After decades, Zimbabwe has seen an increase in the number of foreign tourists: here's why
Not just the Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe is a country with extraordinary nature, ancient traditions and a welcoming population. A country waiting to be discovered, which hides within itself spectacular places and which, today, is returning to tourism.
In 2017, a nonviolent coup led to the resignation of 93-year-old president Robert Mugabe, in power for 37 years. Today, the country is governed by Emmerson Mnagangwa and is preparing for elections that promise to be a triumph of democracy: it is in this situation that Zimbabwe has seen increase the entry of tourists.
In the first months of 2018, the Victoria Falls saw the number of visitors from abroad double compared to 2017. More generally, 15% more foreign travelers entered the country, marking a positive trend that, in the former British colony of Rhodesia, had not occurred for decades. But because the country was long neglected by tourist routes? Surely, much of the blame fell on thepolitical and economic instability, of that dictatorship that kept it away from the outside world, of the dilapidation of its infrastructure, of an ever-present police.
Now that the old President has (forced) resigned, however, there is optimism in Zimbabwe. Moreover, its scenic beauty is such that it can make tourism one of the key sectors of its economy. So, there you have it new hotels open near Victoria Falls, and with them even a new airport. And more and more people are taking up professions serving tourists, starting with helicopter or small plane flights over the famous waterfalls.
But what other places should the tourist who comes here see? In addition to Victoria Falls, this small state nestled between Botswana, South Africa, Zambia and Mozambique is home to interesting cities – starting with its capital, Harare -, ruins as magnificent as those of Khami and splendid natural parks. The country's main nature reserve is the Hwange National Park, perfect for hiking lovers and for those who want to see wildebeest, zebras, giraffes and African moose up close.
Source: iStock
