Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences

Abstract

Do Visitor’s Views Matter in Determining Popularity of a National Park? A Case Study of Lochinvar National Park, Zambia

Chansa Chomba,Tokura Wataru

A survey to determine local and international visitors’ satisfaction levels in Lochinvar National Park, Zambia, was carried out in 2011 and 2012. The study was intended to promote tourism in the National Park by identifying major attractions and weaknesses reported by visitors. The objective was to identify visitor needs to be considered when rehabilitating National Park infrastructure and resuscitating visitor services. To collect data from local and foreign visitors, questionnaires were used. These were placed at the entrance gate and given to each visitor entering the National Park to complete and leave on exit. Results obtained showed that 69 % of visitors were foreign nationals, mainly visiting the park for game viewing and bird watching (62%), as excursionists (43%) or staying for two days or less (37%). Of the seven tourist sites, three were most visited; Chunga lagoon (31%), Baobab tree (18%) Drum rocks and Gwisho hot springs had 17% each. Visitors also reported illegal activities which were most prevalent in the National Park; cattle grazing (45%), littering (25%) and gun shots (15%). A large number of visitors (54%) rated roads as being poor to very poor. Despite the poor rating of road infrastructure, 72% of all visitors expressed willingness to return for another safari. It was concluded that the current low visitor levels to the National Park was linked to the poor state of park infrastructure and facilities and low animal numbers.

Published Date: 2014-10-09;