BULAWAYO – Zimbabwe says it will re-open the Victoria Falls and Kazungula border posts to fully-vaccinated tourists after the leisure hub vaccinated 77 percent of its population against Covid-19.
Zimbabwe’s land borders have been closed for general travel since January except for the movement of goods and returning citizens. Foreigners are also permitted to leave.
Airports have remained open.
Ministers on Tuesday said tourism services companies in Victoria Falls had requested that the two main borders near the town be re-opened for tourists.
“Cabinet acceded to a request by the tourism industry to open the Victoria Falls and Kazungula border posts to tourists who are fully vaccinated. This is in view of the realisation that over 60 percent of the population in Victoria Falls has been vaccinated,” information minister Monica Mutsvangwa told journalists after a cabinet meeting.
Tourism companies have been hit hard by the extended lockdowns since the virus was first detected in Zimbabwe in March last year.
The world-famous Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s main tourist draw with a range of offerings including the rainforest and waterfall, white water rafting, game drives, bungee jumping and boat cruises.
The government hopes its vaccination drive in the town has achieved herd immunity, which occurs when a large enough portion of the community becomes immune to a disease, making the spread unlikely. Once that level is reached – either through vaccinations or infection – even non-vaccinated individuals, including newborns or those with chronic illnesses, are offered some protection because the disease has little opportunity to spread.
