AS the world celebrates World Tourism Day on September 27 under the theme Tourism & Sustainable Transformation, the Victoria Falls Safari Collection (operated by Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group) is proud to play its part in conservation efforts in Zimbabwe.
Yesterday, the group hosted the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) Fundraising Golf Day at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club in Harare.
The annual event is the largest fundraiser for VFAPU, a non-profit dedicated to the protection of wildlife and natural habitats in the Victoria Falls region.
Founded in 1999 by local conservationist Charles Brightman and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Victoria Falls Safari Collection’s flagship property), VFAPU is at the forefront of protecting Victoria Falls’ wildlife through 24/7 anti-poaching patrols and community conservation awareness programmes.
The golf day is critical to VFAPU’s operations, as the unit relies entirely on donations to fund its work.
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“The connection between tourism and conservation is undeniable. Without wildlife and well-preserved natural environments, tourism cannot thrive,” said Anald Musonza, Victoria Falls Safari Collection’s head of sales and marketing.
“By supporting VFAPU, we are protecting one of Zimbabwe’s greatest assets, its wildlife, which is vital to the future of sustainable tourism.”
Nathan Webb, general manager of the Wildlife Conservation Coalition, echoed Musonza’s sentiments, saying: “VFAPU is a great example of how tourism operators and conservationists can collaborate to bring about meaningful impact.
“Events like the VFAPU golf day not only provide essential funding but also raise awareness of the important role every individual and organisation can play in protecting Zimbabwe’s wildlife for future generations.”
The Wildlife Conservation Coalition was formed in 2023 through the merger of VFAPU and The Bhejane Trust, allowing for the pooling of resources and expertise and uniting conservation efforts in the region to achieve greater success
The VFAPU fundraising golf day brings together corporate sponsors, golfers, and conservation supporters for a day of sport and camaraderie to protect the wildlife heritage that makes Victoria Falls one of the world’s most iconic destinations.
VFAPU’s mandate is to minimise poaching activities in its area of patrol, as well as to rescue and rehabilitate animals injured by human interference.
The unit, which works in close co-operation with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, Victoria Falls City Council and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has 15 full-time scouts actively patrolling an area of approximately 50 square kilometres surrounding Victoria Falls.
Patrols operate day and night, seven days a week.
As the world celebrates World Tourism Day, Victoria Falls Safari Collection is committed to continuing to drive conservation programmes and protecting the natural heritage of the region for future generations.
The Victoria Falls Safari Collection incorporates Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Safari Spa, The Boma — Dinner & Drum Show, and Queen Nandi Place, all set on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, just 4km from the Victoria Falls.— Victoria Falls Safari Collection