Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe at Gonarezhou National Park
In a flash, Gonarezhou National Park turned overcast midday Monday with a sustained drizzle falling as a group of journalists ventured deep into the vast wilderness on a familiarisation tour ahead of the Sanganai/Hlanganani/Dzimbahwe Tourism Expo.
The changing weather appeared to breathe new life into the park, as the media crew was treated to a spectacular display of wildlife, offering a glimpse into the raw beauty that makes Gonarezhou one of Zimbabwe’s prized tourism destinations.
As the media trucks wound their way through the bush, elephants and buffaloes emerged from the thickets, while hippos surfaced in the water and herds of impala and kudu moved gracefully through the wilderness.
But amid the excitement, the game drive produced two tense encounters that briefly tested the composure of the journalists.
In the first, a huge elephant, believed to be about 300 metres away from another herd, suddenly emerged from behind one of the journalists’ trucks.
The unexpected appearance created a tense moment, but Zimparks tour guide, Mr Owen Hunyani , to his credit, calmly guided the media crew and instilled confidence in the journalists to remain calm as they watched the massive animal from the safety of their truck.
The second encounter was even more dramatic when barely 100 kilometres away at a cave, a herd of elephants with young calves was feeding on the roadside, with the bulls blocking the way.
The crew waited for about 15 minutes patiently waiting for the animals to clear the way.
Several buffaloes were also close to the media crew, adding to the sense of anticipation.
Again, the steady presence and reassurance of Mr Hunyani helped keep the journalists composed, again.
For the media crew, the experience was more than a familiarisation tour.
It was a first-hand encounter with the untamed wilderness and rich biodiversity that Zimbabwe is seeking to harness for tourism growth, investment and employment.
