Dunhuramambo, rebranded to Zambezi Cruise and Safaris has set its sight on fully exploiting the local market to cushion itself from the depressed international market affected by the current economic problems facing the country.
Speaking to 263Chat, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris Marketing Manager, Victor Mubiana said the economic situation in Zimbabwe has reduced the number of tourists in the country hence their decision to shift to the local market which has helped them survive the turbulent economic period.
“Strategically we have shifted to the local market and that has helped us survive. We do conferences, weddings, day trips and all of these are popular giving us 80% local tourism,
“With the new outlook and optimism in the economy, we had already started investing in the Zambezi area with two lodges currently under construction in Kariba and a fleet of 5 houseboats cruising between Binga and Kariba,
“We are playing our part in awakening that side of tourism. We also have Masumu lodge in Binga as a way of connecting Victoria Falls and Kariba,” said Mubiana.
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris is Zimbabwe’s largest houseboats owner with a fleet that includes the stunning Umbozha/Karabezi as well as the newly refurbished Shikra.
They also have a number of orphaned wild animals that live freely in and around the lodges creating unique close up wildlife encounters.
Speaking at a Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) domestic tourism tour of Chengeta and Pamuzinda lodge last week, Zambezi Cruise and Safaris Adminstration Manager, Admire Mukono said they are running corporate social responsibility programmes including ensuring that children in the local community go to school.
“Zambezi Cruise and Safaris has been working hard over the past 10 years to ensure that children in our local community have a school to go to, the primary school currently has 460 students with the secondary school under construction and due to be completed whereby we will be educating 1000 primary and secondary students,
“We educate the children at subsidized rates and most of the staff here are local people and we offer them accommodation that comes with lighting and water,” added Mukono.
Zambezi Cruise and Safaris has further plans and dreams to build a clinic, supply electricity to each classroom and teachers homes, build a computer room with internet access, as well as a metal and woodwork block and a farming training facility.
