70 tourists arrive in the country for classic safari challenge | The Herald

via LATEST: 70 tourists arrive in the country for classic safari challenge | The Herald May 13, 2014 by Thupeyo Muleya

A total of 70 tourists from across the globe arrived in the country through Beitbridge border post yesterday in 28 vintage cars. The convoy arrived at the border post at around mid morning and were welcomed by officials from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) who facilitated their smooth passage with the assistance of the departments of Immigration and the Zimbabwe Revenue Services.

They then made a stopover at the Rainbow Beitbridge Hotel where they had some snacks before proceeding with their journey to Matopo National Park.

The group will spend three days in Zimbabwe at various tourists such as Matopo National Park and Victoria Falls as part of the Classic Safari Challenge which started in Cape Town in South Africa.

Event coordinator Vincent Taylor said they started in Cape Town before proceeding to Swaziland.

Taylor said they will be touring game parks and other tourist attraction centres in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia before returning to South Africa.

“We have a group of 70 tourists from countries including Britain, Switzerland and Australia. Basically the Classic Safari Challenge is about having fun driving in old cars especially those manufactured in the 1920s.

“We are touring five countries in Southern Africa this year,” he said.

He said the safari, which was sponsored by Endura Rally Association, is held once every two years.

Taylor said they have toured South Africa five times adding that it was their first visit to Zimbabwe this year.

He added that the group had brought their vehicles from their various countries of origin.

He said from their experience at the border post and the general public they were very confident that Zimbabweans were hospitable people.

“Our experience in the country will help us recommend other tourists to visit Zimbabwe on the same safari or on private visits. We are looking forward to a good time in this country,” said Taylor.