Boost to domestic tourism as Fastjet introduces Kariba, Hwange flights

HARARE – Low cost air carrier, Fastjet is set to launch domestic flights to the country’s tourist resorts of Kariba and Hwange National Park beginning March 2023.

The flights will be from Harare and Victoria Falls to Kariba Airport and Hwange National Park Airport.

In a statement, Fastjet Zimbabwe spokesperson Nunurai Ndawana said the planned additional routes are expected to offer connections for travellers from Harare and Victoria Falls to the country’s prime tourism destinations.

“We continue to demonstrate our commitment to the growth of tourism and the sustainability of air services in the markets we serve. The addition of these leisure destinations will greatly support our vision.

“We intend to align our timings to schedule our flights in such a way that we offer customers the flexibility and convenience of multiple frequencies per day,” Ndawana said.

Fastjet Zimbabwe chief commercial officer Vivian Ruwuya said the airline would continue exploring ways to expand the domestic flight network.

“We are delighted to announce that our new flights to Hwange and Kariba from our tourism hub of Victoria Falls and our Harare base, will be supported with onward connections on Mack Air / South West Aviation into the Hwange National Park, the lodges of the Kariba eastern basin and the camps and operations in Mana Pools and the lower Zambezi.

“The introduction of flights to Kariba and Hwange now allows visitors in Victoria Falls to explore the wonder of Zimbabwe further by visiting both Hwange National Park and enjoy some time on Lake Kariba with its varied activities of game viewing, boating and fishing,” Ruwuya said.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Head of Corporate Affairs Godfrey Koti welcomed the development saying it was going to boost domestic tourism.

“It’s a very big thing for us; remember we have got the Zimbho campaign that we were running which is a domestic tourism campaign. So, when access is increased, it really works better for us. It gives us the impetus to continue marketing.

“We are elated, we are happy. It’s a sign that these local players are taking up the government approach which includes the national tourism growth recovery strategy,” he said.