Domestic Tourism

WRITER: MAKHOSI NCUBE PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOTT RAMSAY

ever have the words ‘Charity begins at home’ made more sense than when talking about domestic tourism. They apply to both the consumer and supplier; from the seller’s side it’s about getting people to spend more at home to see the amazing sights before travelling outside the country, while from the consumer’s side it’s about getting world class service at affordable prices.

Interestingly, Zimbabwe was rated third best travel destination in the world in 2019 by one of the most popular travel guides, Lonely Planet, making it the only African country in the top ten. On a bigger scale this would mean the international market

would be flocking to visit—but what of the locals?

Studies have continuously shown that domestic tourism is much more important as it’s not prone to suffering from seasonality, perceived security threats and changing airline schedules. Most importantly, locals would purchase more locally produced goods than international visitors. Zimbabwe’s biggest source of employment is tourism and as such is an important reason why domestic tourism must thrive, bridging that seasonal gap and providing steady employment.

Where have we gone wrong? Marketing is where we lost the plot; so many of the facilities are priced out of reach for the everyday locals and the majority of the people have no idea what their very own country has to offer. The easiest way to make this affordable is by having lower prices for locals, especially during the quiet season when tourism is at its lowest.

More people visit from outside the country than from within, and while economic problems may be said to be the cause, it’s much bigger than that. Lots of Zimbabweans travel, just not within the country, and for most, besides Victoria Falls, they have no idea of what other places can be visited. This is the main problem to be addressed—how to successfully get the word out. The solution is simple: social media.

With international travel being shut down due to the recent Covid-19 pandemic, we have seen an increase in domestic tourism resulting in the everyday Zimbabwean being able to see the beauty of this country. This is mainly because social media has got involved, and with most people spending time online due to the shutdown, word has spread and taken off like a rocket, with the majority of people acknowledging they had no idea about what local destinations they had. It’s been beautiful and amazing to see families and also the young people actively travelling and seeing what their country has to offer. Finally there is light at the end of the tunnel.

So for those with a taste for the wilderness we have a UNESCO heritage site in the form of Mana Pools National Park, the only park that allows visitors to walk without guides escorting them—just you and nature.

For the aspiring fisherman we have Lake Kariba, a place where you can cement your legacy by catching some of the biggest tiger fish in the world; or better yet go on a house boat and live life on the lake with sunsets to die for.

For those of us who love history no place beats Great Zimbabwe, a city unlike any other, ancient yet majestic, one of the most spiritual places to go to and see how Africa achieved its very own civilisation as early as the eleventh century.

Then we go to one of Africa’s biggest national parks, Hwange, home to an astounding 400 bird species and over 100 mammal species, famed for its majestic elephant herds numbering over an estimated 40,000. Take a walk with some of Africa’s most amazing guides to track these gentle giants.

Last but definitely not least, it’s the crown jewel of Zimbabwean tourism, a favourite for all our locals—the majestic Victoria Falls. For locals, this year it’s been the most amazing moment as they got to see it at its highest peak in over a decade, a sight that had us standing in awe just like Dr. David Livingstone must have done when he first discovered the Falls. It truly is ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ as it is locally known. ■