SEE ZIMBABWE BEFORE THE TOURISTS DO!!!

Zimbabwe has had incredibly hard times in the last ten years but things are changing and, in a very African way, they are changing quickly.  For nearly two years now Zimbabwe has been experimenting with a Government of National Unity.  For the first time in 30 years Zimbabwe has a Prime Minister, they are now using the US$ to replace the hyper-inflated Zimbabwe dollar and the level of corruption and abuse of power has been greatly curtailed.  According to official figures released by the IMF Zimbabwe had an annual growth of 2.2% in 2010 at the time when other economies were still shrinking and there was a 46% increase in hotel occupancy.  But what does all of this mean?  Well for the Zimbabwean it means you no longer have to carry TRILLIONS of Zimbabwe dollars with you to purchase your groceries, it means businesses are confident to employ and expand and it means security and food for the average Zimbabwean.  For the traveller it also has an incredible impact.

 

Zimbabwe has always had one of the most stunning and diverse landscapes, reserves of wildlife and tourist activities available in Africa but now you can travel without the worry that you are propping up a corrupt regime or that your safety is in question.  As a matter of fact at no time have tourists ever been adversely affected by the political power struggle in Zimbabwe.  Even so, the renewed confidence in Zimbabwe means that tour operators, lodges and hotels are keen to participate in the resurgence and are offering deals that cannot be matched anywhere else in Africa.  I make this claim with all confidence as top notch lodges and safari camps are now offering packages at 100%, 200% and even greater discounts than anywhere else in Africa for comparable facilities and locations.

 

Find me another location in Africa that offers pure wilderness (no fences), huge numbers of wildlife including the "Big Five", all inclusive accommodation and activities for $110 per person, per night! Bargains like this cannot be beaten, but don't expect me to let the cat out of the bag and tell you where these bargains are to be found without first having a yarn with me personally.

 

Not only are these bargains real but do not forget that Zimbabwe boasts some of the largest national parks in Africa (13% of the entire country is protected by parks and game reserves) and has more World Heritage listed sites than any other country of comparable size in the world.  Add all of these factors together and you have one of the greatest adventure destinations in the world at highly affordable prices.  Remember, I would not make these recommendations unless I was completely confident in what I am saying as I travel with all of my groups and my business relies on the veracity of the statements I make.

 

As a good friend of mine, Brent Williamson of Adventure Zone in Victoria Falls, said to me recently; "Tell your friends and clients to see Zimbabwe before the tourist do and the prices go up".  So that is exactly what I am doing.

 

To help give you some idea of what I am talking about take a look at these sample safari itineraries I have put together for 2011.  The only thing missing from these safaris is YOU.

 

 

             

 

* excluding airfares