Zimbabwe Tourism Expected to Improve in 2018
More tourists are expected to visit Zimbabwe in 2018 after Emmerson Mnangagwa replaced longtime leader Robert Mugabe, according to a group of financial analysts based in the Southern Africa nation. The Investment Professionals Association of Zimbabwe (IPAZ) expect tourism to increase this year, with the recent regime change playing a role.
Late last year, Mnangwa replaced Mugabe as Zimbabwe’s president after the longtime leader resigned. Robert Mugabe had led Zimbabwe since the country gained independence from Britain in 1980. In 2000, Mugabe’s administration instituted a land reform program that redistributed land from white farmers that was criticized by numerous international media outlets. Zimbabwe’s image took a blow internationally, and tourists showed their displeasure by visiting other African countries such as Kenya, Zambia, or South Africa.
Zimbabwe has a number of tourist attractions. The country’s most famous destination is the world-famous Victoria Falls, listed by CNN as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Safaris are available to both national parks and private game reserves.
Hwange National Park, roughly an hour away from the Falls, is famous for its elephant population and hosts a wide array of wildlife. The Painted Dog, formerly known as the Wild Dog and an endangered species, has occasionally been spotted by safari tourists at Hwange, but it is not common. Safarists who want to learn more about the Painted Dog and donate to conservation efforts can visit Painted Dog Conservation near Hwange.
Mana Pools National Park, located on the lower Zambezi River, was named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Visitors to Mana Pools can see elephants, impalas, crocodile, hippo, and a wide number of bird species, in addition to predators such as lions, leopards, and hyena. Walking and canoe safaris are available as well as traditional game drives.
Matabo National Park is also a World Heritage Site. The park is known for its rock formations and cave art in addition to its beautiful scenery and game. Both black and white rhino are present in the park, although they are reclusive. Cecil Rhodes was buried at Matabo. His grave remains a tourist attraction, and attracts visitors from throughout the world.
Zimbabwe is a unique travel destination. Victoria Falls is breathtaking in scope and beauty, and visitors can also bask in the splendor of awesome scenery in some of the less visited game reserves on the continent.
For more information on visiting Zimbabwe, contact us…..
Phone: 714-985-3456
Email: info@bestsafaris.com
