty salon. They also have a Tours desks situated in the hotel offering a range of activities like sunset cruises, safaris and game drives.
Harmony with nature View from the top
Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre has successfully hosted global conferences such as Common Wealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and the Solar Summit in the 90s, the 20th Session of the UNWTO Assembly in 2013, Routes Africa and the 34th SADC Summit in 2014 and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa Forum on Sustainable Development Goals in 2020. The resort has 8 conference rooms, with seating capacities ranging from 14 to 500 delegates and up to 7000 delegates for an outdoor setup.
Reception area
Zimbabwe Ruins inspired wall design
The Kingdom at Victoria Falls Hotel has unique architectural and interior design drawing on Zimbabwe’s rich cultural and aesthetic heritage. There are 294 rooms built around a man-made lake with facilities including three swimming pools and a toddlers’ pool. 112 rooms have king-size beds, 102 rooms with queen-size beds, 34 family rooms with a king size and bunk beds as well as 40 rooms with twin beds and bunk beds. Wheelchair friendly paraplegic rooms are also available at the hotel. All the rooms have views either overlooking the lake or outward across the surrounding bush.
The main hotel restaurant, White Waters Restaurant, offers a beautiful dining environment with a comfortable seating capacity of 250. It has a large open concept with towering cielings surrounded by striking water features where guests can enjoy live traditional dance perfomances over dinner. They also have 24-hour room service for meals, snacks and drinks. Bars and entertainment areas include Quartermains Bar, a cocktail bar decorated in a traditional Victorian style offering comfortable sofas and seating options. There is also the Rapids Pool Bar and Restaurant which offers laid back lunches including sandwiches, burgers and pasta dishes. Meals can be enjoyed under the gazebo or while lounging by the pool chairs enjoying the view. Facilities include the in-house Makasa Sun Casino – the only Casino in the Falls – and 7 conference rooms whose capacities range from 15 to 450 pax. There’s also The Safari Health and Beauty Spa which offers nail, hair and massage treatments. Lastly there’s the Adventure Connection Activity Centre to book any last minute tours and activities.
The Victoria Falls Hotel is steeped in history. Built in 1904 as hostel accommodation for workers on the Cape to Cairo railway it’s one of the oldest hotels in Africa. Known as the ‘Grand Old Lady of the Falls’ it’s now synonymous with luxury, style and elegance as it is a member of the 5-star Leading Hotels of the World. Over the years, the hotel has accommodated royalty, statesmen, celebrities and the most discerning – and demanding – travellers.
It’s situated in a prime position overlooking the Falls Bridge and the gorge below, set in beautifully manicured, established gardens. The hotel exudes Edwardian charm and combines old world elegance and grandeur with modern facilities. Starting in May 2021 and completed in August this year, 49 rooms, The Stanley’s Bar and Stanley kitchen have been completely refurbished. The first phase has involved extensive work in the bedrooms and suites of two of the hotel’s wings, the south ‘hammerhead’ and the central block.
The hotel has a total of 149 rooms including the Presidential suite, the Royal Batoka suite, 3 Executive suites, 4 Deluxe suites, 11 Premium rooms, 44 Stable Signature Wing rooms, 30 Classic rooms, and 55 Standard rooms.
The Victoria Falls Hotel offers some of the finest cuisines in the country, with a number of restaurants to choose from with renowned chefs to prepare exquisite meals for you. The hotel is famous for its five-star table service aimed to pamper every guest. There’s also a great selection of wines to choose from.
The elegant and upmarket Livingstone Room is one of the finest restaurants in Zimbabwe. They have a classic a la carte option or 7 course tasting menu and a Diners Platinum award winning wine list. The Livingstone Room reflects the century old hotel’s style of grandeur and opulence. The dress code has been relaxed a little in recent years but men are still required to wear smart trousers, long sleeved shirts and closed shoes. Strictly no jeans, safari wear, shorts, sandals or sneakers allowed.
Jungle Junction is much less formal offering a buffet style breakfast and dinner. The menu changes daily and includes beef, venison, fish, chicken, salads and vegetables as well as a range of delicious desserts, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. Entertainment is provided by local dancers showcasing the various tribes found along the Zambezi River headlined by the Makishi dancers every night, adding an insight into local cultures. Stanley’s Terrace offers light meals throughout the day and has the most spectacular view of the bridge and the Falls. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel their afternoon high tea is a delight not to be missed with a selection of sweet and savoury treats elegantly presented. There’s also the cosy Stanley’s Bar for a sundowner cocktail or a gin and tonic. The pool area has a fully stocked bar and also serves a light barbeque menu. In the comfort of your room, a 24-hour in –room dining service is available.
The hotel has two conference venues with packages that include tea and coffee, lunches and standard conference equipment.
The Victoria Falls hotel is also a favourite venue for weddings with a private chapel and outdoor reception options.
ASL’s Victoria Falls hotels cater for everyone, from families on a modest budget to the most discerning travellers. They offer luscious delectable food and entertainment with plenty of exciting activities on offer for adventure seekers as well as options to just sit back and relax.
