DMC Directory
Ground handlers and destination management companies
FAM Trips
Familiarization tour opportunities
Trade Support
Agent rates, marketing materials, and assistance
Why Sell Zimbabwe?
Key Selling Points for Your Clients:
- Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Natural Wonders - a bucket-list destination
- Exceptional Safari: Hwange, Mana Pools - intimate wildlife experiences without the crowds
- Value: Excellent quality across all budget levels
- Authenticity: Less commercialized than other African destinations
- Accessibility: English-speaking, USD currency, stable tourism infrastructure
- Combination Trips: Easy to combine with Botswana, Zambia, South Africa
- Premium safari seekers looking beyond Kenya/Tanzania
- Adventure travelers wanting more than just game drives
- Cultural explorers interested in Great Zimbabwe and local heritage
- Honeymooners seeking romantic, exclusive experiences
DMC & Ground Handler Directory
Premier DMCs (Full-Service Destination Management)
Africa Albida Tourism
Specialties: Victoria Falls, luxury lodges, corporate groups
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Ngoma Safari Lodge
- Full DMC services
- MICE and incentive specialist
- Web: africaalbidatourism.com
- Email: reservations@africaalbida.co.zw
- Phone: +263 83 284 4566
Wild Horizons
Specialties: Activities, transfers, adventure tourism
- Victoria Falls activities operator
- Transfers and ground logistics
- Safari camps and tours
- Web: wildhorizons.co.zw
- Email: res@wildhorizons.co.zw
- Phone: +263 83 284 4571
African Bush Camps
Specialties: Luxury safari camps, private concessions
- Camps in Hwange, Mana Pools, Zambezi
- High-end clientele
- Full safari circuit planning
- Web: africanbushcamps.com
- Email: enquiries@africanbushcamps.com
- Phone: +263 24 288 0000
Wilderness Safaris
Specialties: Premium ecotourism, conservation-focused
- Luxury camps across Zimbabwe
- Conservation and community programs
- Multi-country itineraries
- Web: wilderness-safaris.com
- Email: enquiry@wilderness.co.zw
- Phone: +263 24 288 2842
Specialized Operators
Safari Specialists
Safari Specialists
Imvelo Safari Lodges
- Hwange National Park specialist
- Community-owned lodges
- Contact: +263 83 284 4567 | imvelosafarilodges.com
- Mana Pools walking safari experts
- Authentic bush experiences
- Contact: +263 772 127 128 | goliathsafaris.com
- Luxury lodges Hwange, Victoria Falls
- Contact: +263 83 284 4566 | hideaways-africa.com
Adventure & Activities Operators
Adventure & Activities Operators
Shearwater Adventures
- Full Victoria Falls activities
- Rafting, bungee, cruises, flights
- Contact: +263 83 284 4471 | shearwateradventures.com
- Victoria Falls activities and transfers
- Chobe day trips
- Contact: +263 83 284 4424 | safpar.com
- Scenic flights Victoria Falls
- Contact: +263 83 284 4428
Cultural & Special Interest
Cultural & Special Interest
Great Zimbabwe Tours
- Historical and cultural tours
- Great Zimbabwe specialist
- Contact through local agents
- Mountain and hiking specialists
- Birdwatching, botanical interests
- Various local operators available
MICE & Corporate Specialists
MICE & Corporate Specialists
Africa Albida Tourism
- Conference and incentive experts
- Victoria Falls venues
- Contact: mice@africaalbida.co.zw
- Official MICE support
- Venue sourcing assistance
- Contact through Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Transfer & Ground Logistics
| Company | Services | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Horizons Transfers | Vic Falls transfers, Hwange shuttles | +263 83 284 4571 |
| Safari Par Excellence | All Victoria Falls transfers | +263 83 284 4424 |
| UTC (United Touring Company) | Nationwide ground transport | +263 24 279 0793 |
| Express Motorways | Coach services | +263 24 275 1631 |
FAM Trip Opportunities
Familiarization Tours
Why Do a Zimbabwe FAM?
- Experience the product first-hand
- Build relationships with local operators
- Create compelling sales content
- Understand logistics and client expectations
- Through Consortia: Major consortia (Virtuoso, Signature, etc.) organize Zimbabwe FAMs
- Operator FAMs: Many DMCs offer agent FAMs - contact directly
- ZTA Trade Events: Zimbabwe Tourism Authority hosts periodic trade visits
- Self-FAM: Negotiate reduced rates with operators for site inspections
- Accommodation at partner properties
- Activities and experiences
- Transfers and logistics
- Meals (often full board)
- Site inspections at multiple properties
- Active travel agent credentials
- Demonstrated Zimbabwe selling potential
- Social media/marketing commitment
- Often require minimum booking commitment
Upcoming Trade Events
Key Industry Events:Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo
- Zimbabwe’s premier tourism trade show
- Held annually in Bulawayo (September/October)
- Hosted by Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
- Pre-arranged meetings with suppliers
- FAM trip extensions available
- Durban, South Africa (May)
- Regional trade show with Zimbabwe exhibitors
- Good for meeting multiple suppliers
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority exhibits
- Meet operators and lodges
- Email: trade@zimbabwetourism.net
- Web: zimbabwetourism.net
Trade Support & Resources
Accessing Trade Rates
How Agent/Trade Rates Work:Most Zimbabwe operators offer trade rates (typically 10-20% commission or net rates):
- Register with Operators: Complete trade registration with each supplier
- Provide Credentials: IATA/ASTA number, business registration, references
- Access Rates: Via agent portals, rate sheets, or direct quotes
- Terms Vary: Each operator has different policies
- Valid travel agent license/registration
- Proof of bonding/insurance
- Business registration documents
- Minimum booking volumes (sometimes)
- Build relationships with key DMCs
- Attend trade shows to establish connections
- Consider a receptive operator for one-stop shopping
- Ask about override commissions for volume
Marketing Materials
Downloadable Resources
Available Through Zimbabwe Tourism Authority:
- Destination brochures
- Image library (high-resolution)
- Video content
- Maps and infographics
- Fact sheets by region
- Visit zimbabwetourism.net
- Email marketing@zimbabwetourism.net
- Request at trade shows
- Property fact sheets
- Rate sheets
- Images for marketing
- Sample itineraries
- Training materials
- High-res images (cleared for marketing use)
- Logo files
- Social media content
- Video clips
Training & Certification
Become a Zimbabwe Specialist
Training Options:Online Training:
- Some operators offer online agent training modules
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority developing specialist program
- Webinars hosted by major DMCs
- FAM trips with educational component
- Site inspections
- Product training during trade shows
- This website - comprehensive destination knowledge
- Operator websites and brochures
- Travel trade publications
- Client reviews and feedback
- Confidence when selling
- Client trust
- Access to specialist rates/FAMs
- Marketing differentiation
Booking & Reservations
How to Book
Booking Channels:
-
Direct with Operators:
- Email reservations teams
- Use agent portals where available
- Phone for complex requests
-
Through DMC/Receptive:
- One contact for complete packages
- Local expertise and support
- Often better rates for multi-component bookings
-
Online Booking Systems:
- Some operators on Tourplan, Wetu, etc.
