This weekend, I found myself immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of The Safari Show, Zimbabwe’s premier showcase of our safari heritage and tourism industry. It was a gathering alive with energy, ideas, and celebration, a true festival of what makes Zimbabwe’s wilderness experiences world-renowned.

The event was officiated by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, who spoke passionately about the strategic importance of safari within Zimbabwe’s Nature and Wildlife Cluster. She reminded us that this cluster is the country’s best-performing tourism segment, contributing nearly 80% of Zimbabwe’s tourism economy, a powerful testament to the role safari plays in sustaining livelihoods, conservation, and national identity.

Walking through the exhibition halls felt like embarking on a safari of its own. Each stand was a different landscape, brimming with creativity and ambition. The thrill of the day was not only in the speeches and the atmosphere, but in seeing some of our very own clients represented among the stands. To mention but a few: Shades Ahead, Robin’s Camp, and Postcard Africa – as it offered a modern, stylish take on timeless safari experiences, they all brought their unique flair to the show.

The theme this year was animal print, and it was embraced wholeheartedly. Leopard spots, zebra stripes, and giraffe patterns adorned outfits, banners, and decor, transforming the venue into a playful homage to the wild. Guests showed up and showed off, turning the show into a parade of safari chic that blended fun with flair. Just as the bush teems with wildlife, the event teemed with partnerships, opportunities, and shared vision.

The Safari Show may not have cliffs or rivers, but it has its own grandeur: the grandeur of a nation showcasing its wild heart to the world.