A LONG Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia, where the Zambezi River plunges 108 meters into a breathtaking abyss, lies one of Africa`s most sacred wonders, Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders.
For too long, colonial narratives have obscured the truth about this magnificent place. David Livingstone did not discover these falls in 1855; he merely witnessed what the Kololo people and their ancestors had revered for millennia.
The word discovery itself is a colonial weapon, designed to erase indigenous presence and steal the stories of our land.
This festive season, we invite you to experience authentic tourism that honours truth, celebrates our heritage and builds Zimbabwe`s future. Welcome to Mosi-oa-Tunya, where every droplet of mist carries the wisdom of our ancestors and the promise of our Second Republic.
The Colonial Lie: Deconstructing Discovery
The abuse of the word discovery represents one of colonialism`s greatest deceptions.
When Livingstone claimed to have discovered Mosi-oa-Tunya, he participated in a deliberate erasure that suggested our land was empty, unnamed and waiting for European validation.
This is the lie we must confront: indigenous peoples were rendered invisible, their millennia-old connections to sacred sites dismissed, their names replaced with those of foreign monarchs. Mosi-oa-Tunya was never lost. It was a place of worship, wonder and ancestral power long before any European arrived.
The Kololo people named it perfectly, the Smoke that Thunders, capturing its primal essence. Colonial cartography did not create this marvel; it attempted to steal it through renaming and narrative control.
This festive season, we reclaim our story. We reject the colonial mantra of lies and embrace authentic truth-telling.
Our new mantra, ‘NYIKA INOVAKWA NEVENE VAYO’ (A nation is built by its own people), guides us toward tourism that respects our heritage, empowers our communities, and tells our truth without apology.
Authentic Tourism: The Ubuntu Philosophy
At Mosi-oa-Tunya, tourism means more than sightseeing; it means connection. We invite visitors from all walks of life to experience the Ubuntu philosophy that defines Zimbabwean hospitality: I am because we are.
Here, you are not just a tourist; you are a guest in our home, sharing in our collective story.
The peace and tranquillity of Zimbabwe welcome you. Our unity of purpose, to move this nation to greater heights, is reflected in every experience we offer. The Second Republic`s development vision prioritises sustainable tourism that benefits local communities, preserves natural wonders, and celebrates cultural authenticity.
Come to experience:
Cultural immersion: Visit local villages where elders share ancestral stories of Mosi-oa-Tunya`s spiritual significance.
Traditional cuisine: Taste authentic Zimbabwean dishes prepared with love and passed down through generations.
Community-led tours: Learn from guides who carry the living knowledge of this sacred place.
Artisan markets: Support local craftspeople whose work reflects our cultural heritage
Experience the Marvel
Standing at the edge of Mosi-oa-Tunya, feeling the mist on your skin and hearing the thunderous roar, you understand why our ancestors considered this a place of power.
This is not just geology, it is spirituality, history, and natural wonder combined.
Adventure seekers can navigate the Zambezis thrilling white-water rapids, swim in Devils Pool (seasonal), or take helicopter tours over the magnificent curtain of water. Nature lovers will find lush rainforest trails teeming with exotic birds, monkeys, and the ever-present mist that gives the falls their name.
Wildlife enthusiasts can embark on sunset game drives or boat cruises to encounter hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and more in their natural habitat.
Spiritual seekers discover something deeper: Mosi-oa-Tunya remains a site of ancestral power where rituals and ceremonies connect the present to the past.
Locals believe the spirits of their ancestors dwell here, making it sacred ground deserving of reverence and respect.
Responsible Tourism: Building Together
The Second Republic`s development agenda emphasises tourism that builds our nation.
When you visit Mosi-oa-Tunya, your experience supports:
Conservation efforts protecting the falls and the surrounding ecosystem
Local employment through community-based tourism initiatives
Infrastructure development is improving access while preserving natural beauty
Cultural preservation, ensuring ancestral knowledge passes to future generations
We promote eco-adventures that respect nature: trekking through tropical forests, observing wildlife ethically and leaving minimal environmental footprints. This is tourism that builds Zimbabwe, NYIKA INOVAKWA NEVENE VAYO in action.
Practical Information
Location: Zimbabwe-Zambia border, accessible via Victoria Falls International Airport or road
Best time to visit: April-October offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures, though the falls are magnificent year-round
What to bring: Light rain gear, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and most importantly, an open heart ready to receive truth and embrace authentic experience
Cultural respect: Honour local customs, seek permission before photographing people, support local businesses, and approach sacred sites with reverence
Conclusion
Mosi-oa-Tunya is more than a destination; it is a declaration that Zimbabwe’s stories belong to Zimbabwe. By rejecting colonial lies and embracing authentic narratives, we reclaim our heritage and invite the world to witness the truth.
This festive season, join us in celebrating the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ as it has always been: a place of wonder named by those who knew it first, protected by those who love it most, and shared through the Ubuntu spirit that defines our nation.
The Second Republic`s vision for Zimbabwe, peaceful, unified, and developing, is embodied in every visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya. Here, tourism builds our nation while tourists build connections that transcend borders. Whether you seek adventure, tranquillity, cultural enrichment, or spiritual awakening, the ancient marvel awaits.
Come, be part of the truth. Experience Mosi-oa-Tunya authentically. Let the thundering waters wash away colonial lies and reveal the Zimbabwe that was, is, and will be, built by its own people, shared with the world. NYIKA INOVAKWA NEVENE VAYO. Plan your journey today.
Charles Mavhunga co-authored textbooks in Business Entrepreneurial Skills and is currently studying for a Ph.D. in Management at Bindura University. He can be contacted at charles.mavhunga@gmail.com .Cell:0772989816-herald