- Real-time availability where available
- Request quote with client requirements
- Receive proposal and rates
- Confirm booking with deposit
- Provide rooming list and flight details
- Final payment per terms
- Receive final documentation
Payment Terms
Typical Payment Terms:
Payment Methods:
| Component | Deposit | Final Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Safari Lodges | 20-50% | 30-60 days before |
| Hotels | First night or 10% | 14-30 days before |
| Activities | Sometimes prepaid | On confirmation |
| Transfers | Varies | With accommodation |
- Bank transfer (most common for trade)
- Credit card (higher fees, some accept)
- Trade credit (established accounts)
- Most rates quoted in USD
- Some operators quote per person sharing
- Clarify single supplement, child rates
- Varies by operator and season
- Peak season: stricter terms
- Safari lodges: typically stricter than hotels
- Always clarify before confirming
Group & MICE Business
Group Travel Support
Group Services Available:
- Custom itinerary planning
- Group rates and allocations
- Series bookings
- Exclusive-use buyouts
- Special interest groups (birding, photo, etc.)
- Conference venues in Victoria Falls and Harare
- Incentive programs
- Team building activities
- Gala dinners and special events
- Full DMC support
- Book early (6-12 months for peak season)
- Request group rates for 10+ pax
- Consider exclusive-use for lodges
- Plan shoulder season for better value
- Get written confirmation of all inclusions
- Africa Albida Tourism (Victoria Falls specialist)
- Wild Horizons (activities and logistics)
- Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (venue assistance)
Selling Tips & Client FAQs
How to Position Zimbabwe vs. Competitors
How to Position Zimbabwe vs. Competitors
Against Kenya/Tanzania:
- More intimate, less crowded safari experience
- Walking safaris and canoe safaris (unique)
- Better value at luxury level
- Victoria Falls as anchor attraction
- More affordable (similar quality)
- More variety (falls, ruins, mountains)
- Easier combination options
- More authentic safari experience
- Victoria Falls vs. no equivalent
- Less commercial/tourist-developed
Common Client Concerns & Responses
Common Client Concerns & Responses
“Is Zimbabwe safe?”
Zimbabwe has been politically stable for tourism, and tourist areas are well-managed and secure. Victoria Falls and safari areas have excellent safety records.“What about the economy/currency?”
Tourists use US Dollars - the local currency situation doesn’t affect travelers. Major hotels and lodges operate to international standards.“Is it expensive?”
Zimbabwe offers excellent value across all levels. Mid-range options are particularly good value compared to Botswana and East Africa.“What about medical facilities?”
Private clinics in major areas, evacuation coverage included in good travel insurance. Victoria Falls has reliable medical services.
Best Seller Itineraries
Best Seller Itineraries
The Classic (7-10 days):
Victoria Falls (3 nights) → Hwange (3 nights) → Optional extensionVictoria Falls + Botswana (7 days):
Victoria Falls (3 nights) → Chobe (2-3 nights)Safari Circuit (10-14 days):
Victoria Falls → Hwange → Mana Pools → HarareHistory & Culture (7 days):
Harare → Great Zimbabwe → Eastern Highlands → Victoria Falls
Seasonal Selling Calendar
Seasonal Selling Calendar
Peak (July-October): Best wildlife, highest demand, book early
Shoulder (May-June, November): Great value, good conditions
Green (December-April): Low rates, lush scenery, Victoria Falls peak flowKey Booking Windows:
- Peak season: 6-12 months ahead
- Shoulder: 3-6 months ahead
- Green season: Shorter lead times possible
Contact & Support
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority
Trade Inquiries:
- Email: trade@zimbabwetourism.net
- Phone: +263 24 275 8730
- Web: zimbabwetourism.net
This Website
Zimbabwe Travel Information:
- Email: business@travel-info.co.zw
- Web: travel-info.co.zw
Agent Registration
Register for Trade Updates
Stay informed about:
- New product launches
- Special agent offers
- FAM trip opportunities
- Trade event invitations
- Destination updates
Last updated: January 2025