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Monica Cheru-Mpambawashe Lifestyle Editor
So many resolutions broken and so many objectives unachieved, yet the year draws to its inexorable end. But there have been milestones reached and peaks conquered. And to get that far there have been hundreds of hours of effort and a million seconds of tense moments. So a well-deserved break is on the cards and the only question now should be; where to go?

The word is out that domestic tourism is the in thing and it is time to explore Zimbabwe and get to know our lovely country.
Must go destinations include Victoria Falls where you can bungee jump, peer down at the falls from a balloon or a helicopter, get flipped into the Zambezi from a white water raft, river board, kayak, fish, ride elephants, go game viewing, dive with crocodiles, enjoy ethnic dances, take a cruise, gamble in the casinos or dance the night away. That is if the wonder of a walk through the rainforest to stand in awe before the mighty Mosi-oa-tunya is not enough for you.

Bulawayo, the city of royalty, offers many places where one can put up in varying degrees of comfort as you venture forth to places like the Khami Ruins. A must go place is the Matopos where you can pay homage or spit on Cecil John Rhodes’ grave, just as your inclination takes you.

In Kariba you can have close encounters with basking hippos, watch crocodiles rest on the shores as you spend your whole stay on a houseboat. There is a lot of other game with elephants almost a guaranteed daily sighting as you go about your business. You could also try fishing although December is probably not the best month for that as the rains will have swelled the river.

Masvingo has the Great Zimbabwe site where you can go and drink in our heritage as you marvel at the artisanship of our ancestors and the mighty of empires long fallen. Lake Mutirikwi and a host of private game reserves provide other activities. The town can also be a stop on the way to the Lowveld where the trans-frontier park beckons.

If you like temperate climes during your break then the Eastern Highlands is the place for you. Enjoy the scenic views from a vehicle or get it first hand as you tackle a hike up mountains or do it on horseback. If clubs in a bag are your favourite companion then you have to head for the outstanding golf club at Leopard Rock.

Harare is also a resort in itself with its various accommodation services, casinos and Lake Chivero offering a serene environment for an easy gate away.

Even for the residents of the town, it has many twists and turns that will take you down roads you have never been before. For outsiders, the constantly changing face as new buildings and parks come up, it is worth the dedication of a few days to understand this city. Casinos, clubs and house parties have really made it a place where you need never sleep. You could also do skydiving from Charles Prince Airport or go scuba diving at the Chinhoyi Caves.

But if your holiday is not booked and paid for by now then chances are you have some money issues and you will be bothered by how much what will cost. In desperation you may decide that the traditional trip to the rural areas may not have been such a bad idea after all, even if you no longer have any close relatives in those parts.

So this week we look at the kind of holiday packages on offer and what you can do on your purse.
Our budget guide excludes travel but is inclusive of all other expected costs like accommodation, food, drink and activities. Most reputable places offer complimentary accommodation for two children under the age of 12. Souvenirs may be extra.
Expect to spend between US$500 and                   US$1 500 per adult per day

If money is not an issue, then it is a good time to sample some of the luxury hotels in the country. Although one can argue that most of the top range hotels still have some distance to recover before they can be considered world class, they have certainly shaken themselves out of the nadir that they had sunk to during the worst turn of the economy. Reasonable comfort and acceptable levels of luxury can be expected from most of the more pricey places.

And one need not limit themselves to the usual haunts without checking out some of the exclusive lodges, hideaways and bush camps. From luxurious tents in Hwange to lodgings fit for princes in Gonarezhou and houseboats on the Kariba, the choice is really unlimited.
Air Zimbabwe has resumed flights to Bulawayo and Victoria Falls making long distances just a few minutes hop away. And for other areas, charter flights abound.

Car hires are spread all over the country and making it easy for travellers to be just as independent as they wish. You are likely to face some competition from foreign travellers so bookings should be done now or stand to face some disappointments.

Middle Range — US$50 to
US$249 per adult per day

This is where most Zimbabwean yuppies are likely to be able to afford. You can do some rooms in the best mainstream hotels but the exclusive places are out of reach.

Your stay will be quite comfortable if you are scrupulous in sticking to a pre-determined budget. You can skimp on some items to make space for activities listed above.

At the bottom end you can try out backpacking establishments or caravanning.
A wise trick would be to avoid hotel meals unless they are included in the accommodation package. Good meals can be got at independent restaurants at a fraction of what the hotels charge. Another budget beating tip is to be creative with the transport. Instead of a taxi or hire, use shuttle services. Where your safety is assured, you can also even use public transport for short excursions. Or just drive to wherever in your own vehicle although a breakdown in the wrong place may end up sending your whole holiday to the dogs.
Shopping around will reveal good packages although waiting until after the festive season is over could be your greatest chance to enjoy the deluxe packages at cut rates. Travel and tourism business plunges soon after New Year and prices dip accordingly.

Holiday on a shoe-string – Up to $49 per adult per day
This is a strictly do-it-yourself range and you must be prepared for a certain degree of discomfort as you make do. Group trips are great as you save and have fun with more people at the same time. National Parks offers some good accommodation at blanket nightly charge which means the more people in the dwelling, the cheaper it becomes for everyone.

Camping has also become highly affordable with four person tents retailing for as little as $20 and a sleeping bag going for about $10. Make sure to pitch your tent at a recommended site to avoid falling prey to predators, feral and human.

Forget about privacy, luxury and other perks for the rich. On the other hand you will have the distinction of being able to drop the names of resorts in conversations as you announce that you been there although the done it part will be a stretch. But the Facebook or WhatsApp profile picture of you next to a raft will convince everyone that you did indeed ride it over the Devil’s Cataract.

A budget saving trick is to avoid buying prepared meals. Tourist traps are famous for over-priced fare. Buy provisions and make your own. Brown bags and cooler boxes are your new best friends forever as you carry packed food and avoid bars like the plague.

Rich, yuppie or just keeping your head above the water, you can be merry this Christmas as you travel to a hitherto unknown corner of our country. But just in case you win the sweepstakes to make the world your oyster, turn to the center pages to salivate over some of the Earth’s most exquisite destinations outside Zimbabwe.

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