Online Reporter
Conrad Mupesa
Mashonaland West Bureau
KARIBA is set to host its inaugural international carnival next month as the resort town seeks to rebuild tourism confidence following the Lake Kariba ferry disaster that claimed 97 lives and cast a shadow over one of Zimbabwe’s major tourist destinations.
The Kariba International Carnival, scheduled for October 28 to 31 at Mopani Bay Resort, is expected to attract more than 5 000 visitors, with the Government and tourism stakeholders viewing the event as an opportunity to reaffirm Kariba’s position as an open and vibrant tourism destination.
The event is also going to measure the province’s preparedness for a major tourism event as it plans to host the 2027 Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo.
Speaking at a press briefing in Chinhoyi on Wednesday, Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Marian Chombo, who was represented by a deputy director in her office, Mr Farai Mavhima, said the carnival was more than an entertainment event, describing it as a statement of recovery for a community still coming to terms with the August 11 tragedy.
“This carnival is not just an event; it is a statement of recovery,” Minister Chombo said.
The RIDA-operated Mbuya Nehanda ferry, which was travelling from Kariba town to Chalala Fishing Camp, capsized on Lake Kariba on August 11, with the death toll eventually reaching 97.
The disaster struck at the heart of a tourism economy heavily linked to Lake Kariba, where boating, houseboat cruises, fishing and other water-based activities are among the major attractions.
Min Chombo said the carnival would help rebuild confidence while creating business opportunities for hotels, tourism operators, small and medium enterprises, fishermen, artistes and young people.
“Today we declare: Kariba is open, Kariba is safe, Kariba is rising,” she said.
The event is expected to draw more than 5 000 visitors, providing a potential boost to accommodation establishments, restaurants, transport operators, informal traders, artistes and other businesses that depend on tourism.
“This carnival will bring over 5 000 visitors to Kariba. It will fill our hotels, empower our fishermen, our SMEs, our artists and our youth,” Minister Chombo said.
Organisers are also seeking to position the carnival as an inclusive family event showcasing Kariba’s culture, music, arts, hospitality and tourism products.
Minister Chombo said particular attention had been given to people living with disabilities, reflecting Government’s broader emphasis on inclusivity and participation in economic and social activities.
“I am particularly proud that this carnival has a special focus on talent, not disability. Our province will demonstrate that healing, unity and enterprise must include everyone,” she said.
The carnival is being organised by Samanyanga Festivals, with Minister Chombo saying the Government had engaged relevant departments to support preparations and ensure the event is held safely.
Samanyanga Festivals operations director, Mr Hendon Chatambalala, said preparations were progressing towards hosting visitors from across Zimbabwe and beyond, with the organisers seeking to use the carnival to showcase Kariba’s tourism potential.
The organisers’ focus on culture, entertainment and local participation is expected to complement existing tourism products, while giving local artistes and businesses an opportunity to benefit directly from the anticipated influx of visitors.
The hospitality sector has also welcomed the event, with Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe representative Mr Tichaona Chanakira adding that the carnival comes at a critical period for Kariba’s tourism industry as it works to recover from the effects of the ferry tragedy.
While boating and other lake-based activities remain central to Kariba’s tourism identity, the town also offers wildlife, fishing, hospitality, cultural and entertainment experiences that can support a broader tourism economy.
Minister Chombo urged the people of Kariba and Mashonaland West to embrace the event and use it to showcase the province to visitors.
“To the people of Kariba and Mashonaland West, this is your carnival. Let us come together to host Zimbabwe and the world,” she said.
