Story by Tichaona Kurewa
TOURISM players in Hwange National Park are expanding facilities and introducing new activities following a marked surge in visitor numbers, signalling renewed momentum for one of Zimbabwe’s flagship destinations.
Operators in the Matabeleland North Province park, one of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, are diversifying their offerings and investing in new infrastructure, including conference facilities, to meet growing demand from both leisure and business travellers.
Association for Tourism Hwange coordinator Ms Shamar Mawoko said the expansion drive is aimed at enhancing capacity and broadening the park’s appeal.
“We have Gwango Heritage Resort, which is constructing a conference facility with a capacity of up to 250 people. We also have Gobello Farm, which offers farm tours to international visitors, locals and students. There has been a noticeable increase in tourism activities within the park, and this has encouraged us to expand our facilities,” she said.
Ms Mawoko expressed confidence that the ongoing developments would attract even more visitors and contribute to national economic growth.
“As we move forward, we expect to welcome more tourists, which will assist in the development of Zimbabwe and further strengthen the tourism sector,” she said.
Director of Kakori Conservation, Mr Dave Bennette, said global travel trends are shifting towards immersive experiences that go beyond traditional game viewing.
“There is increasing demand for travel to remote destinations where visitors can engage with local cultures. This is a growing trend in the tourism industry. If we can tap into that by providing opportunities for tourists not only to see wildlife, but also to interact with communities and local artisans, it will add significant value to the overall tourism model,” he said.
Renowned for its rich biodiversity, including the Big Five, Hwange National Park remains a major drawcard for domestic and international tourists, with the latest investments positioning the destination to capitalise on rising global interest in experiential and sustainable tourism.