To find out more about ASL and their accommodation options in Victoria Falls and around the country, visit their website at www.africansunhotels.com. You won’t be disappointed. The world under the African Sun awaits, come Experience, Explore and Enjoy true hospitality.
In what Great Plains has termed “one of the largest wildlife translocations in wildlife history” a consignment of 3000 animals is to be relocated from Save Valley Conservation to three different conservancies. The initiative has generally received a thumbs up from wildlife experts and will see the animals going on a road journey of approximately 700 hundred kilometres to their new homes. With all the reservations attached to translocation and its questionable efficiency it is regarded much better than the alternative which would have to be culling.
Save Valley Conservancy sees average to below average rainfall and hotter temperatures in general. The reserve attracts a sizable number of tourists and visitors because of the diversified wildlife species it supports. Most of Southern Africa’s game species including the Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and rhino) can be found in their herds and prides so one can only imagine the pressure on resources. Despite Save Valley Conservancy being one of the largest reserves in the whole of Southern Africa, with a footprint of 750 000 acres, it can no longer support the growing populations of animals due mainly due to loss of habitats brought about by climate change, infrastructural development and the growing human population.
With the global decline of wildlife populations, overpopulation might sound like a positive sign for wildlife in the Save Valley Conservancy but it becomes a problem when there is a scarcity of water and food and a loss of habitat for the animals. Successive droughts and hotter temperatures in the Eastern Lowveld in which Save Valley Conservancy is located has not been easy on both the animals and humans, resulting in conflict as animals are starting to encroach into human settlements in search of food and water.
Couple that with climate change and what you get is an area which is close to unhabitable. Animals which have a low resistance to harsher weather patterns and conditions like elephants, buffalo and antelope have particularly been at risk. The translocation of some of the animals (elephants, lions, buffalo, eland, zebras, impala and painted dogs) from Save Valley Conservancy will relieve the pressure on resources for the animals and ultimately the human beings who are also part of the ecosystem while providing the translocated animals a sanctuary of some sort.
The animals are being relocated to Sapi Reserve, Mavhuradonha
Wilderness Area and Chizarira National Park. These locations have been identified as ideal for a number of important reasons.
Sapi Reserve is a private concession on 280,000 acres along the Zambezi Valley which is run by Great Plains Foundation, a non-governmental organisation concerned with the conservation and expansion of natural habitats. From the 1950s up until 2017 Sapi was primarily a hunting concession and decades of unrestricted hunting eventually resulted in low wildlife populations. For a reserve which has among its aims to recover and increase wildlife populations, protect and enhance biodiversity, a consignment from the Save Valley Conservancy would surely do them good. Besides,
the Sapi Reserve is far from being the drought stricken Save Valley Conservancy as it benefits from the Zambezi River water which translates to rich vegetation good for the animals in terms of fodder and habitat.
The translocation programme, which is going to take two years, has led to a barrage of opportunities for the locals who live around the conservancy through community involvement programmes, outreach and bursaries. There is also going to be consistent assessments on the impact of the translocations on resident populations.
Mavhuradonha Wilderness Area is also a good choice because of the numerous streams and rivers passing through the area.
The Mavhuradonha Wilderness Area, which covers 600 square metres of land is considered sacred. This means that the wild areas are seldom visited by even the local dwellers which equates to lower levels of poaching and longer life spans for the animals. The relocated animals would be safer and better off in this kind of environment.
The third location proposed, Chizarira National Park, is also ideal for a translocation destination. Chizarira National Park is the fourth largest park in Zimbabwe with relatively pristine fauna and flora as a result of its proximity to the Zambezi Valley and the Upper Waters of Lake Kariba. Its remoteness provides a deterrent for poachers ultimately reducing the levels of poaching and safeguarding the animals.
This initiative, fronted by Great Plain Foundation with support from the Government and ZIMPARKS, is the only chance of ensuring both the survival of the animals and the easing of pressure on the resources. There is also the possibility of the Save Valley Conservancy having its biodiversity restored in the long run.
According to The International Union for Conservation of Nature there are three different types of translocations namely reintroductions, reinforcement or supplementation, and introductions.
In the case of reintroductions, there is an intentional movement and release of plants or animals within their indigenous range from which they have disappeared. This is the case with what has been labeled a “grand experiment” which will see cheetahs being reintroduced in India’s Kuno National Park about 75 years after the last cheetah in the nation was gunned down. The translocation of the cheetahs from Namibia has been met with much criticism as most people are not finding the logic behind reintroducing a species in an environment in which it was poached into extinction.
Some question whether India still has the same ideal natural habitats that enabled cheetahs to thrive long back.
The Peace Parks Foundation, another conservation group with headquarters in South Africa, has been doing an incredible job with their ReWild Africa initiative which has seen them facilitating the translocation of 25,000 animals across southern Africa national parks since they started the initiative in 2001. Recently, they successfully translocated critically endangered black rhino to Zinave National Park in Mozambique from Manketti Game Reserve in South Africa.
