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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Lifestyle Writer
Once again it is that time of the year when everyone wants to unwind from the hectic demands of the long year and make time with family, friends and anyone else who will be in the mood to merry make.
It also is that time when Christians celebrate the birth of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was crucified to redeem humanity from the claws of the devil before he resurrected and ascended to heaven.
With all the fun that characterises Christmas, it means people will without doubt be out to explore the corners, nooks and crannies of the world – places which will make their holidays memorable and worthwhile in a way that leaves their colleagues green with envy when the holiday is over and they recount their holiday escapades when they meet at the workplace.
For those still in primary and high school, the obvious subject they will go for when they are given an essay will be: “The Holiday I will Never Forget.”
This is so because they would have travelled to some of these areas and places of interest.
Which also leads to the question: What would be your ideal place this festive season?
Most people prefer travelling to tourist resorts during the festive season while others visit their relatives in rural areas.
Those going to tourist destinations can select from an array of attractive places in the country that include Victoria Falls, Kariba, Great Zimbabwe, Nyanga, Vumba, Mazvikadei among others.
Victoria Falls
It is clear that people never have enough of this spectacular resort which is one of the world’s best natural wonders.
This is the reason why it attracts world tourists while locals also never have enough of it.
To some locals, this place of wonder is a new destination and year in year out they are always yearning to make it to the place of “The Smoke that Thunders” and eventually when their stars smile on them by way of their annual budget allowing them to travel there, then it is obvious that they will love their experience there.
These were the words of Judith Maworere, a mother of three who says she will try by all means to respond to requests by her daughters to take them to the scenic resort town, considering that airfares and booking prices have been slashed.
Kariba
Although water levels have gone low in Lake Kariba, the destination remains one of the best in the country and offers various holiday activities on and off the lake.
Kariba town provides accommodation in various hotels and lodges.
There are two casinos in the town and several restaurants.
Many of the attractions in Kariba for the tourist are water-based. Fishing, game-viewing and house-boating are the most popular activities.
A visit to the Kariba Dam wall is also impressive along with a visit to the crocodile farm.
Many people come to Kariba to experience the beauty of the lake which affords spectacular sunsets, watersports and good fishing.
Nyanga
There are many things to see and do in Nyanga. Perhaps the most popular tourist destination in the area is the National Park where tourists can experience outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and fishing.
There are different camp sites in the National Park. There are many different paths which lead to ancient ruins and pristine waterfalls. The trails are relatively easy so anyone can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Bring a camera so you can take plenty of photos of the things you see during the hike.
There are more than five different rivers running through the National Park. Different species of trout are in abundance, especially rainbow trout. A fishing licence can be acquired upon paying the entrance fee.
People also enjoy horse riding in Nyanga and there are various trails for this activity. Nyanga also has a number of hotels, lodges and restaurants.
Masvingo – Great Zimbabwe
To those who failed to utilise company trips and business conferences to either go to Victoria Falls or Great Zimbabwe, the festive season provides them with a chance to do it out of their pocket, with the icing on the cake being the pleasure of doing it with their family.
“Of course, there are some good out-of-the-madding-crowd hotels, leisure centres and lodges that you can find ideal homely, hospitable and cosy while you wait for your next escapade to the Great Zimbabwe,” said one tour guide who has been with visitors on tours for years in Masvingo.
Domboramwari Balancing Rocks, Damview Hotel and Chivero Lakeside View
For lovers of nature, these three places, based in Epworth, Chitungwiza and Norton, provide local people with the not-so-far-away places of interest where they can go with their families and have a time of their life and still have the same pleasure as their buddies who would have travelled to far-flung and pocket-boring places like Victoria Falls, among others.
“These places which are a few minutes’ drive from your place of residence, accord you to budget well for the whole family and return home with loads of change which will help in covering for your domestic demands after you would have fulfilled the whims of your kids,” noted Irene Madhake of Harare.
Go Rural
“While most of the above-mentioned places seem to be stylish places to visit this festive season, there is however the need for one to reconnect with their rural places as a way of solidifying ties,” said Nathaniel Kaponda of Unit G in Chitungwiza.
Nathaniel – or “Sekuru Masa” as he is fondly called in social circles – also hastened to put in a word of advice to party-goers and clubbers to cherish their God-given life, saying some of the wild parties that some of these people ended up indulging in cost them their lives leading to premature deaths before the curtain had come down on the year.
“Shun wild behaviour and one of my best advices is to go to your rural areas and spend quality time with your parents, relatives, extended family or buddies who are good at controlling your behaviour,” said Sekuru Masa.
Theatre Treat
Of course, there are these musical shows that are taking place during this festive season and most people do not want to be left out. Then for theatre buffs, there are those theatre works that will be staged around this time and it a time for people to go out and enjoy them.
The Church
This was said by gospel musician Amos Mahendere. The “Psalms 23” hit-maker says to him the festive season – especially Christmas time, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, are always special in his heart and in that vein he always tries to balance his itinerary between church and family commitments.
“One of the best places that my family and me will be at this festive season will be at church since they (UFI Ministries) have a number of conventions and gatherings for believers lined-up. From church, I then make sure that I will be with the extended family and then take my wife and kids to those places they like most,” Mahendere said.
He hastened to note that this period however, does not stop him from working on his musical career which he said is God ordained.
Well the list is endless on what to do this festive season but better start planning.
Online Reporter