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Relative stability brings tourists back to Zimbabwe
For a while now most news out of Zimbabwe has been bad. Gross mismanagement by President Robert Mugabe led the country to financial ruin and hyperinflation, with people using gasoline as currency because nobody wanted the government's $50 million dollar bills.
But with the return of relative stability thanks to the new unity government, tourists are coming back to Zimbabwe. The nation's Council of Tourism reports that 362,000 people visited Zimbabwe by August 2009, up from 100,000 in the same period in 2008. It wasn't clear if this figure only counted tourists or all foreign visitors. A decade ago, Zimbabwe raked in $250 million annually in tourism revenue. That dipped to just $40 million in 2005, but has risen to $100 million since the unity government came into power in 2008.
However the numbers are created, it's still good news. With the country's economy in shambles, an influx of foreign currency is sure to help. The government has been offering tax incentives for companies wanting to invest in Zimbabwe tourism. And with attractions such as Victoria Falls (pictured here) and abundant wildlife, if you're looking for good deals on an African trip you may want to consider Zimbabwe. They'll certainly be glad to see you.
Filed under: Africa, Zimbabwe, Budget Travel
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eric Webber Nov 23rd 2009 1:11PM
I traveled to Zimbabwe recently, even before it was deemed "safe," and never had a problem. It's still a deeply troubled country, and poverty is severe, so you can definitely run into trouble there, especially in Harare and the areas where farm takeovers have occurred.
But I found the people to be very friendly and extremely gracious hosts, just as I've found people all over southern Africa. If you're a smart traveler, aware of your surroundings and keep your wits about you, you'll find it to be a beautiful country, surprisingly unspoiled despite its recent history, and void of the unfortunate trappings that come along with over-developed tourism.
Sean McLachlan Nov 23rd 2009 1:26PM
Eric,
Glad you had a good time. Your comments can apply to many countries people consider dangerous. Some of my best travel experiences have been in the Middle East, Syria and Iran in particular. Bad governments don't mean bad people!
What were your favorite spots in Zimbabwe?
Oh, have you been to Ethiopia? My wife and I are going there in February and I'm trying to gather all the tips I can!
Eric Webber Nov 23rd 2009 1:45PM
Victoria Falls is an obvious choice. Just incredible and deserving on the list of wonders of the world. Some people consider it a bit "toursity," but that didn't bother us (me, my wife, two sons). Be sure and see it from the Zambia side too, from where the river above the falls is accessible.
We also enjoyed the Matobo Hills near the city of Bulawayo in the southern part of the country. Also worth seeing is the ruins of Great Zimbabwe (from which the country gets its name) near the town of Masvingo.
We did not get to the Eastern Highlands, on the border with Mozambique, but I hear it's also very nice.
I have a good friend who's foundation focuses almost exclusively on Ethiopia, so I plan on making a visit there with him before too long, but so far the closest I've been is northern Kenya.
-EW
Sean McLachlan Nov 23rd 2009 2:00PM
I've always wanted to see the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. The photos I've seen are so evocative of a great civilization that I know walking through the site would be a memorable experience.
I'll be writing a series of articles on interesting grassroots NGOs while I'm in Ethiopia, so if your friend's foundation fits the bill, drop me a line.
Eric Webber Nov 23rd 2009 2:05PM
It might fit. www.aglimmerofhope.org
Sean McLachlan Nov 23rd 2009 3:21PM
Interesting project! I'll drop them a line.