1.There are countries with a developed tourism industry, those with a developing industry and those that would want to develop one. Relative to this, which category could we place Zimbabwe under in your opinion?
Destination Zimbabwe is a top tier destination in terms the variety of attractions and facilities on offer. We are however a developing destination that needs a considerable amount of investment in terms of infrastructural capacity. In this regard we have embarked on a rigorous product Development Strategy and have put investment promotion at the pinnacle of our objectives.
Many players in the tourism sector took a serious knock as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some businesses actually went under and some are on the brink of bankruptcy and its particularly the latter who would want some form of support to continue contributing as they used to pre-Covid. What support initiatives have you introduced to help them back on their feet? Tax rebates? Incentives?
At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, central government through the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development extended a ZWL $500 million loan guarantee scheme that was designed to assist the sector on its recovery path. Later on a variety of tax breaks and rebates were introduced in an effort to cushion the sector. The Value Added Tax was relaxed for players in the sector for a lengthy period while duty was exempted on all capital goods.
When natural disasters like Covid-19 strike it is almost always the tourism industry which suffers the most. What have you learnt from the situation and what are you doing or have done to proof the industry in the event of such a disaster occurring again? A fund etc.?
Government developed comprehensive Health and Safety protocols to guide the operations of the Tourism Sector, in order to protect travelers and employees in the sector and to inspire confidence in external markets. These were coupled with a solid response plan through the department of Civil Protection Unit. Government will always be committed to intervening whenever there is a disaster and funding will be availed to the sector should the need arise in future.
Zimbabwe is the first African country to have a National Tourism Satellite Account which is a cutting-edge feat in itself. How do you see this innovation moving the tourism industry forward after the huge slump?
The Zimbabwe Tourism Satellite Account is a key instrument meant to improve the measurement of the performance of the Tourism sector. As you may know and appreciate, the Tourism Satellite Account is an internationally recognized tool that is able to holistically account for the performance of the tourism sector in a given economy. It is one of the anchor projects outlined in the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which the Ministry has to deliver on, as part of our results chain framework. It is therefore imperative for stakeholders to embrace modern technologies in data collection to ensure the timeous availability of information to update the Tourism Satellite Account. Further, the TSA Report has availed critical information on the value of the Tourism economy which should energize us to work hard
in our pursuit of the sectorial target to reach a US$5 billion economy by 2025. The results presented indicate that as at 2018, the Tourism economy was estimated at US$1 964 592 880, hence our work is cut out as we need to achieve a two-fold growth target to achieve a US5Billion Tourism economy by 2025.
5.Industry observers have noted that African destinations have to for a time prioritized domestic tourism and that is what is going to pave way for international tourism. What programmes/campaigns/initiatives have you introduced to promote domestic tourism?
As destination Zimbabwe we had always focused on the international tourist this calamity gave us an opportunity to effectively focus on domestic tourism promotion. The Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc an brought the sector to its knees and we needed to find innovative ways to help tourism recover and we realized that the only way we could have sustained the sector was through amplifying domestic tourism. We immediately crafted a National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy which was to be anchored by a carefully rolled out and managed domestic tourism campaign. This brought about the ZimBho domestic tourism drive. This campaign helped to boost revenue streams of domestic businesses as a complement to government subsidies. In the past, before the COVID-19 pandemic, destinations that were deemed successful the world over were supported heavily by their domestic market constituting more than 60% of business. Whilst all destinations compete for International Tourism as it brings in new money into the economy (Forex), domestic tourism assists in inducing expenditure and circulating wealth in the economy. Furthermore, domestic tourists become destination ambassadors, assisting in promoting the destination and also encouraging international tourists who are usually keen to visit areas visited by locals. Domestic tourism further expands the chain and helps in building national pride at the same time promoting national understanding among locals.
We have launched a very robust National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy which outlines a clear and concise pathway that will guide us as we seek to create a . The strategy is anchored on our national vision which is to be a premier international tourist destination based on the judicious and sustainable exploitation of our unique human and natural resources.
It further seeks to re-establish lost contacts with the local, regional and international tourism source markets.
The Visit Zimbabwe Promotion Campaign will see a warm invitation being extended to the world to visit Zimbabwe. Further to this, we have
introduced a drive to promote MICE tourism as this is one sure way of reintroducing the much needed regional and international tourist receipts.
It is good that your ministry also covers issues to do with the environment and green initiatives. At what stage are we in/at as a country in relation to sustainable tourism? What is being done to raise awareness?
Our tourism sector has already adopted sustainable tourism approaches. The initiative comes amid the realization that the sector could benefit and contribute more to the economy through sustainable practices. The environmentally oriented market segments are growing at a very high rate, for example, interest in ecotourism experiences is growing by 25% to 30% per year and cultural tourism at 10% to 15% per year.
(UNWTO)
Other African countries like Rwanda and South Africa are on a major tourism drive to put their nations up there with the major global players in the tourism sector. How are you planning to position Zimbabwe as a tourist destination of choice for international travelers as a ministry?
