MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

 A leopard resting

Matobo National Park situated on the south-eastern side of Bulawayo, occupies a total area of 44 500 hectares. Established in 1953, the Park was awarded Unesco World Heritage Status in June 2003. The Park includes an Intensive Protection Zone where a large population of Black and White Rhinoceros are successfully breeding. The Park offers a diverse package of tourist attractions.

The park is situated in the magnificent Matobo Hills, a range of domes, spires and balancing rock formations which have been hewn out of the solid granite plateau through millions of years of erosion and weathering. The majestic and rugged terrain of the park is a hiker's paradise and the diversity of the vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife. Matobo meaning 'bald heads' was the name chosen for the area by the great Ndebele King, Mzilikazi. He is buried in the Matobo Hills just a short distance from the park.

balancing rocks in Matopo

Matobo National Park is also the site of the grave of Cecil John Rhodes. He is buried at the summit of Malindidzimu -' hill of benevolent spirits'. He referred to this hill as having a 'View of the World'. A short walk from the parking lot will lead the visitor to his grave, which is carved out of the solid granite hill and surrounded by a natural amphitheater of massive boulders. The Matobo area has great spiritual and cultural significance to the local people and there are many sites within the park where important ceremonies still take place.

 

The Park is home to a wide variety of animal species including: black and white rhinoceros, zebra, wildebeest, giraffe, kudu, eland, sable, klipspringer, leopard, hyena, cheetah, hippo, warthog, rock dassies, waterbuck, wildcat, springhare, common duiker, crocodiles, baboons and monkeys. The richness of the Park can also be seen from the diverse bird life. The park is famous for its large concentration of black eagles, which can be seen perched atop the rock formations or soaring along the cliffs in search of prey. Bird species that can be found include, fish eagle, martial eagle, francolin, secretary bird, weavers, pied crow and Egyptian geese.

Fish species readily found in this Park include, bass, bottle fish, bream and catfish Matobo National Park has a mixed type of vegetation that ranges from Mopane, Acacia species, Brachstegia in other area, Figtrees, Azanza species, Zizphus species, Strychnos species and Terminalia species.

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

Hwange

Zimbabwe is one of the countries with biggest national parks flourishing with Fauna and Flora behind Masai in Kenya. Hwange national park being the largest national park has contributed most in the tourism sector of the country's economy. Named after a local Nhanzwa chief, Hwange National Park Zimbabwe occupies  roughly 14 650 square kilometers. It is located in the northwest corner of the country about one hour south of the Mighty Victoria Falls.

Tourists canoeing and fishing

It became the royal hunting grounds to the Ndebele warrior-king Mzilikazi in the early 19 th Century and was set aside as a National Park in 1929. Hwange boasts a tremendous selection of wildlife with over 100 species of mammals and nearly 400 bird species recorded. The elephants of Hwange are world famous and the Park's elephant population is one of the largest in the world. The Park has three distinctive Camps and administrative offices at Robins, Sinamatella and the largest one at Main Camp.

 

Main Camp is situated at the main entrance to the Park. There are numerous pans and pumped waterholes around Main Camp and the area is rich in game.

Giraffe drinking at hwange park

Main Camp has facilities including self-catering lodges, cottages and chalets, a camping site, bar and restaurant, grocery store,  and petrol station.

Lodges in Hwange National Park are units with one or two bedrooms, bathroom, fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator and stove, lounge and verandah. Cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery are provided.

Cottages:are units with 1 or 2 bedrooms, bathroom and verandah. Cooking facilities are communal, with electric hot plates provided. The cottages have a centrally located thatched, open dining area with refrigerators available for communal use. Normally no cutlery or crockery is provided.

Lions resting at park

Chalets units with 1 or 2 bedrooms, and a verandah. Cooking facilities are available on wood. Electric refrigerator and sink are provided in each unit. Ablution and toilet facilites are provided in a communal block.

Camping and caravan sites have piped water to each stand. Cooking facilities are available on wood or charcoal braais. Ablution and toilet facilities are provided in communal blocks. Visitors should note that tent and camping equipment are not available for hire.

