The use of plastic money has seen a sudden powerful forward in the number of locals visiting Matopo National Park, a sign that domestic tourism can be financially succeed with the right policies.
The number of local people who visited the Matopo National Park has been actually growing with the improvement and the use of plastic money among the general population, making it easy for them to transact. Cash shortages in Zimbabwe affected negatively a number of visitors to the Matopo National park.
Matopo National Park tourism manager, Mr Emilon Magodhi said, since the introduction of transacting using point of sales and mobile money there has been a vast improvement. The number of international visitors was also increased but that of regional tourists has been low largely due to the high exchange rate of the United States dollar against other regional currencies.
Matopo National Park is a tourism place that provides United Nations educational, scientific and cultural organization heritage sites. Many activities are being carried out which includes rhino safari, tracking, fishing, game driving, bird watching, walking trials, rock painting and other cultural sites.
The park offers water attractions and activities such as fishing, boat launching and camping at its dams namely Maleme, Mtsheleli, Togwana and Mpopoma.One can do camping and picnicking in all dams except for Mpopoma.Camping grounds with more facilities are available at Maleme, Mtshelele, Sandyspruit, Arboretum and Togwana.
All campsites apart from Arboretum are situated near attractive dams. At the campsite, each site has a braai area where visitors can cook, socialise and relax. Firewood can be purchased at the entrance points or at the tourism office at Maleme.