As a ministry, we have embarked on the Sustainable Tourism Programs. The program is currently premised on reducing negative impacts on the environment, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, and enhancing cultural heritage. This has been achieved through major programs being implemented at the national level which include;
To ensure that sustainable practices are going to be undertaken by the operators, the Zimbabwe Tourism authority is in the process of developing sustainable tourism guidelines. These include minimum guidelines that are to be incorporated into the registration and inspection standards which are legally binding. To raise awareness on this the sector has held several workshops with operators on the benefits of going green as a sector
Our own tourism businesses have been certified by other renounced certifications such as Green Tourism Business Africa which partnered with the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Through this programme thirteen businesses in Victoria Falls and Hwange were certified with Gold, Silver and Bronze. Certification was based on a broad range of practices ranging from management, staff welfare, ethical procurement, social responsibility, waste management and resource efficiency.
Green Exhibitor Awards were launched in 2017 during our own local travel fair, Sanganai/Hhlanganani. The awards were being introduced to recognize, incentivize, appreciate and celebrate those operators embracing the green tourism concepts in their businesses. Assessments are stand based.
For sustainable tourism to be successful it really needs participation from all levels including the younger generations.
As part of education and awareness on Sustainable Tourism issues among the schools, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority rolled out High School Quiz Show. It is through this show that the younger generation has been informed about the benefits of sustainable tourism. The programme helps to instill a culture of being responsible travelers amongst the High school students.
These businesses have shown commitment to best sustainable practices which include among others;
• use of alternative power such as gas and solar power for cooking /heating
• good waste management practices
• sourcing of fresh produces from local communities
• Vermicultural practice for all organic composting
• Partnerships in conservation programs.
• Avoiding use of hazardous chemicals and sprays on the grounds
• Guest awareness for water savings
Through the above practices business have realized cost deductions in their operations. Certifications is still underway in other regional destinations and is on voluntary basis.
One key element in any country towards ensuring sustainable tourism is maximizing social and economic benefits for the local people. Communities in Zimbabwe have realized both social and economic benefits towards their participation in tourism activities in their area.
Activities include provision
of goods and services to mainstream tourism operators. Communities also contributes to the protection, preservation and enhancement of local properties, sites and traditions of historical, archaeological, cultural and spiritual significance. The government is working with communities in different provinces to ensure maximum participation in all tourism activities
The CAMPFIRE Initiatives were introduced by Government in the late 1980s and were fully implemented in the 1990s. The main objective of this initiative was for the Communities and private land owners living
adjacent to the main wildlife
Conservancies would benefit directly from the wildlife. This was mainly due to the issuing of the Appropriate Authority Status to the land owners both Private and Public to enjoy user rights of wildlife within their property such as the RDCs (Rural District Councils) are holders of the Appropriate Authority on behalf of the Communities in their jurisdiction.
8.What has been done to support the CAMPFIRE initiatives which were very successful at some point?
The CAMPFIRE initiative became a success and popular in the 1st decade of its implementation due to a number of reasons such as Increased Tourism and Donor support, however the donor support dwindled after the year 2000 and the initiative suffered like any other sector in Zimbabwe.
The Government of Zimbabwe has however been trying to put measures to ensure the CAMPFIRE initiative is sustained as possible through the following measures:
• The CAMPFIRE Framework Review to widen its scope and remove concentration risks.
• Engagement of new partners such as the Look East Policyand aggressive marketing campaigns through Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and ZimParks internationally.
• Policy and legislative reviews- currently underway such as Wildlife Policy, Parks and Wildlife Act Review, etc.
You recently made key appointments to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Board. What other associations or agencies are you working with to achieve the 5-billion-dollar tourism economy by 2025?
Yes, we decided to reconstitute the ZTA Board to enable our key marketing agency to fully undertake its mandate. We needed to rejuvenate the human capital and infuse new minds that would take the agency in a different yet innovative direction. As Government we prioritize public-private partnership and we believe that for to fully achieve our set objectives and goals we must work closely with private players as represented by their various associations such as the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe. In crafting the National Tourism Recovery and Growth Strategy for example, we worked hand in glove with the private sector and the vision is shared.
As an enabler driven sector, how are you working with other Ministries to achieve your results?
9.Availability
I am pleased to advise that despite COVID-19 a number of operators managed to upgrade and refurbish their facilities whilst others it is still work in progress. Those involved include key hotel chains in the main the Rainbow Tourism Group, Africa Sun and Cresta Hospitality. These have facilities dotted in our key destinations such as Victoria Falls, Bulawayo, Harare, Nyanga and Mutare. Meanwhile notable greenfield investments were also registered with the accommodation and restaurants accounting for the greater percentage of new tourism investments. Overall, a total US$324 million worthy of tourism investments were realised over from January 2020 to date. Meanwhile we are optimistic of more investments to be realise in the tourism nodes including Victoria Falls-Masuwe, Gwayi-Shangani, Binga, Kariba, Kanyemba and Tugwi-Mukosi. Interestingly international tourism brands are responding favorably to have their presence in destination Zimbabwe.
