ATH at the 2025 Safari Show
It was a first for ATH to attend the Safari Show on 29 November this year - and it definitely lived up to its reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most dynamic platforms for building relationships, discovering opportunities, sharing knowledge and gaining a competitive edge in the tourism industry. This year’s event brought together an exciting mix of operators, innovators, creatives and conservation champions, each contributing to the diverse landscape of wildlife tourism.
For the Association for Tourism Hwange (ATH), the show offered a unique window into the pulse of the industry. It reaffirmed why showcasing and protecting the integrity of Zimbabwe's national parks in the Hwange region remains essential as we continue to protect and showcase ecosystems, water bodies, cultural heritage and support community development. The exhibitor list this year was nothing short of impressive. From iconic safari brands to rising pioneers, the show brought together the very best of Zimbabwe’s tourism sector and beyond including: Mana Pools Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Oasis, Machaba Safaris, Zambezi Cruise Safaris, Wilderness Destinations, Solar by Design, Leopard Forest Coffee Co., Travel and Leisure Magazine, Lighthouse Media, Untamed Knives Co., Wild Horizons, Wildlife Management Services, SageWood, Leaf & Green, Nzira Magazine, Fin & Feather, Patrick Mavros, Tiger Bay (Kariba), Otto Harry’s, ZPGA, Rediscover, Matusadona, Otto World, Nedbank, Mednet, HAC (Halsted Aviation Corporation Medical), Jacaranda Holidays, House of Legends, Aperol Cart, Moldon Total Foodservice Solutions, Abefoyle Lodge, and Elephant & Cheetah Experience among many others.
Each brought something unique from luxury safari experiences and conservation trailblazers to artisanal crafts, fine coffee, travel media, eco-friendly technology and adventure tourism.
One of the standout moments of the show was the presence of NAC, who showcased their helicopter, a crowd favourite and a powerful symbol of how aviation continues to support conservation, emergency response and tourism accessibility across Zimbabwe. Their presence reinforced the deep interdependence between wildlife protection and logistical capability.
The Safari Show is where strategic partnerships are born, collaborations are renewed and ideas turn into action. For ATH, conversations with operators, conservationists, service providers, and media partners highlighted critical shared interests:
- Sustainable tourism development
- Conservation financing and resource mobilisation
- Community-led tourism initiatives
- Marketing Zimbabwe as a premier safari destination
- Improving visitor experiences through training and innovation
The collective energy reminded us that Hwange’s future depends on a united industry that values both the wilderness and the people who protect it. Hwange stands as one of Africa’s last great wildlife frontiers, a landscape where elephants roam in vast herds, predators thrive and communities draw strength from their natural heritage. Our work and the work of our partners ensures that this legacy endures. The relationships formed at the Safari Show will shape future collaborations, conservation projects and tourism initiatives. ATH looks forward to working with the partners we met, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities that uplift the entire Hwange region. Together, we continue the journey to keep Hwange wild, resilient and unforgettable.