Daredevil stunts dazzle crowds at 50th air rally in Kariba
THE skies over Kariba buzzed as one aircraft after another awaited its turn to kiss the runaway of the usually serene Kariba International Airport. It is an unusual swarm of 60 aircraft of different makes and sizes on the first leg of the 50th annual Zimbabwe Air Rally.
Thirty-six of the aircraft were foreign registered, while 24 were local.
This year marks 50 years after the start of the rally, which began in 1974.
Below are amazed onlookers, captivated by aerobatic manoeuvres, including turns, climbs, slow and rudder rolls, among others. A spectacle to behold!
To the folks in Nyamhunga, Mahombekombe, Heights, Baobab Ridge and Mica Point, this was a pleasant surprise.
“We just heard the loud noises of aircraft engines in the sky from my post at Nyamhunga Shopping Centre,” said Mr Fani Kachamakwara. “It is unusual to see such a huge number of aircraft in Kariba, so it caught everyone’s attention.”
From a distance, onlookers were mesmerised by the rolls, while those at Kariba International Airport had the front row seat as the manoeuvres were being carried out directly above it.
“I enjoyed watching the spectacle from my station, but I am sure it was more enjoyable for those at the airport,” said Mr Kachamakwara.
The Air Rally boosted hotel occupancy for hotels that accommodated at least 170 overnight visitors.
Tour operator, Mr Cephas Shonhiwa, said the development was good for the tourism business in Kariba.
“Hotels had the privilege of hosting a contingent of at least 170 people. We factor in the transfers from the airport to the hotels, we realise that it had an impact on our tourism,” said Mr Shonhiwa.
Kariba usually hosts bikers, who also come in large numbers, making them one of the major sources of business for the resort town.
Tour operators and businesses, he said, were eagerly waiting for the bikers to come with dates yet to be finalised.
The Air Rally is a test on dexterity in aircraft manoeuvring, navigational skills, timing and pinpoint flying, among others.
Pilots and their teams flew into Kariba from Charles Prince Airport, Lanseria International Airport in South Africa and Lusaka.
Once in Kariba, it was time to showcase their skills to an awed and excited crowd of those invited and those, like residents of Majubheki, Matererini and Matapi, have privileged locations to watch a football match at Rufaro Stadium without paying a cent.
Kariba residents did not need permission to watch! After mesmerising and earning points in the competition, it was time to head for the comfortable settings and cuisines of Caribbea Bay. By 7am yesterday, the first planes took off from Kariba International Airport, crunching the knots and nautical miles towards Hwange. The last aircraft took off at 10am. From Hwange, the air marvel invades Victoria Falls, the country’s premier tourist destination. The Slingers team of Zimbabwe, writing on their website, said the 2024 Rally promises to be memorable.
“This rally promises to be an exhilarating adventure and they are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet up with fellow Sling enthusiasts and aviators,” reads the Slingers website.
“The itinerary for the rally is packed with breathtaking destinations and ample opportunities for camaraderie.”
Organisers of the event indicated that the teams comprised veterans of the now 50-yearold annual event and new teams.
It is viewed as a platform for adrenaline junkies and daredevils to express and impress while networking.
From Kariba, the teams went to Hwange where their manoeuvring to the destination and the runaway will be under scrutiny.
The aviators invaded the country’s largest national park, Hwange National Park, with an array of wild animals, including the famed Big Five. Yesterday, they were at Hwange Safari Lodge, to experience Zimbabwean hospitality.
The rally continues today with the aviators showcasing their skills before moving to other lodges for the night.
They will spend another night in Hwange before flying off to nearby Victoria Falls for the final leg of the Air Rally.
After an exhilarating 5 days and four nights, sampling the best of what Zimbabwe has to offer on land and in the air, it will be time for the aviators to head back home.