Kariba

Kariba dam

Lake Kariba is 220 km long and in places 30 km wide. It is full of the waters of the mighty Zambezi River. The building of the huge dam wall which was completed in 1960, is a testament to man’s engineering skills. Kariba has become a wonderful holiday destination which, through clever planning and management, has retained the Zambezi’s wilderness character and beautiful scenery. This is also as a result of the amazing foresight of the many brave people who, so many years ago, when the waters were rising rapidly to fill the lake, helped to relocate inhabitants both human and animal so that all could benefit from the existence of Lake Kariba. The resultant hydro-electric power produced due to the building of the wall, became an invaluable asset to both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

fascinating lodges in Kariba

musango safari camp

Hornbill lodge in Kariba

The shores and islands abound in wildlife, and the memory of the haunting cry of the African Fish Eagle becomes a continuous reminder of holidays spent on or overlooking this spectacular inland sea. There are so many holiday options. In various wonderful locations on the Zimbabwe shores, luxury lodges and hotels provide great accommodation. As an alternative, holidays can be spent moving around the lake on a choice of attractive houseboats. All of these will 

offer numerous opportunities for game-viewing, bird-watching or fishing in the prolific waters. The shoreline vegetation is rich in grassland, natural bush and trees, and it is easy to catch sight of herds of elephant and other wildlife. The high hills of the Matusadona National Park offer a spectacular backdrop to the lake. This range forms part of the Zambezi’s natural escarpment. At the end of the day, in addition to all its other attractions, Lake Kariba offers breathtaking sunsets and incredibly clear starlit nights .

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Rand decline affected Zimbabwe tourism in 2014

South African Rand

AN aggressive growth of the country’s tourism industry reported in Zimbabwe since dollarisation in 2009 ebbed during the first half of 2014, with arrivals from South Africa, the main source market, retreating by a massive 49 percent, dragged by a rand that has battled to gain traction against the greenback. The US dollar is the main medium of exchange among a basket of multi-currencies introduced by Harare in 2009.

During a period when total arrivals fell by one percent to 860 000 from 867 995 at the same time last year, arrivals from South Africa declined, as the South African rand, on losing streak for a long time, continued on a downward spiral. About 86 percent of tourists into Zimbabwe come from Africa, the bulk of them from South Africa. “It is now costing South Africans more to come for holidays in Zimbabwe,” said independent economist, John Robertson.

south african rand

“The rand has weakened by 30 percent,” he told the Financial Gazette’s Companies & Markets (C&M). The flow of South African tourists into Zimbabwe has also been dealt a blow by disturbances in wildlife rich conservancies, where top ruling ZANU-PF chefs have controversially allocated themselves vast tracts of land and turned to game poaching.

Some ranches and conservancies have been destroyed,” said Robertson.“It is now difficult to attract bookings in those that are still remaining, such as the Save Valley Conservancy. We spoiled our own tourism industry.” About 239 000 South African tourists arrived in Zimbabwe during the first half of 2014 from 357 00 last year, according to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA). The South African Rand, which traded at about 10:1 against the greenback most of 2009, has been failing to keep its value against the US dollar. It has traded at between US$1 to R11 and US$1 R13 for much of this year, with the rate declining to as low as US$1 to R14 in some cases. As a result, a growing number of supermarkets, clothing shops, transport operators and other businesses have been avoiding the Rand, which reached a five year low this year, preferring the greenback.

And for those customers and consumers who often only have access to the South African rand, it has been a nightmare. The tourism industry has been equally affected. “In a turn of trends from the four percent decline in the first quarter of 2014, the first half of 2014 registered a one percent increase in arrivals,” the ZTA said in its trends and analysis of the industry released recently.

“The slight positive growth was mostly driven by the increase in arrivals from Europe and the Americas, with a significant pulling down effect by Africa and Asia. The structure of the market shares has remained the same with mainland Africa dominating. Arrivals from mainland Africa registered 745 566, down from 750 301 in 2013 representing a one percent decline. It should be noted that in terms of market share, the region still commands the bulk of arrivals (86 percent) into Zimbabwe, therefore a marginal decline from it triggers a huge slow-down in the overall arrival figure.”

“The decline in Africa largely hinges on South Africa which has lost a total of 118 228 arrivals in 2014. Generally, the market share for South Africa has been on a downward trend, having dropped from 70 percent in 2010, 64 percent in 2011, 46 percent in 2012 and 30 percent 2014,” said the ZTA.

Arrivals from the Americas increased by 18 percent, while Asia declined by 61 percent. Europe registered one of the strongest growths at 13 percent, although in government, authorities still felt that without travel warnings, this figure could be higher. “Travel warnings are still there but in a subtle form,” said Walter Kanhanga, deputy minister at the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry. “However, we have seen some very positive steps. Some of these travel warnings are falling away,” he told C&M.

