Thompsons Gives Zimbabwe The Thumbs Up

Thompsons Touring and Safaris has given Zimbabwe the thumbs up and announced plans to offer an 11-day tour of the country.

The decision follows a six-day investigative round trip of the country, from Harare across the Eastern Highlands via Bulawayo, through to Victoria Falls.

Thompsons Touring and Safaris gm, Angela Shackleford, sales and marketing manager Karen O’Reilly and senior contracts co-ordinator, Michelle Lazarus, whose objective was to assess the viability of offering an overland tour in Zimbabwe, described it as a beautiful country, rich in magnificent scenery and with warm and friendly people.

The group reported back that roads were generally very good and, although they were few, roadside toilets and facilities were very acceptable and clean. The many roadblocks were not intimidating and involved routine checking of driver and vehicle licences by police officers.

Accommodation throughout was clean and an orientation tour of Harare showed well-stocked shops and malls. There were also a lot of signs of construction, a good indication of a positive move in the economy.

In a statement, Thompsons said it had a solid infrastructure in the country already, with professionally trained eloquent guides and a fleet of well-maintained vehicles.

“Our guides are totally versed in all aspects of political history, culture and geography and are looking forward to showcasing the positive changes that have already taken place here,” said Shackleford.

Thompsons will be launching its new overland programme early this year.