The Ministry recognises the importance of enablers in driving tourism. To this extend we have been working with and continue to work with key Ministries, Department and Agencies on various programmes. For example, we are rolling out the Service Excellence Training Programme targeted at frontline staff from tourism industry and enabling institutions including The Department of Immigration Control, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, Zimbabwe Republic Police, the National Handling Services and the Airports Company of Zimbabwe. The training is aimed at ensuring that frontline staff post COVID-19 would continue discharging their responsibilities and provide services to visitors in a friendly and hospitable manner.
Zimbabwe has plenty of tourism destinations but to foreigners it is almost always Victoria Falls which takes centre stage which is understandable since it is a World Heritage Site. However, we also have plenty of other attractions which are bound to intrigue tourists. How can we spotlight these other tourism destinations around Zimbabwe?
The Victoria Falls will always be the gateway into Zimbabwe for foreign tourists but we have a comprehensive marketing and promotional drive to showcase the rest of the destination to both local and international tourists. We have also put a considerable amount of investment in our Digital Marketing and we intend to showcase the destination to the broader generality of the population. We have been participating at international tourism platforms such as exhibitions and expos to further market Zimbabwe in its totality from a Tourism perspective. Our limitation in fully exploring these opportunities in the domestic tourism is the limitation of air connectivity.
of proper infrastructure is one of the factors that a tourist looks at when planning to visit any destination. Could you let us in on some of the projects that you currently have underway? Expansion, refurbishments etc.
13.Still on Victoria Falls, UNESCO is still assessing whether the Victoria Falls could still be a World Heritage Site considering the construction activities taking place along the Zambezi which could result in environmental degradation. What measures have you taken to ensure minimal impact to the environment during these construction activities?
As you know, Victoria Falls is a shared treasure between Zambia and Zimbabwe and as such its management is shared through a Victoria Falls/ Mosi oa Tunya Joint Management Plan. This plan was developed by the two state parties and was approved by UNESCO itself. This is a document that guides all development around the heritage site. It has different zones where different developments are accepted of prohibited. The parties regularly meet to review any proposal that come to
ensure they are in-line with the approved management plan.
Periodically or upon request by the state parties, UNESCO undertakes Reactive Monitoring Mission and we had one such mission in February 2022. “The objective of the mission was to “assess the potential threat posed to the property’s OUV by the growing tourism development pressure in and around the property, the potential impacts of [the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES)], to review the regulations to control this pressure and to make recommendations to the Committee on the proposed boundary modification”.
After this visit, the mission recommended several issues to be considered by state parties so as to contain any development pressures.
Suppose someone is contemplating visiting Zimbabwe and only needs a nudge in the right direction to finally make that decision, what reasons would you give them on why visiting Zimbabwe would be a memorable experience?
There are many reasons why one should visit Zimbabwe but let me focus on the ten reasons one should visit Zimbabwe which are:
• Peace and Tranquility
• Safety and Security
• Wonderful People and Culture
• Rich History and Heritage
• The Majestic Victoria Falls
• Great Zimbabwe - The Grand Medieval Palace
• Pristine Wildlife and Nature
• The Mystique of the Eastern Highlands
• The Mythical Kariba and Mighty Zambezi
• Beautiful Weather
Engineered to the highest standards, our Fireplaces and Braais display meticulous craftsmanship, making them the ideal luxury statement for the discerning customer.
Many local Zimbabweans, particularly in less developed areas, have thought of tourists and holiday makers as wealthy and privileged foreigners who breeze in for a few days and leave without benefitting the local communities or the environment in any way. Tourists stayed in luxury accommodation and had very little experience or contact with local culture, heritage or lifestyle. Hunting safaris in particular decimated wild animal populations and tourism often degraded the existing ecosystems. In recent years this type of tourism has changed –sustainable tourism and ecotourism are now benefitting communities and the environment. Game viewing, guided bush walks and photographic safaris have replaced hunting safaris. Many travellers are now more interested in
finding out about local environments and lifestyles – education and experience are becoming more important for both local and international travellers.
The terms sustainable tourism and eco-tourism are often used interchangeably and although similar there are some subtle distinctions. Sustainable tourism focuses on having a minimal impact on the environment – less pollution, wise use of resources and respect for local flora and fauna. It’s also intended to benefit local communities and improve or uplift the destination. Ecotourism focuses more on educating and informing tourists about the natural environment and sometimes travellers volunteer to take part in assisting with conservation projects or helping the local community. While ecotourism is usually sustainable not all sustainable tourism has the same educational focus.
There are a number of sustainable and ecotourism options spread across Zimbabwe many located in or near the major tourism attractions. Zimbabwe’s National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority provide excellent opportunities for exploring unspoilt wilderness areas and the proceeds from their tourism branch helps to protect and manage local resources like wildlife and indigenous forests. Accommodation includes lodges, chalets and camping sites all of which are well serviced and comfortable although not 5-star luxury which some international tourists would demand.
