Product Focus: Zimbabwe – an amazing country on the brink of a Tourism Breakthrough – “A country in search of tourists”

Green Route Africa has a long history with Zimbabwe having started their operations there more than 20 years ago. As the political situation changed, the office was relocated to South Africa. The country has however always remained much-loved and supported, especially in the Victoria Falls area, which has been largely unaffected by events elsewhere in the country. In recent years it has been overshadowed by Zambia, however we feel that Zimbabwe is on the brink of a revival.

Map of Zimbabwe

Sonia Luyten, our representative in Benelux and France, is Zimbabwean born, and she decided to go see first-hand what is happening in the region! We are glad to report that things are looking positive, with a sense of optimism we have not seen in  a long time. Properties are being renovated, products are once again being introduced, and hopefully, before long the country will once again takes its place as one of Southern Africa’s most diverse and beautiful destinations. 

In Sonia’s view the destination can already be offered for FIT business and we can begin offering it for special interest groups and certain incentive groups for the second half of 2013. In addition, KLM have now reintroduced their flight to Harare.

Here are two of Sonia’s highlighted destinations

1.  Bumi Hills, Lake Kariba – ideal for the luxury FIT market and special interest or incentive groups. Bumi Hills enjoys a hilltop position overlooking Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park, on the opposite side to the town of Kariba and the dam wall.

Access:  The lodge is located in a remote region and can only be reached by boat or air. But once there it is well worth the journey for its exclusivity and beauty. From Victoria Falls and Harare it is a 1-hour flight in a light aircraft.

The lodge has 10 Premium (lake view) rooms and 10 Standard rooms (non-lake view). We think that this lodge has great appeal, for groups of approx. 20 guests sharing using the premium rooms or a complete buy-out. 

• Boat Safaris – Pontoon and motor boats for game viewing and fishing
• Sailing - Catamaran (10 guests)
• 4X4 Safaris – In open vehicles with a professional ranger.  The park has 4 of the big 5 (Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo) and one can go to Tashinga to see Rhino, however this lodge cannot be sold as a Big 5 safari experience. 
• Walking Safaris - with an armed ranger
• Rhino tracking - in Tashinga National park
• Island lunches - clients are taken to a nearby island for a picnic lunch
• Village tour - a very authentic cultural experience
• Tour of the Kapenta fishing business – interesting cultural experience
• Gorgeous spa with exceptional views

Spa treatment overlooking Lake Kariba

2. Hwange National Park

Hwange is home to one of the largest populations of African wild dog left in Africa and it’s a good place to see leopard and rhino among the many other mammal species. Africa has some of the most curious and interesting creatures which receive comparatively little exposure - bat-eared foxes, genets, caracal and a host of other "specials" are often the highlight of a game drive.

Access: The easiest access at the moment is via Victoria Falls

Driving distance is 157km from Victoria Falls airport (2 hours 40mins) & 179km from Victoria Falls town (3 hours). There is Hwange airport, but there are no scheduled flights into Hwange at the moment. A charter is possible.

Accommodation:

There is a variety of accommodation styles to choose from:

The Hide – considered the most luxurious in the region with 10 luxury A-framed tented suites 

Camp Hwange – a semi-luxury lodge featuring eight thatch chalets -a unique FIT product

Hwange Safari Lodge – comfortable 3* property with 86 standard rooms, 16 deluxe rooms & 4 suites. Good value for money and for larger groups.

Ivory Safari Lodge – Located on a private concession 20 minutes drive from Hwange National Park. It consists of nine raised tree houses. Three of the tree houses are on slightly raised platforms, while the other six are set high up in the teak trees. Considered a family-oriented camp or for travellers looking for a good value for money option.

Activities:

• 4X4 safaris in Hwange National Park
• Visit to a local village to buy pottery
• Cultural village tours
• Visit to Painted Dog Conservation Project
• Bush dinners

Hwange Elephants