Chronicle Editor
Simbarashe Murima
ZIMBABWE and Namibia share affable bilateral, political, economic and cultural relations. Recently, Namibia expressed its stance against the extended sanctions on Zimbabwe imposed by the US, demonstrating solidarity with Zimbabwe and the broader region.
Over the years, Namibia’s three successive presidents have consistently advocated for the removal of these sanctions at the United Nations General Assembly.
This camaraderie extends beyond governmental interactions to travel and tourism. Notably, Fly Namibia launched its premier flights to Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls on April 4, 2024. This historic flight route promises dynamic links for the expanding international and regional tourism industry. It also contributes to the strengthening of tourism in both countries, with Victoria Falls as a focal point.
The new route will operate three times a week (on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays), providing convenient and direct travel between these symbolic destinations. While catering to corporate travellers, it also opens up greater access for leisure visitors between Namibia and Zimbabwe.
Fly Namibia’s initiative not only facilitates travel logistics but also accelerates beneficial tourism development in the region. By allowing operators and tourists to efficiently plan their journeys, it connects major attractions and products across Southern Africa. According to Andrè Compion, Managing Director of Fly Namibia, this new route aligns with their strategy to enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism within Southern Africa.
“By connecting Windhoek and Victoria Falls, we are not just opening up new travel opportunities but also fostering economic ties between Namibia and Zimbabwe,” said Compion.
This assertion solidifies the relationship between the two states, positioning them as a gateway for regional and international tourists. Travellers have the option to visit both Namibia and Zimbabwe, either by arriving in Namibia and departing from Zimbabwe or vice versa.
Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water, captivates visitors with its atomising sprays, mist and rainbows. The small tourism town surrounding the falls boasts an exquisite, secure airport located 21km to the southeast. From the Victoria Falls International Airport, travellers can conveniently connect to neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa, Angola, DR Congo, Malawi and Mozambique within a two-hour flight.
All Fly Namibia planes departing from Victoria Falls land at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, Namibia’s main international airport. Situated in Windhoek, the capital and largest city of Namibia, this airport serves as a vital hub for regional travel. As of 2024, Windhoek is home to a population of 494 085 inhabitants.
Namibia, a safe and welcoming country, is approximately 1,5 times larger than France. It boasts 12 ethnic groups and around 30 spoken languages. The country’s natural wonders include the second-largest canyon in the world, rivalling even the Grand Canyon in the USA. Keetmanshoop, a majestic tourist attraction, beckons visitors to explore its unique landscape.
Namibia stands out as an upper middle-income country and is the only nation globally where a desert hosts large mammals such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos and lions. Among its iconic attractions, Sossusvlei stands tall. Located in the pristine southern part of Namibia, Sossusvlei features clay and salt pans surrounded by towering red dunes — the highest of their kind worldwide.
In summary, the Windhoek to Victoria Falls route by Fly Namibia promises to boost regional tourism. I anticipate resilient tourism relations and collaboration between these two remarkable countries. Local tour operators, travel agencies and other stakeholders have a golden opportunity to capitalise on this initiative, benefiting both Namibia and Zimbabwe as lucrative tourism destinations.
*Simbarashe Murima (PhDc) writes in his own capacity as an education, tourism and hospitality expert in Namibia and Zimbabwe. For feedback, contact [email protected] or +263781480742
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