BY NYASHA PILOTO

After a successful Covid-19 vaccination campaign, life is returning to normal in the resort town that harbors Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall body—and one of the world’s biggest tourist attractions—located in the geographical area shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, in Southern Africa.

Known for the largest waterfall body and the smoke that thunders, the city embraces wildlife and tourists from all over the world. The resort is characterized by its mosaic of global tourists, African art and fashion, nature, traditional food, safari game drives, grounding activities such as walking with elephants and lions, as well as adrenalin bungee and gorge swinging sports.

The colourful and lively buzz came to a sudden halt in March 2020 when Covid-19 shut all forms of tourism in the resort. As neighboring and international countries respectively announced lock-down measures, tourists had to suddenly plan for the nearest departure time and quickest route back home in time to beat border closures.

The entire city shut down making way for wildlife to freely roam the space probably wondering why the sudden change in routine. There is a general rapport that has been created between people and wildlife in the resort city. During the day, wildlife respects that people enjoy the shared space. The awe-striking open secret is that once darkness sets in after evening wining and dining activities, people retreat to their abodes and make way for the animals to roam the streets. (Animals that share space with people are not dangerous unless, of course, provoked, such as baboons and warthogs.) Once daybreak hits, the animals know to head back to their habitats while humans prepare for a spectacular day. It was not unusual, however, that the rolled-in sudden Covid-19 silence paved the way for the animals to explore during the day.

A year after the sudden deafening silence in the city, a vaccine campaign was launched on the 24th of March 2021. Any resident above the age of 18 was welcomed to receive the first dosage of the Covid-19 vaccine at designated areas and days. The initiative was welcomed with open arms, as this was a glimpse of hope for the revival of tourism. The second dosage campaign was rolled out on the 21st of April where one could visibly see and hear the resounding sigh of relief in the city.

As it stands, Victoria Falls is one of the safest resorts to visit. Almost every individual a tourist encounters from the airport, the car ride to an accommodation entity, the accommodation staff, the curio vendors, and all the staff that cares for tourists’ activities are all fully vaccinated. This vaccination campaign makes Victoria Falls City the first resort in Southern Africa to achieve herd immunity, which is a cause for celebration throughout the city.

 The buzz of helicopter rides carrying tourists and hovering above the majestic waterfall, the steady beating of drums, and the colourful streets are slowly coming back to life as both residents and tourists celebrate making it through the complete shutdown of the beautiful gem.