TOURISM-LED development is rapidly transforming the rural landscapes of Victoria Falls and Hwange, with modern infrastructure increasingly replacing traditional pole-and-dagga thatched dwellings.
The rise of lodges, leisure facilities, and enhanced water access is not only providing a significant boost to local economies but also establishing these areas as key centres for cultural and ecological tourism.
With a number of residential houses in Victoria Falls being turned into lodges, causing acute accommodation shortages and increasing rental prices, some residents have been pushed into nearby rural areas.
Areas like Monde, Sidobe, Indlovu, and Lupinyu, all under Hwange Rural District Council and located within a 30-kilometre radius from the City of Victoria Falls, are sprouting with lodges and modern housing infrastructure.
In an interview with the Chronicle, Acting Chief Mvuthu of Hwange district hailed the transformation, emphasising its impact on community empowerment. “This development has brought jobs, improved livelihoods, and pride to our people.
Tourists no longer come only for the wildlife; they now engage with our traditions, taste our local foods, and learn about our way of life. Rural tourism has become a bridge between cultures,” said Acting Chief Mvuthu. He noted that the boom in tourism, particularly since 2018, has led to significant development in rural communities.
The shift is visible in villages where brick-and-mortar homes now stand alongside newly paved roads, while eco-lodges and safari camps blend modernity with environmental sensitivity. Recreational amenities, including community arts centres and guided cultural tours, have sprouted, offering visitors immersive experiences.
Crucially, upgraded boreholes and water distribution systems have alleviated long-standing water shortages, improving both daily life and the viability of tourism enterprises. Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo, underscored the alignment of these projects with the President’s Vision 2030, which is inspiring national goals.
“The developments we are witnessing in these rural communities in Matabeleland North are in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision to drive rural development and ensure no one and no place is left behind.
Similar strides in Binga, where investment interest has grown in fisheries and eco-tourism, prove this model works. We are turning marginalised areas into drivers of opportunity and development,” said Minister Moyo.
The synergy between tourism and infrastructure has created hundreds of jobs in the past two years, according to Minister Moyo, with roles ranging from hospitality staff to construction workers. Local entrepreneurs have also capitalised on the surge, selling crafts and offering shuttle services.
While some residents express nostalgia for traditional architecture, most welcome the upgrades. “Having tap water and a modern home has changed everything,” said Ms Thandiwe Ndlovu, a Monde resident employed at a nearby lodge.
Source: Tourism rural growth in Victoria Falls, Hwange (05/05/2025)
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