Sustainable tourism in Zimbabwe A Better Way To Enjoy Your Travel

Sustainable tourism is a fairly recent concept; it’s very different to the older concept of tourism whereby travellers would stay in luxury accommodation, view the sites (usually with a tour guide) and have very little contact with the local people, culture lifestyle and food.

According to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) sustainable tourism “refers to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions”. Similarly, the World Tourism Organization defines sustainable tourism as “tourism that takes full account of its current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, the industry, the environment and host communities”.

Closely linked, but subtly different, are Ecotourism and Responsible Travel. Ecotourism is a specialised segment of tourism in natural areas while Responsible Travel refers to the behaviour and actions of travellers that has a positive impact for the destination and the locals.

It has been said that the three pillars of sustainable tourism are people, planet and profit. People refers to the whole of the local society and culture including those within the tourism industry and outside it affected by tourism.

It refers to decent accommodation both for workers and the surrounding community, fair wages, and suitable training and development and good labour relationships. Planet refers to environmental issues like minimal pollution, wise use of resources, sourcing and supporting local suppliers, recycling and waste management. Profit refers to the financial viability of the tourism business so that fair wages can be paid and local industries supported for the benefit of the community.

Tourism with a conscience can support schools, clinics and local infrastructure, provided funds are available. All forms of tourism have the potential to be sustainable (and profitable) if planned, developed and managed properly. Furthermore, sustainable tourism can enhance and enrich the tourists’ experience.

The Zimbabwean economy benefits greatly from both local and international tourism and post-Covid the tourism industry is once again booming but many travellers are looking for a different type of experience. African Bush Camps in conjunction with the African Bush Camps Foundation offers truly sustainable tourism options. The organisation was founded in 2006 by Beks Ndlovu, a Zimbabwean professional guide with the aim of providing unique, tailor made safari experiences that are sustainable and benefit local communities and the environment.

African Bush Camps operate across Zambia and Botswana with their main focus being Zimbabwe. Most
of their camp sites are found around Zimbabwe’s two World Heritage sites, Victoria Falls and Mana Pools, and they also have camps in Matusadona (Lake Kariba) and Matopos. Their award winning collection of lodges and camps offer authentic safari experiences as well as luxury accommodation for the most discerning traveller.

The Foundation aims to create sustainable solutions for the neighbouring communities through projects that support and enable them as well as the preservation and enhancement of surrounding wildlife areas and natural landscape through conservation programmes.

Projects deal with local issues like food scarcity through agricultural training, dealing with unemployment through education and supporting school infrastructure, improved health services, human- and wildlife co-existence, poaching and conservation.

The Foundation is funded by the African Bush Camps safaris whereby for every night spent in camp USD10 is contributed to the Foundation’s operating costs. They have also partnered with various travel agents and safari operators as well as conservation communities who assist with the implementation of projects, and other NGOs including The Global Development based in Australia for international funding.

Just a few of their safari packages include the Learner Development Safari where tourists have the opportunity to visit schools and observe or volunteer. The Authentic Zimbabwe Safari offers the chance to see a selection of wildlife and breath-taking landscapes as well as experiencing the lifestyle and cultural heritage of local communities.

The Heritage of Zimbabwe Safari allows tourists to experience the rich history, heritage and culture of Zimbabwe in the Hwange National Park and the Matopos Hills – two of their most prestigious camps.

Many other safari options are available for personalised and exclusive experiences to suit individual preferences.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority recently bestowed a Gold Green Tourism Award to two of African Bush Camps’ properties – Somalisa and Somalisa Acacia – both situated in Hwange National Park.

It’s good to know that sustainable tourism is gaining in popularity and is being recognised as great tourism option – as it should be.

Text: Michael Nott

From: Destination ZW Issue 11