Some of the most popular National Parks are situated at Victoria Falls, Hwange,
Mana Pools, Matuzadona, the Zambezi National Park and Chizarira (the most remote and pristine) all in the north of the country. In the Eastern part you’ll find Nyanga National Park and Chimanimani National Park, while in the south east Gonerazhou forms part of the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park incorporating Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa. Many of the parks offer educational guided tours and part of their income also helps to uplift local communities and develop infrastructure.
Contact National Parks at www.zimparks.org.zw
Safari Tours offers tailor made holiday expeditions in Zimbabwe and other African countries. According to their website they adhere to the three pillars of sustainable tourism: environmentally-friendly practices, support for the protection of natural and cultural heritage and contributing to the social and economic well-being of local communities.
Contact Safari Tours at www.safaritours.com
Africa Albida Tourism is focused in Victoria Falls with properties including Victoria Falls Safari Lodge , Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites and Lokuthula Lodges. Apart from providing top class accommodation and service they are also committed to providing training and employment for local communities, enhance living standards and protect or enhance natural resources. They strongly believe in sharing and assisting with all the communities that make their ventures so successful.
Contact Africa Albida at www.africaalbidatourism.com
Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge is situated in the south east corner of Zimbabwe on the edge of the Gonerazhou National Park. It offers 5-star luxury accommodation and luxury in the remote wilderness area. Chilo Gorge was the first CAMPFIRE (Communal Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources) project and has since been replicated across Zimbabwe and other countries. CAMPFIRE is a registered Private Voluntary Organisation whose mandate is to support Community Based Natural Resources Management. Under CAMPFIRE’s management wild life and natural resources are seen as a valuable and income generating asset for rural communities with particular emphasis on sustainable tourism. CAMPFIRE also 55% of the income generated from CAMPFIRE projects is returned to the community for sustainability and development. Previously local communities were seldom involved or benefitted from tourism enterprises whereas now wildlife is viewed as an income generating asset to be protected and nurtured. They also assist with human and wild life conflict, anti-poaching projects and fire management.
Contact Chilo Gorge at www.chilogorge.com
Wilderness Safaris offer the best of both worlds – high end tented camps with luxury accommodation for travellers as well as a commitment to preserving the environment, protecting red listed endangered species, and conserving and restoring Africa’s wilderness and wildlife, operating in seven countries with over 40 camps. Proceeds from their operations are channelled into conservation and community upliftment. According to their website Wilderness Safaris are focused on the four ‘Cs’ that embody the best of sustainable ecotourism – Commerce, Conservation. Community and Culture. In Zimbabwe their camps are focused on tourism options in Hwange and Mana Pools and include Davison’s Camp, Linkwasha (the most luxurious camp in the Hwange area), Little Makololo (also in Hwange), Ruckomechi, Little Ruckomechi and Chikwenya in Mana Pools. They have won a number of prestigious awards from travel and tourism experts including Conde Naste, Travel and Leisure, Afar and Fodor’s Finest Hotels. The also support the Children in the Wilderness project which aims to educate, mentor and develop young talent through training programmes and eco- camps informing children about the benefits and opportunities included in environmental protection campaigns.
Contact Wilderness Safaris at www.wilderness-safaris.com
Wild Horizons are one the major players in the Victoria Falls travel and tourism sector including accommodation, activities and adventures. Their accommodation options include Imbalala luxury safari camp, The Elephant Camp, Old Drift Lodge, The Wallow Lodge and Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel. They run The Boma – the place of eating (the renowned restaurant which offers a cultural experience) and the iconic Lookout Café.
They provide a number of activities including game drives and walking tours, sunset cruises and the more adventurous activities for adrenaline junkies like white water rafting, helicopter flights and ziplines. Wild Horizons are deeply invested in ecofriendly and cultural projects, supporting local communities and preserving the diverse eco-system.
One of their most interesting, and fun, programmes is the Home Hosted Meals project where tourists are invited to enjoy a meal with a local host and experience the true Zimbabwean lifestyle. They also offer a Meet the People tour where travellers can see and experience rural life first-hand and help out with some of the day to day chores and meet the local village chief. They operate the Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage and have tours where travellers can encounter elephants up close. They established the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust which works closely with local communities to establish anti-poaching programmes, support National Parks’ game scouts, and educate communities about the value of wild life. Other projects include their Community Outreach and Training programme to support sustainable conservation and educate children in environmental matters and organic farming, a wildlife veterinary clinic and rehabilitation centre and the wildlife research project. They also support the local Old Age Home, assist with School Fee payments, tree planting initiatives and the Chinotimba Vegetable Garden project.
