Cox & Kings returns to Zimbabwe after 10 years

Cox & Kings is reintroducing holidays to Zimbabwe this summer after a 10 year break.

The upmarket tour operator feels the African country has stabilised sufficiently since the 2008 elections and political power sharing agreements and is offering escorted group tours and tailormade travel.

Zimbabwe has previously been racked by economic and political upheaval since President Robert Mugabe’s controversial white farm seizures began in 2000.

Trips to Zimbabwe were last offered by Cox & Kings in 2002.

A spokeswoman said the move was in response to staff visits and demand from clients.

She said: " It’s not going to change dramatically until a Government change but things are stabilising."

Cox & Kings’ Africa product manager, Louise Stanion said: "We have chosen to work with partners who help their local communities and ensure that the vast majority of the money earned from tourism goes into the hands of the people who really need it." 

The operator said tourism hasn’t reached its pre-2000 levels but safari-goers are beginning to return in significant numbers.

It added that in an attempt to get Zimbabwe back on the map, the lodges and camps are offering prices of exceptionally good value.