Destination update: Zimbabwe

The Southern African country is once more showing its resilience in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, says Lauren Jarvis

“Zimbabwe’s wildlife centres of Hwange and Mana Pools

were unaffected by the cyclone. Sadly, the Eastern Highlands was badly hit and

anyone planning to visit should first check with their

local representative” Karl Parkinson, Partnerships Manager,

African Bush Camps

On March 14, Cyclone Idai made landfall near the low-lying port city of Beira in Mozambique, blasting the land with winds of up to 110mph.

The storm – believed to be the worst weather disaster ever to hit the southern hemisphere – raged east, lashing Zimbabwe and then Malawi with torrential rains, destroying buildings and homes, and turning farmland into inland seas.

By a cruel irony, March 14 also marked the opening of the One Planet Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, which brought world leaders together to discuss the impacts of climate change on Africa.

Open for Business

For Zimbabwe, a country still emerging from the economic shadow of ex-President Robert Mugabe’s regime and experiencing a shaky start under new hope, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the cyclone has dealt another challenging blow.

The eastern districts of Chimanimani and Chipinge, close to Zimbabwe's border with Mozambique, bore the brunt of the storm. But while the tragedy claimed over 150 lives here, with many more missing, much of the country was thankfully spared: a blessing that has left all of the major tourist destinations open, and urgently needed visitor revenue coming in.

“Its been a difficult time for Zimbabwe, but the country is showing typical resilience,” says Tim Henshall, Chief Executive of Kamageo (kamageo.com), who heads up the newly formed Zimbabwe Tourism Organisation (ZIMTO), funded by the private sector and supported by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA).

“I can reassure travellers that all the main tourist circuits, including Victoria

Falls, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools, Lake Kariba, Great Zimbabwe and Matobo National Park are unaffected, and it remains safe to travel to these amazing destinations.

“Tourism is a key revenue earner for the country, so every visitor helps the economy to recover from situations like this,” he said.

"The Victoria Falls region wasn’t affected by Cyclone Idai, but the local community here has given overwhelming support to our fellow Zimbabweans in assisting with rescue efforts and the delivery of aid, including blankets and clothing,” says Bryony Acutt, Group Sales & Brand Manager at Africa Albida Tourism

(africaalbidatourism.com), which operates a range of luxury hotels, lodges and restaurants in Victoria Falls.

“Thankfully, tourism has not been affected, with flights still arriving and tours going ahead as anticipated,” adds Phil Dobinson, Managing Director of Zambezi Cruise & Safaris (zambezicruisesafaris.com),

The King Has Returned

At February's sold-out Safari Roadshow in London, Tim Henshall revealed a new ZIMTO marketing initiative, launching this July. ‘The King Has Returned’ campaign will echo the storyline of Disney’s The Lion King and feature the male offspring of Cecil the lion, 'back to claim his throne’ with a pride of his own. zimbabwetourism.net  *To donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Cyclone Idai Appeal, go to dec.org.uk