Contact Wild Horizons at www.wildhorizons.co.za
Imire Rhino and Wildlife Conservancy is just an hour and a half from Harare and offers a once in lifetime holiday experience. You can take a day trip or stay for longer in the lodge which offers exceptional comfort and great food. The most exciting part of this exciting holiday experience is their volunteer programme whereby travellers can work with and assist the Imire staff and conservation experts and gain hands on experience and understanding. Volunteer programmes can extend from a minimum of one to a maximum of 12 weeks and can include individuals, couples and families. Imire also supports the local community in the Wedza with assistance for primary and secondary school fees as well as medical assistance and financial opportunities and employment.
Contact Imire at www.imire.co.zw
Most people know you as a tourism guru. Away from all of that, who is Winnie Muchanyuka? I am a first I am a first born and deputy parent to my siblings. I am a mother of 2 gorgeous rugby players, I am very much a part of my church, the Seventh Day Adventist Church and I participate actively in Women’s Ministries and various committees that advance the administration of the church.
What made you decide on a career in tourism and hospitality management? In the beginning it was a little by accident, the first job I could find was at Air Zimbabwe. But my desire to meet and serve different people and cultures and my inherent love for travelling confirmed that tourism was my happy space and aviation gave me the spring board I need to venture into tourism.
You were recently appointed as the substantive CEO of Zimbabwe Tourism Authority which is perhaps the biggest post in the industry. Did you see it coming? Where were you when you got the call from ZTA? I can’t really say I saw this one coming but that I had always aspired to climb the ladder in my chosen sector. When the position was advertised a mentor really pushed that I apply and see how far I would progress. I was sitting on a flight about to depart and was asked to meet the chairperson and vice chairperson of the board.
How did you feel when you were asked to take on this big role? Initially it was overwhelming as I was quite aware of the credentials of the other candidates that had been part of the interview process. But as it sank in I felt very honored and blessed at the opportunity to serve
What do you think is the biggest reason for your success? I don’t think that I can pin point anything in particular but I can say that I gave of my best in the interviews and I was honest in my engagements, I didn’t try to be anything that I am not or profile myself better than I actually am.
You have been in the tourism space for around twenty years. What excites you the most about this industry? Meeting people from all over the world and being able to serve them and meet their need for tourism be it business or pleasure. Its also fulfilling to now be able to influence the tourism product that is destination Zimbabwe and to play a part in making sure its one of the most sought after places in the world to visit and invest.
How do you stay motivated? My faith in God and the promises He has made to me, I think that my greatest motivation. I am also cognizant of the fact that I represent my family and community and that there are a number that looks up to me so I can’t give up or be slackened as I would dash their hopes.
The tourism industry was hit the hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic and is yet to recover the revenue lost. What does this mean for you and the work you have to do considering you have been given a target of setting up a 5-billion-dollar tourism economy by 2025? Tourism was amongst the severely affected industries in the world and Zimbabwe was certainly no exception. Recovery to pre-Covid levels will take time but it has created an opportunity for us to capacitate and reinvent our businesses. This includes refurbishments, service upgrades and retraining of staff and getting the overall product to live up to the standards expected and more. Investment in upgrades or new tourism infrastructure is also critical as we recover and grow the industry. Lessons learnt from Covid have also directed us to pay more attention to domestic tourism and ensuring that our citizens take their holidays at home. This will in turn buoy our industry on domestic consumption such that the industry will weather any storm that is on a global scale. A combination of these will propel us closer to our 5billion tourism economy.
Photography: https://zimbabwetourism.net/What are some of the goals you have set for yourself to make your tenure a success? Critical is that we realign and build a ZTA that’s fit for purpose and is able to serve both industry, consumers and its stakeholders. Registration and standards of tourism facilities is also critical in building a destination that is globally competitive. And of course I would be happy to see some new tourism infrastructure development especially in the form of a convention center.
What are some of the most important lessons you learnt from your previous roles that you have brought with you to ZTA? That nothing replaces hard work and resilience. Challenges should give us the drive to overcome. As executives our leadership and creative skills are tested when we face adversity and these are times in which we should stand and provide hope for our organizations.
What would you say are the greatest challenges facing the tourism industry at the moment? The biggest challenge is probably that of access to funding for upgrade of facilities and working capital coming out of the Covid era. Coupled with that international travel has been a bit slow to start as people recover from the pandemic and having had limited resources or no work during Covid.
What would you want to say to a young person out there who wants to follow in your footsteps? Chase your dreams and do not be afraid or be intimidated by what surrounds you. What’s the worst that can happens, you would be right where you are so there is nothing to lose.
Take a trip to Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village and enjoy hours of browsing around some of the best specialty shops Zimbabwe has to offer.
Meet and interact with local artists and craftsmen at work, creating uniquely Zimbabwean pieces; visit the jewelry studio to see our silver-smiths using the art of lost wax casting combined with antique African trade beads, or drop in on the taxidermist before wandering through our tropical gardens.
You can enjoy a delicious home grown Zimbabwean coffee and tasty eats at Brooks Cafe and if culture and history are your interest, then a visit to the Jafuta Heritage Center is a must. Here you will find a comprehensive collection of Zimbabwean artifacts, focusing on local peoples, historical records of the region and a curator who is also the local Nyanga and can ‘throw’ the bones for you if you wish! Entrance is free...
