admin
Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
A TOTAL of 70 tourists from across the globe arrived in the country through the Beitbridge border post on Monday in a convoy of 28 vintage cars.
The convoy arrived around mid morning and was welcomed by officials from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) who facilitated their smooth passage with the assistance of the Departments of Immigration and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority.
They then made a stopover at the Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel where they had some snacks before proceeding with their journey to Matopo National Park on the outskirts of Bulawayo.
The group will spend three days in Zimbabwe at various tourists spots such as Matopo National Park and Victoria Falls as part of the Classic Safari Challenge which started in Cape Town in South Africa.
Event coordinator Vincent Taylor said they started in Cape Town before proceeding to Swaziland.
Taylor said they would be touring game parks and other tourist attractions in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia before returning to South Africa.
“We have a group of 70 tourists from countries including Britain, Switzerland and Australia. Basically the Classic Safari Challenge is about having fun driving in old cars especially those manufactured in the 1920s.
“We are touring five countries in Southern Africa this year,” he said.
He said the safari, that was sponsored by Endura Rally Association, is held once every two years.
Taylor said they had toured South Africa five times and this was their first visit to Zimbabwe.
He added that the group had brought vehicles from their various countries of origin.
From their experience at the border post and with the general public, Taylor said they were confident that Zimbabweans were hospitable people.
“Our experience in the country will help us recommend other tourists to visit Zimbabwe on the same safari or on private visits. We are looking forward to a good time in this country,” he said.
Online Reporter