National
‘Historic moment’: Luthfansa’s Eurowings Discover becomes first intercontinental airline to fly to Victoria Falls
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Top German airline Lufthansa returned to Zimbabwe on Wednesday after more than two decades with its leisure service Eurowings Discover touching down in Victoria Falls to mark the start of flights to resort city.
Eurowings became the first intercontinental airline ever to offer direct flights to Victoria Falls
The carrier departed from Frankfurt, Germany, on March 29 with an Airbus A330 and Flight 4Y138 arrived at the Victoria Falls International Airport at 11:15AM on time.
The Eurowings Discover maiden flight from Frankfurt, Germany, touching down in Victoria Falls on Wednesday
Captain Wolfgang Raebiger, who is also the chief executive officer (CEO) of the airline operated the first flight to Victoria Falls, which was welcomed by an airport event and special guests including the Germany ambassador to Zimbabwe Udo Volz.
“This flight marks a special milestone for our airline Eurowings Discover, “Raebiger said
“We are proud to be the first intercontinental airline offering direct flights to Victoria Falls as of today.
“It has never been easier for travellers from all over Europe to get to know this beautiful country, its culture and kind-hearted people and of course, the stunning natural wonder Victoria Falls.”
Raebiger said their booking figures showed that travellers from all over Europe were increasingly drawn to the vastness and beauty of the African continent and they were convinced that they will value Victoria Falls as a great and unique addition to their portfolio.
Eurowings Discover general manager Andre Schultz said with the launch of their Victoria Falls flights they were now able to offer their customers a direct connection between Europe and the diverse Kavango-Zambezi region.
“This area is of particular importance to our leisure airline Eurowings Discover as we continue expanding our portfolio into attractive tourist destinations in Africa,” Schultz said.
The Lufthansa Group said by introducing their new direct Eurowings Discover service to Victoria Falls, they were playing an active part in rebuilding Zimbabwe’s tourism industry those of neighbouring countries.
“Travel has become an important factor in the lives of many Germans,” the group said.
“Travellers from Germany constitute an important factor in the international tourism business.
“Zimbabwe, on the other hand, is an extremely beautiful and attractive destination in Africa, therefore, we very much welcome the fact that tourists from Germany venturing into Africa are now being provided a much easier access not only to the majestic Victoria Falls but to Zimbabwe altogether.”
Guests at a ceremony to welcome the maiden Eurowings Discover maiden flight pose for a picture at the Victoria Falls International Airport
Eurowings Discover starting March 29 will operate three weekly direct connections from Frankfurt to Victoria Falls, with return flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The flights will be operated as tag flights with a short stopover in Windhoek.
“Through the integration into the Lufthansa network, passengers benefit from the direct connection to all German and European Lufthansa departure points as well as a continuous booking process and seamless transfer traffic,” Lufthansa said.
“Eurowings Discover will offer a high-quality product with many services included such as refreshments
“The aircraft offers up to 300 seats, up to 30 of which are in business class (full lie-flat seats), up to 31 in premium economy and up to 244 in economy.
“In all three classes, guests can look forward to a special, high-quality travel experience with all meals and non-alcoholic beverages included in the fare.
“Next to the culinary experience, Eurowings Discover also provides excellent entertainment onboard the flight to vacation – completely free of charge in all classes with their own screens in seat.
“Another special feature on board Eurowings Discover: guests can quickly and easily connect to the Onboard Cloud via their own device to receive an extended entertainment offer.”
“For now, the aircraft will continue doing three weekly direct flights from Frankfurt to Victoria Falls International Airport from March to mid-November 2022.
Eurowings Discover is the Lufthansa Group’s new leisure airline that flies travellers from the Frankfurt and the Munich hub to the world’s most beautiful short-, medium- and long-haul destinations.
Through integration into the Lufthansa network, travelers benefit from direct connections to all German and European Lufthansa departure points, as well as an end-to-end booking process and seamless transfers.
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, the airline draws on the expertise and experience of one of the world’s leading aviation companies
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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