Untold story about Chimanimani places

Chimanimani is the gateway to the wildest, most rugged National Park in Zimbabwe. Known for its peace and tranquility, it's also the ideal location for the truly adventurous. Explore spectacular hiking trails, crystal waterfalls, an untouched eco-system, breathtaking landscapes and the deepest quartzite caves in Africa.

Chimanimani Tourist Association.

Chimanimani mountains

Satellite overview of chimanimani

Chimanimani was founded by the brothers Thomas Moodie and Dunbar Moodie in 1892. In 1895 it was moved to its current site and was officially called Melsetter after Moodie's family home in Orkney in Scotland. Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, the name of the town was changed to Mandidzudzure, in 1982. However, after consultation with the indigenous population, the name was changed to Chimanimani. An African music and arts festival, known as the Chimanimani Arts Festival is organised each year. The dates for the next Festival can be sourced through the

Chimanimani is divided into 23 wards. Chimanimani west has 11 wards and its east counterpart has 12 wards. MAJOR places in chimanimani are Nyanyadzi, Gudyanga, Shinja, Mhakwe, Bechnough Bridge, Nhedziwa, Mutambara, Chikukwa, Chikwakwa, sky line, Outward bound, Copper, Ndima, Mutswangwa, Vhimba wilderness, Hode. Prominent people come from chimanimani include, Samuel Undenge, Munacho Mutezo, Arthur Mutambara, and Dr. Tafataona Mahoso.

Population

Chimanimani is the gateway to the wildest, most rugged National Park in Zimbabwe. Known for its peace and tranquility, it's also the ideal location for the truly adventurous. Explore spectacular hiking trails, crystal waterfalls, an untouched eco-system, breathtaking landscapes and the deepest quartzite caves in Africa.

Chimanimani was founded by the brothers Thomas Moodie and Dunbar Moodie in 1892. In 1895 it was moved to its current site and was officially called Melsetter after Moodie's family home in Orkney in Scotland. Following Zimbabwe's independence in 1980, the name of the town was changed to Mandidzudzure, in 1982. However, after consultation with the indigenous population, the name was changed to Chimanimani. An African music and arts festival, known as the Chimanimani Arts Festival is organised each year. The dates for the next Festival can be sourced through the Chimanimani Tourist
Association.

Three programme areas of focus in Ecotourism

                         Research and Development

The three main stages of ecotourism in Zimbabwe

Activities in the first stage

• Identifying and mapping  ecotourism and related business opportunities,
• Developing new product prototypes and disseminating best practice/models
• Ecotourism business and related value chains Feasibility Assessments
• Baseline surveys and sector needs assessments
• Ecotourism value chains market surveys
• Audit of the Status of CBTEs and database management
• Appropriate forms of partnerships

Capacity building, Policy and advocacy

Activities in the third stage

• Training community enterprise groups
• Ecotourism planning for local authorities and site planning for business groups
• Contributing towards tourism and related sectors policy
• Development of frameworks and guidelines for ecotourism
• Lobbying for pro-poor, responsible, green or sustainable tourism ethics  and awareness on concepts and principles
• Developing frameworks and strategies
• Establishing platforms for networking and information exchange
• Facilitating broad based women’s economic empowerment initiatives in the tourism sector

Ecotourism Enterprises and development and landscape Conservation

• Focusing on all ecotourism business possibilities such as community lodges, campsites, community based ecotourism businesses, natural products, indigenous foods, crafts, traditional dances, wildlife ranching, cultural villages, heritage sites, STEP facilitates -
• Enterprises product development
• Formalisation of community 
• ecotourism business initiatives
• Prototype development and Branding
• Market entry
• Facilitating business partnerships of all forms aimed and enhancing inclusive tourism value chains
• Access to technologies
• Catchment conservation initiatives including reforestation, reclamation, wildlife management

Eco- travel, Makuti to Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. Travel guide.

Stuffyourrucksack.com is an online

community that helps responsible travellers

make a practical difference to the lives of those

in developing countries that have so little, and

deserve so much more.

As an eco- traveller it is your responsibility to prevent or minimise any negative impacts on the environment, local community and economy of the destination you are visiting. Our aim is to provide guidelines that will help you to remember the principles of ecotourism throughout your trip.

