ZimParks Rock Pool Development Ruffles Feathers

 We had hoped that with a new Director General (Professor Edson Gandiwa was announced as the new Director-General of the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority in January 2025) inappropriate events at the ZimParks developed riverside 'Rock Pool', located a short distance above the Victoria Falls and within the Victoria Falls National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, would perhaps stop. Clearly Professor Gandiwa has the same lack of understanding on the sensitivity of this conservation area as his predecessor, who authorised this unwanted and inappropriate development.

The event will include light and noise pollution which will echo over the river and surrounding area, which in addition to being within the UNESCO World Heritage Site is also designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site of International Importance and an Internationally Important Bird Area. Bird species of conservation concern occurring along the river include African Skimmer and Rock Pratincole, which breed on the exposed rocks sandy islands during low water, and the nocturnal Pel's Fishing Owl, White-backed Night Heron which breed on the islands above the Falls such as Loanda or Long Island, located immediately opposite the 'Rock Pool' development. Both these latter species are extremely sensitive to disturbance.

Read more on this controversial development within the Victoria Falls National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site high conservation and protection area on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Stakeholders unite to tackle deadly human-wildlife conflict in Vic Falls

 STAKEHOLDERS in the resort city of Victoria Falls have resolved to escalate community awareness and strengthen collaborative efforts to combat the rising tide of human-wildlife conflict that has claimed several lives in recent months.

This emerged during a high-level stakeholder meeting convened by the Victoria Falls City Council at the council chambers recently. 

The gathering brought together local authorities, Government departments, conservation partners, and residents to deliberate on practical solutions to the crisis.

City mayor, Councillor Prince Thuso Moyo, said the safety of residents remains the foremost priority, which led them to convene the meeting.

“Our residents have been attacked and killed while going about their daily lives, walking home from work, moving within communities, or carrying out routine activities,” he said.

Clr Moyo noted that while Victoria Falls is blessed with wildlife and natural heritage, co-existence must be guided by clear policies that protect human life. 

He also called for the operationalisation of the Government-driven “Human-Wildlife Conflict Compensation Fund” to ensure affected families receive timely support.

The meeting observed a minute of silence in memory of community members who have succumbed to attacks.

Delivering the technical perspective, Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) senior ecologist, Ms Maxine Tadyanehondo, urged residents to exercise extreme caution. 

She advised the public to study animal behaviour and avoid moving at night, particularly while under the influence of alcohol.

“We will continue to respond to distress calls and eliminate problem animals, but there is a critical need to raise awareness so that people understand the risks,” Ms Tadyanehondo said. 

“Wild animals are unpredictable, and we must adapt our behaviour to stay safe.”

The year 2026 has already witnessed tragic incidents in and around Victoria Falls. 

Authorities have recorded at least five deaths linked to elephant and crocodile attacks in the district since the beginning of the year, intensifying fears among communities living on the fringes of wildlife habitats.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed to intensify public awareness campaigns and foster real-time communication between Zimparks and residents. 

The City Council also pledged to explore long-term mitigation measures, including the erection of wildlife barriers and the improvement of lighting in high-risk areas.

Residents were urged to report sightings promptly and to remain vigilant at all times.

Zimparks revealed that Zimbabwe recorded a sharp rise in human-wildlife conflict (HWC), driven largely by climate-induced environmental pressures, with more than 60 lives lost in 2025 alone.

The authority also noted with deep concern the continued escalation of conflict cases since 2023, a trend directly linked to climate change and intensifying competition for dwindling water and grazing resources.

The alarming increase forms part of a wider regional and global pattern, where shifting weather patterns and habitat degradation are pushing wildlife and humans into closer, more frequent and often dangerous contact.

According to ZimParks data, reported cases increased from 1,654 in 2024 to 2,090 in 2025, a 26 percent jump.

While response teams attended to over 99 percent of reported cases, the human and economic toll has been severe.

The year 2025 saw 62 fatalities and 81 injuries, up from 49 deaths and 90 injuries the previous year. Livestock losses are more than doubled, from 362 in 2024 to 801 in 2025.

Source: Stakeholders unite to tackle deadly human-wildlife conflict in Vic Falls (18/03/2026)

ZimParks increases fees

 The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has increased daily conservation and park entrance fees at Victoria Falls and other major attractions with immediate effect.

