Temba Dube Deputy News Editor
DEMOCRATIC Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila yesterday took time to unwind after a summit of Sadc leaders by going on a three-hour game drive at the Hwange National Park.
Kabila, one of 13 Heads of State who attended the summit of the 15-nation regional trade bloc which ended on Monday in Victoria Falls, was accompanied by Environment, Water and Climate Minister Saviour Kasukuwere on the safari.
Kabila’s motorcade provided an unexpected afternoon spectacle for villagers along the 100km stretch of road leading to the national park – the country’s largest game reserve.
Later, the DRC leader visited the Victoria Falls rainforest moments after Lesotho Prime Minister Thomas Motsohae Thabane also took time to walk the forest and see the world-famous waterfall.
Minister Kasukuwere said President Kabila’s visit to the two tourist attractions was a massive vote of confidence in Zimbabwean tourism.
“The President was very impressed with what this country offers,” the minister told Chronicle.
Hwange National Park is home to more than 100 mammal and 400 bird species.
President Kabila enjoyed close-up interactions with animals like brown hyenas, black rhinoceros, elephants, buffalos, lions and leopards.
President Kabila and his delegation also stopped to enjoy lunch at the sprawling wildlife sanctuary.
After returning to Victoria Falls, President Kabila asked to visit the majestic 108-metre plunge of white water which enchants foreigners and accounts for a significant number of the estimated 900,000 tourist arrivals that earned the country about $851 million last year.
President Kabila and Prime Minister Thabane join a list of notable stars in the world of entertainment and politics who have also sampled the magic of Victoria Falls.
Professional wrestler, Shawn Michaels, movie star and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the late pop icon Michael Jackson, RnB singer Joe Thomas and the legendary R Kelly have visited the Victoria Falls and gone on game drives to see wild animals in their natural habitat.