News / Local
Tourists flock to Victoria Falls despite misleading reports
29 Dec 2024 at 08:45hrs | Views
As the festive season unfolded, Victoria Falls, the heart of Zimbabwe's tourism industry, came alive with an influx of visitors from around the world, despite misleading rumors suggesting that the iconic waterfall was drying up. Tourists, along with a wave of returning Zimbabweans from the diaspora, flocked to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke That Thunders), reaffirming the destination's status as a top tourist hotspot.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry had anticipated a record-breaking year, expecting visitor numbers to reach close to 3 million, driven largely by the homecoming of Zimbabweans from abroad. From adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, gorge swings, and the "Flight of Angels" helicopter ride, to serene game drives, wildlife interactions, and breathtaking views of the Falls, the area provided something for every type of traveler.
Despite reports of reduced water levels, which is typical during the dry season, Victoria Falls remained a vibrant and thriving destination. Visitors enjoyed lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and thrilling experiences, with activities such as sunset cruises and tours of the Falls proving especially popular.
Misleading Rumors and Natural Flow Cycles
Rumors of Victoria Falls drying up circulated widely in the months leading up to the festive season, driven by fluctuations in the Zambezi River's water levels. However, these claims fail to reflect the true seasonal pattern of the river, which feeds the Falls. The Zambezi River naturally experiences fluctuating water levels, with lower flows between October and January due to the dry season. Water levels are expected to rise again in February, bringing the Falls back to its thunderous glory as the rainy season begins.
According to the Zambezi River Authority, current water levels are around 475.83 meters, slightly lower than the previous year's level of 477.16 meters, but still within the natural range. The river's flow dips below 1,000 cubic meters per second during the dry season, with water levels anticipated to peak at over 8,000 cubic meters per second between March and May.
Ephias Mambume, president of the Employers Association for Tourism and Safari Operators, shared that the festive season had brought a surge in local and regional tourism. "We have experienced around 80 to 90 percent occupancy, especially with regional visitors. Popular activities like sunset cruises and tours of the Victoria Falls have been fully booked," he said, emphasizing the vital role of local tourism.
A Robust Local Tourism Market
Local tourists were a significant presence this season, with many keen to experience the unique interactions with wildlife offered by attractions like the Elephant and Cheetah Experience. Marketing manager Janice Ncube noted that locals made up the majority of visitors, which helped mitigate what would otherwise have been a quiet season. "The local market has been amazing. If it wasn't for them, December would have been a low season for us," Ncube said.
The town also experienced high occupancy rates, particularly in AirBnBs and the Rainforest area, with operators reporting a bustling atmosphere. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, who spent time in Victoria Falls during the season, attributed the influx of visitors to effective marketing strategies and the "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" policy championed by President Mnangagwa.
"It shows that people love Zimbabwe and have been waiting to hear what's good about the country. The foreign policy of engagement and re-engagement that President Mnangagwa has been running for the past seven years is paying off," she said, noting the role of the Government's efforts in boosting tourism.
The festive season's success in Victoria Falls has demonstrated the destination's resilience and enduring appeal. While the dry season's lower water levels may be part of the natural cycle, they have not deterred the thousands of visitors who continue to flock to the area for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and the unique beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With water levels expected to rise again by late February, the Falls will soon return to their full glory, ensuring that Victoria Falls remains one of the world's top tourist destinations.
The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry had anticipated a record-breaking year, expecting visitor numbers to reach close to 3 million, driven largely by the homecoming of Zimbabweans from abroad. From adrenaline-pumping activities like bungee jumping, gorge swings, and the "Flight of Angels" helicopter ride, to serene game drives, wildlife interactions, and breathtaking views of the Falls, the area provided something for every type of traveler.
Despite reports of reduced water levels, which is typical during the dry season, Victoria Falls remained a vibrant and thriving destination. Visitors enjoyed lush landscapes, abundant wildlife, and thrilling experiences, with activities such as sunset cruises and tours of the Falls proving especially popular.
Misleading Rumors and Natural Flow Cycles
Rumors of Victoria Falls drying up circulated widely in the months leading up to the festive season, driven by fluctuations in the Zambezi River's water levels. However, these claims fail to reflect the true seasonal pattern of the river, which feeds the Falls. The Zambezi River naturally experiences fluctuating water levels, with lower flows between October and January due to the dry season. Water levels are expected to rise again in February, bringing the Falls back to its thunderous glory as the rainy season begins.
According to the Zambezi River Authority, current water levels are around 475.83 meters, slightly lower than the previous year's level of 477.16 meters, but still within the natural range. The river's flow dips below 1,000 cubic meters per second during the dry season, with water levels anticipated to peak at over 8,000 cubic meters per second between March and May.
A Robust Local Tourism Market
Local tourists were a significant presence this season, with many keen to experience the unique interactions with wildlife offered by attractions like the Elephant and Cheetah Experience. Marketing manager Janice Ncube noted that locals made up the majority of visitors, which helped mitigate what would otherwise have been a quiet season. "The local market has been amazing. If it wasn't for them, December would have been a low season for us," Ncube said.
The town also experienced high occupancy rates, particularly in AirBnBs and the Rainforest area, with operators reporting a bustling atmosphere. Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Barbara Rwodzi, who spent time in Victoria Falls during the season, attributed the influx of visitors to effective marketing strategies and the "Zimbabwe is Open for Business" policy championed by President Mnangagwa.
"It shows that people love Zimbabwe and have been waiting to hear what's good about the country. The foreign policy of engagement and re-engagement that President Mnangagwa has been running for the past seven years is paying off," she said, noting the role of the Government's efforts in boosting tourism.
The festive season's success in Victoria Falls has demonstrated the destination's resilience and enduring appeal. While the dry season's lower water levels may be part of the natural cycle, they have not deterred the thousands of visitors who continue to flock to the area for a mix of adventure, relaxation, and the unique beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. With water levels expected to rise again by late February, the Falls will soon return to their full glory, ensuring that Victoria Falls remains one of the world's top tourist destinations.
Source - the chronicle
