New tourism complex for Hwange National Park

Construction commenced on a tourism complex at Hwange National Park, expected to improve security and re-ignite the tourism potential of Zimbabwe’s largest protected area.

The 3-D renderings of the multi-use main entrance gate and visitor centre of Hwange National Park are captivating to behold.

The construction of the complex at Hwange’s main entrance gate received the green light from Zimbabwe’s Minister for Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Mangaliso Ndlovu. It is the latest activity in
the 25-year partnership between ZimParks and IFAW to support wildlife conservation in Hwange National Park, home to 45,000 elephants and other critical biodiversity.

Expected to be completed in June 2024, the mixed-use development features a shop that offers traditional and locally crafted items, as well as a visitor centre where the Hwange culture can be exhibited and promoted. It also contains an educational museum, a library, and a computer room for local youth.

All of these elements are designed to create a space for heritage tourism and to teach visitors about the history and culture of the area.Speaking at an event to officially launch the project, Hon. Mangaliso Ndlovu, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, said the complex would significantly improve the visitor experience at Zimbabwe’s flagship park.

“This new complex will greatly increase the visibility of Hwange National Park, improve the visitor experience, enhance security and help reposition the park as a competitive and must-visit destination,” said Ndlovu.
Since 2019, the ZimParks-IFAW conservation partnership has concentrated on improving park infrastructure, uplifting community livelihoods, strengthening law enforcement, and developing tourism.

“IFAW’s long-term partnership with ZimParks is to transform Hwange NP into a well-managed and well-protected park that can serve as a haven for wildlife and an economic engine for Zimbabwe,” says Alleta Nyahuye, IFAW’s Director for Zimbabwe.

“As we forge ahead with this important mission of restoring Hwange NP to its former glory, we are excited about the journey ahead and remain optimistic that our interventions will contribute to the recovery and growth of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector.”

Earlier this year, the partnership between IFAW and ZimParks was extended for 25 years, with an expected investment of USD 50 million.

The new complex will serve as a high-security checkpoint with smart-camera technology systems to fortify efforts to prevent the illegal trafficking of wildlife products.

As part of the tourism development interventions, the ZimParks and IFAW

have supported the scooping
of Nyamandlovu Pan, a critical waterhole for wildlife and a key tourist attraction, upgraded Mandabvu picnic site and has refurbished guest accommodation lodges at Hwange Main Camp.

Hwange National Park is part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA),
the world’s largest trans-frontier conservation area, established to promote conservation and tourism development.

Text by Martin Chemhere

From DESTINATION ZW EDITION 7