In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Africa Albida Tourism and Pack for a Purpose guests brought smiles to surrounding communities in the Victoria Falls region.
With travel restrictions in place from March 2020, the usually bustling city of Victoria Falls fell strangely quiet as hotels closed, activities stopped operating and even the popular souvenir markets shut their doors.
With vaccination rollouts now taking place in a number of countries, including major source markets for the destination, there is light at the end of the tunnel of what has been a very challenging year for the travel industry.
It’s anticipated that, emboldened by the vaccinations, would-be travellers will now begin to consider travelling once again, including to long-haul as well as bucket-list destinations like Victoria Falls. These destinations are now even more in need of the generosity of Pack for a Purpose travellers due to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has seen several livelihoods in this tourism region destroyed.
As they start to dream about their post-Covid trips, travellers are therefore encouraged, as part of the planning for their trip, to set aside a small amount of space in their suitcases for supplies which are needed by the communities in the region. These supplies can range from school stationery to sports equipment as well as medical supplies. All these supplies are handed over to beneficiary community projects listed on our Pack for a Purpose page.
Since becoming a member of Pack for a Purpose, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Africa Albia Tourism’s flagship property has received supplies from a number of Pack for a Purpose guests. The supplies have been donated to neighbouring communities like Monde Village, located approximately 14km from Victoria Falls city as well as to local schools like Chidobe and Vulindlela.
Speaking after receiving clothes, shoes and soap in June 2020, Gladys Ziwoya, one of the Monde village leaders, was grateful for the donation saying, ‘we feel so greatly honoured and happy with the donation that you have made to our community, and indeed the donation will greatly impact members of my community, especially in this winter season”.
The team from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge also handed over supplies to the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit. These donations were part of the Pack for a Purpose initiative to bring supplies specifically for the Unit to use in its day-to-day operational activities. The donation included bandages, band-aids, cameras, batteries and wound dressings.
Through our partnership with Pack for a Purpose, Africa Albida Tourism is proud to have been a part of sustainable travel in the region and for the lasting impact that has been made on local communities in need. We remain committed in continuing to play our role to give back to our communities, working with like-minded organisations.