Online Reporter
Martin Kadzere
Zimbabwe and other Southern African nations are uniquely positioned to capitalise on a massive global shift away from high-volume tourism towards immersive, premium travel experiences.
Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe (SOAZ) president Dr Emmanuel Fundira revealed on Tuesday that the region’s vast repository of untapped natural and cultural capital positions it uniquely to capture an increasingly meaningful share of the evolving global tourism market.
Nearly 28 percent of Zimbabwe’s total landmass is designated as protected territory.
This includes iconic geographical wonders like Victoria Falls, the ancient granite topography of the Matobo Hills, and the landscapes of the Eastern Highlands.
Major sanctuaries like Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks preserve vital habitats for the “big five.”
Zimbabwe is a crucial continental lifeline for vulnerable species, protecting massive free-ranging elephant herds and hosting the world’s fourth-largest black rhino population.
The country also derives its name from Great Zimbabwe, the majestic 11th-century stone city that anchors the nation’s identity.
This historical continuity thrives through world-renowned Shona stone sculpting traditions, local folklore, and immersive, community-led walking safaris.
Rather than trying to compete with established global hubs on sheer volume or scale, Dr Fundira argues southern Africa’s competitive edge lies in exclusivity, authenticity and profound engagement with nature—assets that cannot be replicated elsewhere or manufactured at a mass scale.
“Southern Africa’s greatest tourism advantage is not what it has, but how much of its potential remains untapped,” Dr Fundira said.
“The next chapter will belong to those who transform natural and cultural wealth into sustainable economic value.”