Before you go

• Choose your travel provider on the basis of their eco principles and practices.
• Educate yourself about the destination you are visiting by reading guidebooks and travel articles.
• Be aware of local history, culture and customs of the locals before arriving. Learn enough knowledge of the language to be polite i.e. hello, please and thank you. By making the effort to learn even the basics it will be appreciated by locals; and enrich your experience.
• When packing, if you want to bring gifts for local people in developing countries don't give sweets; instead bring clothes and pens, and ask your tour operator or driver to give them to community elders so that you don't encourage begging from children.
• Learn about the vital Eco-systems before arriving.
• Consider your Carbon Footprint when using air travel. You could offset your carbon emissions by using a service from a company like the Carbon Neutral Company

During your Stay

• Be sensitive to the local culture by wearing clothing that is accepted. Be aware of people's sensitivity to being photographed; always ask first. Observe local customs.
• Remember that you are a visitor and therefore be aware that your cultural values may differ from those of the locals. This may include different concepts of time, personal space, communication etc. which are not wrong or inferior, just different.
• Demonstrate responsible behaviour to other travellers who are less informed than you by acting as an example.
• Use local transportation, guides, inns, restaurants and markets to benefit the local economy.
• Be sensitive to displays of wealth in front of people from developing countries. By displaying possessions such as cameras and jewellery, feelings of jealousy may be created which then generates barriers that inhibit genuine interactions between travellers and locals.
• Ask your tour operator or guide what their established environmental guidelines are for limiting and improving tourist impact on the environment and local culture. General guidelines involve staying on trails, maintaining set distances away from wildlife, and not encouraging drivers to move too close to wildlife, even if it is tempting for getting a better picture.
• Comply with international environmental conventions. Do not buy any animal products while travelling. Do not remove any objects, plants or animal products from nature. Not only can these affect fragile ecosystems, but is also illegal.
• Conserve Resources. Be aware of resource shortages such as water and food as many tourist destinations are under increasing pressure.
• Don't allow your guide to hunt endangered or threatened species or harvest rare plants for your consumption.
• Encourage practices to conserve the environment, including the use of renewable resources in a sustainable manner and the conservation of non-renewable resources.

What to know about Zimbabwe's ecotourism

Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls one of the seven wonders

Zimbabwe is one of a few African countries which have helped to drive ecotourism to become the fastest growing sector on the continent. Ecotourism is a growing industry which Zimbabwe is set to cash in on by targeting tourists who spend more and stay longer, which adds to the local economy and creates work. Ecotourism in Zimbabwe is booming and becoming internationally recognised for providing jobs, it's estimated that the industry now employs around 200,000.

Safe travel

However, Zimbabwe is well-known for its political and economic instability and this has led to a decline in general tourism, but it's generally very safe for tourists and locals are warm and welcoming. It's vital that ecotourism in Zimbabwe continues to grow as many communities rely on income from ecotourism in Zimbabwe - without this income, many indigenous people will suffer further crippling poverty.

CAMPFIRE

The Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources (CAMPFIRE) allows local communities to take control of the wildlife in their area. This brings in much needed revenue from tourists who partake in wildlife watching around national parks and helps to preserve the natural environment. Projects have also been undertaken to build lodges on communal lands for ecotourism in Zimbabwe to become thoroughly viable.

Ecotourism activities in Zimbabwe

Due to the natural beauty and outstanding array of wildlife, there is plenty for those who want to experience ecotourism in Zimbabwe to do. Of course, no trip would be complete without a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls - visitors can stay in the nearby Victoria Falls Safari Lodge where they will be charmed by the on-site watering hole which attracts a variety of game such as Elephants, Buffalo, Impala and Kudu.

Responsible travel

It's best to use a tour operator which has connections with locals should you want to ensure ecotourism in Zimbabwe is authentic. Look for companies that use local guides and are committed to protecting the environment and wildlife. Zimbabwe is a wonderful country to enjoy a safari holiday, where holidaymakers can enjoy big cats and their prey in their natural habitat. When choosing an operator, make sure they use local lodges and that the money you spend will be going directly into the local economy.

Know before you go

There are many options to consider when planning ecotourism in Zimbabwe, it's always wise to carry out research first and a plethora of information is available both online and in print. To ensure a trip is truly ecological, read up on how your money will help local communities and how your trip will impact on the local environment. Walking safaris as well as driven are available and these may be a better choice given the high price of fuel, which has already had an effect on ecotourism in Zimbabwe.