dyton mupawaenda
Nqobile Bhebhe-Bulawayo Bureau
After completing two whirlwind assignments between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls within a fortnight, a lingering sense of something amiss continued to gnaw at me.
Victoria Falls, especially during the onset of summer and the festive season, exudes an undeniable magnetism. The enchanting place draws people from all corners without regard for age, distance, or social status.
This year, even heads of State, Hollywood luminaries, and international football stars succumbed to its allure.
In 2023 alone, luminaries like the Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko, and former South African President Jacob Zuma found themselves captivated by the grandeur of Victoria Falls.
The appeal of Victoria Falls transcends borders and is celebrated globally for its unique geological and geomorphological features.
The mesmerising beauty of the falls, accentuated by the ethereal spray, mist, and rainbows, leaves all who behold it in awe.
David Livingstone, the intrepid Scottish explorer and missionary, was the first European to lay eyes on the natural wonder.
He christened it Victoria Falls in honour of the British Queen Victoria. Yet, the local inhabitants bestowed a more fitting name upon this untamed force of nature — “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which translates to “the smoke that thunders.”
Counted among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it provides a sanctuary for an array of unique plant and animal species.
It unfolds before us as a spectacle of unparalleled beauty and grandeur along the Zambezi River, a natural frontier separating Zimbabwe from Zambia.
During my recent visit last week, I couldn’t help but marvel at the eclectic mix of global tourists — from the French to the Spanish, the Japanese, and even some from the Netherlands.
For me, it had been a full decade since my last venture into the famed Rainforest, a visit that occurred due to a timely escape from an afternoon session during an assignment. Fortune seemed to favour me once again, as on a Friday the 13th, a conference I attended with a colleague wrapped up ahead of schedule.
With an unexpected hour to spare — the next session being a sunset boat cruise — we decided to seize the opportunity and make our way to the Rainforest. The presence of numerous school buses during the preceding days had piqued our interest.
There, we encountered a group of exuberant students from Royal Junior Primary and Chemhanza High School, brimming with excitement. It was a captivating sight and a poignant reminder of the timeless allure that Victoria Falls continues to hold.
“This is what we call domestic tourism,” said a Royal Junior Primary School teacher at point number 6.
Within this breathtaking spectacle, there lie 19 viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective on the majestic beauty of Victoria Falls. The majority, viewpoints 1 through 16, can be found on the Zimbabwean side, while viewpoints 17 through 19 grace the Zambian side.
Yet, it wasn’t just the panoramic views that left an indelible mark on this day. It was the camaraderie of pupils from various schools, a shared journey through nature’s marvel, and a collective decision to capture these moments forever. Every picture they took, every laugh shared, was destined to become a cherished memory, not only of the Victoria Falls but of the friends who had walked alongside them.
For some of these students, it might have been their last grand adventure together before parting ways, a final chapter in their shared story.
The group consisted of spirited youngsters from grades six and seven. As they carefully navigated the occasionally slippery paths, their eyes, filled with awe, continually sought out the grandeur of the landscape. Foreign tourists, too, caught their attention, and the children eagerly joined them for snapshots. Together, they celebrated the undeniable allure of Victoria Falls.
Mr Tinashe Farawo, the spokesperson for Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), shared remarkable statistics that truly painted the picture of the Victoria Falls’ universal appeal. Twenty primary schools had embarked on this Rainforest adventure, bringing with them 1 644 pupils and 135 dedicated teachers. Three secondary schools had also answered the call, contributing 318 students and 25 educators to this memorable experience.
Somewhere between viewpoints 8 and 9, we encountered an enthusiastic journalist from the Netherlands. Denise Overkleeft, with an infectious enthusiasm, declared her intention to share the magic of Victoria Falls with her homeland. Her promise was a testament to the enduring enchantment that Victoria Falls casts upon all who encounter its majesty.
“The breathtaking waterfalls, the beautiful mountains of Zimbabwe are a marvel to view. In my country, there are few mountains. I will surely promote Victoria Falls back home,” she said.
The urge to explore every gorge and its unique view was strong, but we resisted because the sunset cruise was calling. Sampling the splendour of Victoria Falls wouldn’t have been complete without a boat cruise.
We drove to the dock on the Zambezi River, which took 20 minutes. Upon arrival, we were welcomed onto the boat with traditional dancing and drumming performances. The captain began the sunset cruise with a quick introduction and safety information before introducing us to Gabriel, the barman who would soon become everyone’s best friend.
Throughout the two-hour trip, we were treated to picturesque views of wildlife and nature. Hippos were out in full force. The cruises, especially the popular sunset cruise, usually have more than 40 boats packed with tourists taking in the spectacle as the sun sinks to close yet another splendid day.
We joined a group of tourists from Namibia, Germany, and Sweden aboard Lobengula 111. A Swedish lady said she had spent 16 days in Zimbabwe crisscrossing various resort areas.
“I have two more days in Zimbabwe and have been here for the past 16 days. Zimbabwe is blessed to have such spectacular sites,” she said while freely showing off attractions she captured on her camera.
As our boat turned to cruise along the Lwando and Kalunda islands on the Zambian side toward Victoria Falls, rain suddenly poured and the sun began to set. Lwando Island is one of the main river islands, 4km long and 2km wide, that splits the channel. Our tour guide, Brain, pointed the crew to Kalunda Island, which means “a small hump,” and gave a brief history of the site.
Throughout the two-hour trip, we were treated to picturesque views of wildlife and nature. Hippos were out in full force. The cruises, especially the popular sunset cruise, usually have more than 40 boats packed with tourists taking in the spectacle as the sun sinks to close yet another splendid day.
After witnessing the sunset cruise, we headed back to the dock. It was a memorable experience that left us in awe of nature’s beauty.
Tourism executive Mr Clement Mukwasi told our Bulawayo Bureau that it is pleasing to note that schools are responding to calls to promote domestic tourism.
“As tour operators, it is gratifying to witness school children from various parts of the country visiting such a renowned tourist attraction. The experience encountered will forever be etched in their memories.”
School trips are usually organised at the end of the academic year, with pupils paying upwards of US$100 for the journey.
Tourism is one of the key economic pillars, and the sector is expected to contribute more towards economic growth in line with the upper middle-income economy vision by 2030.
Domestic tourism allows local people to understand the different cultures among the indigenous people of a country. Countries also rely on it as a tool to reduce poverty, improve infrastructure, generate employment, and most importantly, drive economic growth.
In the first six months of this year, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) recorded a total of 4,4 million domestic trips as people discover their country. The Government, through the then Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry, came up with an offensive towards drumming up support for domestic tourism through the “ZimBho! Campaign and #IzimYami #Vakatsha.” The campaign aims to raise awareness among locals about the vast tourism and leisure facilities that Zimbabwe is endowed with.
The campaign seeks to encourage a culture of holidaying among locals to boost domestic tourism, which had been overlooked. It’s an excellent opportunity for Zimbabweans to explore their country’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Online Reporter