Zimbabwe is an amazing African country that has it all, and tourists are flocking here in record numbers to discover why. From big game parks such as Mana Pools National Park on the edge of the great Zambezi, to the golden grasslands and savannas of Hwange National Park, to the stunning scenery and granite hills of Matopos National Park, it’s no wonder Zimbabwe is the place where David Tett, Bushtracks’ Co-founder and President, was born and raised. Our travelers can experience the impressive stone ruins of the Kingdom of Monomatapa at Great Zimbabwe, and the World Heritage site of Victoria Falls, and it’s all here in a safari country that does have it all. Our friends at ATTA (African Travel and Tourism Association) recently shared some important travel and tourism insights on Zimbabwe that travelers should consider as they start planning their African safaris.
Elephant interactions at The Elephant Camp, Zimbabwe
Tourists Flock to Zimbabwe Safari Lodges & Game Parks
According to Ross Kennedy, ATTA Southern African Director, “Visitors are flocking to Victoria Falls in record numbers in a sure sign that Zimbabwe tourism is turning a corner, an industry leader says. Latest figures reveal hotel occupancy rates at Victoria Falls are hitting an all time high, sitting at 77.6 per cent last month, compared to 62.6 per cent during August last year.” Ross Kennedy said that boom in tourists has impacted across all sectors, from 2 star to 5 star accommodation, and big hotels to exclusive boutique camps and lodges. “This is a sure sign that Zimbabwe tourism, and the destination are rapidly turning a corner, after three years of positive growth,” Mr Kennedy said. “Nearly 13,000 more rooms have been sold so far this year, compared to the same period last year, an increase of 11.7 per cent,” Mr Kennedy describes.
Little Makalolo Camp, Zimbabwe
What are the Best Safari Camps and Hotels in Zimbabwe?
Over the past 24 years, Bushtracks has partnered with a select group of hotels, safari camps and lodges in Zimbabwe to offer our guests authentic safari experiences balanced with modern luxury and comforts. Our guests can experience Africa on their terms. We offer the best place to stay in Zimbabwe to create the trip of a lifetime. Among the many incredible gems we offer include Little Makalolo, Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Club, and Ruckomechi Camp.
The ATTA findings are based on industry data across ten Victoria Falls hotels, including the Elephant Hills Hotel, Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (shown below), Victoria Falls Hotel and the A’Zambezi. Mr Kennedy, also chief executive of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), said the surge in arrivals this year had culminated in August where all monthly records for flagship property, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
Scenic helicopther flight, Stanley and Livingstone Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
SAFARI ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Among hundreds of adventurous activities and unforgettable landscapes, Zimbabwe is the home of Victoria Falls. While the Scottish explorer David Livingstone named Victoria Falls, he didn’t realize it already had a more fitting name – Mosai-Oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders. Venture off on an historical tour. Take a scenic helicopter flight scenic or enjoy a riverboat cruise. And, beyond the Falls, Zimbabwe offers exciting big game drives with incredible wildlife photography opportunities, as well as elephant interactions and rides in places like Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s biggest and oldest game reserve.
Most visitors to the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge were from the United States, followed by Australia, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. The new luxury Victoria Falls Safari Club 20-room block is situated within the magnificent grounds of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge resort (shown first above), near the Victoria Falls.
The Elephant Camp, Zimbabwe
“August results confirmed what we have believed for the last three years, that Victoria Falls is once again firmly establishing itself as an iconic tourism destination,” Mr Kennedy said. “In comparison to current world tourism trends, these statistics are simply staggering, and a powerful reminder of the positive impact that a strong tourism industry can have on an economy.”
With African safari bookings for the remainder of 2014 and 2015 increasing at such a rapid and healthy rate, and the number of different countries where visitors are coming from is steadily growing, we encourage you to make your reservation one year in advance to avoid any disappointment.
To learn more about our Zimbabwe safaris, please call one of our expert safari planners at 800-995-8689.
The first version of this article was posted on 4 Oct 2014 at 8:00 AM.