Take time out to do a beer tasting at our local craft brewery, or a wine tasting session at Victoria Falls Wine Experience.
Bag a bargain buy from the open-air curio market and if all that has been too exhausting, you can enjoy a relaxing spa treatment at the Elly Walk Spa.
Something for everyone, all set in cool, vibrant tropical gardens.
The National Airline - Air Zimbabwe’s catalogue of services includes domestic, regional and intercontinental commercial passenger, cargo and ad hoc charter operations, third-party maintenance services as well as technical and commercial training.
A member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) since 1981 and wholly owned by the Zimbabwe Government, Air Zimbabwe has maintained strong quality and safety standards through a wellmotivated, highly skilled and dedicated team of safety champions who have ensured the highest safety record since 1980.
Air Zimbabwe recently scooped two Gold Awards courtesy of Zimbabwe CEO’s Network as an Outstanding Airline in Zimbabwe in recognition for professional business proficiency as well as a Tourism Value Chain Partner for being a transdisciplinary tourism and hospitality ecosystem, while the Zimbabwe Institute of Strategic Thinkers (ZIST) awarded the National Air Carrier Award in recognition for its contribution towards trade, investment and tourism.
When global airline operations ground to a halt due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Air Zimbabwe took to the skies with its B767-200ER on cargo charters for Covid-19 medical equipment and vaccines from China to Harare and Windhoek. Over 2000 nationals from countries such as China, Philippines, Malaysia,
Cambodia, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam were moved on special repatriation flights to South Africa and Zimbabwe, a testimony to strength, resilience and capacity.
After the successful completion of the Reconstruction process on 30 June 2021, the airline is poised towards a trajectory of growth. To this end, a substantive Board of Directors, chaired by Dr Silvanus Gwarinda was appointed on the 1st of August 2022 by the Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Hon. Felix T Mhona tasked with the huge responsibility of positively steering the National Airline to operational capability and sustainability through the implementation of the Cabinetapproved Strategic Turnaround Plan (STP), which is the underlining backbone of the revival of Air Zimbabwe.
The National Airline is positioned to activate a hub and spoke network with Harare and Victoria Falls as the main and tourist hubs respectively. Current destinations include Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls on domestic as well as Johannesburg and Dar es Salaam on regional. Scheduled routes are expected to expand in the near future to include increased frequencies on current route network.
The current aircraft fleet in service includes the ERJ145, B737-200 and B767-200ER. The B777-200ERs are currently in preservation as efforts are still in place to identify a partner for dry leasing. In addition, the company also undertakes aircraft maintenance work for other airlines and offers commercial engineering services to non-aviation industries as well.
The Air Zimbabwe Technical and Commercial Training school offers courses in ticketing, cargo processes and procedures including dangerous goods handling, aircraft engineering and pilot ground/line training. The schools have trained personnel for both domestic and regional operators and have a recognised IATA Exam centre.
Air Zimbabwe supplies a reliable and efficient cargo service for general cargo as well as specialised cargo like perishables, live animals, valuables and medicines which require temperature controlled storage.
Flights can be conveniently booked and confirmed online via the Air Zimbabwe website, at any of their offices in Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls OR Tambo International Airport, Dar es Salaam, or through any approved Travel Agents.
To find out more visit their website: www.airzimbabwe.aero
Air Zimbabwe Contact Details
Air Zimbabwe Head Office
P.O.Box AP1
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263-24-2575 111 or +263 8688007438/39 Mobile: +263 712 831 453-62
Harare Central Reservations P.O.BOX AP1 Harare , Zimbabwe Tel: +263-24-2575 021
Email: reservations@airzimbabwe.aero
Air Zimbabwe Reservations Supervisor Tel: +263-24-2575143 or 258202227 Mobile : +263 712 641 122
Email :mkuzvinzwa@airzimbabwe.aero
Harare City Town Office Cnr 3rd and G/Silundika Avenue Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263-24-2251 836 Mobile: + 263 712 831 470-72
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (Air Zimbabwe flights only)
Customer Services
Mobile: +263 712 621 909 from 0500 to 2000
Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Information Centre For all other airlines Tel: +263-24-2585073-80
Bulawayo Town Office
P.O. Box 1000
Treger House Jason Moyo Street. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263-29-2272 051 Mobile: +263 712621911
Email: airzimbuq@africaonline.co.zw Email: tnyoni@airzimbabwe.aero
J.M. Nkomo Airport Bulawayo Airport Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Tel: +263-29-2290 103
Victoria Falls Town Office
Air Zimbabwe Terminal Livingston Way P.O. Box 60
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tel:+263-83-2844 316 Mobile : + 263 712 212 121
Victoria Falls Airport Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Tel:+263-83-2844 552
Oliver R. Tambo Airport
Terminal B Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27 11 390 3064/65 Fax: +27 11 390 1995
Email: info@airzimbabwe.co.za
Oliver R. Tambo Airport Ticketing Office +27 11 390 1665