The increase follows the country’s introduction of value-added tax (VAT) on tourism services, which has now been applied to park entry fees.

According to New Zimbabwe, the revised charges were revealed in ZimParks’ 2026 tariff schedule with higher rates across local, SADC and international visitor categories.

Under the new tariffs, international day visitors entering the Victoria Falls Rainforest through the main gate will pay US$58. Those using the VIP gate will be charged US$174 (up from US$150). Rainforest moonlight viewing for international visitors will cost US$116 compared with the previous US$100.

The authority previously increased international entrance fees from US$30 to US$50, making the latest adjustment a further rise in the cost of accessing one of Zimbabwe’s flagship attractions.

ZimParks has increased conservation fees at other major parks including Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore across all categories. Local visitors will pay US$8, SADC tourists US$18 and international visitors US$24.

Speaking to Tourism Update, Kumbi Chiweshe, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Tour Operators Association (ZTOA), said operators will need to adjust packaging and pricing following the increases.

“Victoria Falls remains one of the world’s most iconic natural attractions and continues to anchor Zimbabwe’s tourism offering. While the recent fee adjustments require operators to recalibrate pricing structures, our members are experienced in structuring multi-country itineraries and managing cost variables across the region.”

He expects most operators to incorporate the revised fees transparently into packages, reassess commission structures where necessary and focus on value-driven positioning rather than price-driven competition. “Competitiveness is therefore determined by overall experience, accessibility, service standards and destination appeal, not entry fees alone.”

On feedback from the trade, Chiweshe said fee changes naturally prompted questions from international partners. “Feedback from our members indicates increased requests for clarity and advance notice on pricing adjustments, sensitivity from certain source markets that are already navigating global economic pressures and continued strong demand for Victoria Falls as a bucket list destination.”

Although there is no “wholesale substitution away from Victoria Falls”, he said “predictability and consistency in pricing remain important factors in long-term itinerary planning”.

With VAT now applied to park fees, ZTOA is advising members to quote clearly and transparently, ensure VAT components are itemised where required and communicate proactively with trade partners to avoid confusion at point of sale.

“Transparency and predictability are critical in international contracting cycles, which often run 12 to 18 months in advance,” said Chiweshe, adding that ZTOA is engaging with ZimParks and authorities to improve consultation and advance notice of pricing changes while supporting conservation funding and tourism competitiveness.

Source: ZimParks increases fees (12/02/2026)

ZimParks Raises Victoria Falls Entry Fees for International Tourists

 Victoria Falls Entry Fees for International Tourists Hiked as ZimParks Revises Conservation Fees

International tourists visiting Victoria Falls will now pay US$58 per person to access the iconic rainforest. This follows a revision of conservation and park entrance fees by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks). The new charges, which take effect immediately, are part of ZimParks’ 2026 tariff schedule and replace the 2025 fee structure, introducing higher rates across several visitor categories.

VAT Drives Latest Increase

According to New Zimbabwe, ZimParks says the latest adjustment is largely a result of Value Added Tax (VAT) being applied to park entry fees. The tax has pushed the international day visitor charge from US$50 to US$58.

This marks another rise in recent years. A few years ago, international entry fees were increased from US$30 to US$50, meaning the cost of accessing Zimbabwe’s flagship tourist attraction has nearly doubled over time.

Revised Charges at Victoria Falls

Under the new tariff sheet, international visitors entering through the Victoria Falls Rainforest main gate will pay US$58, while those using the V.I.P gate will be charged US$174, up from the previous US$150.

Moonlight viewing has also been revised upwards, with international tourists now required to pay US$116, compared to US$100 under the old structure.

Local Visitors Spared at Victoria Falls

Zimbabwean visitors have not been affected by the revised tariffs at Victoria Falls. Entry through the rainforest main gate remains US$7, while access via the V.I.P gate continues to cost US$30. Moonlight viewing fees for locals remain unchanged at US$15.

Increases Extend to Other Parks

While local charges at Victoria Falls remain stable, conservation fees at other major parks have risen across all categories. At Mana Pools, Sapi and Chewore, Zimbabwean visitors will now pay US$8, SADC tourists US$18, and international visitors US$24.

Source: ZimParks Raises Victoria Falls Entry Fees for International Tourists (29/01/2026)

See also: ZimParks hikes 2026 fees to access Victoria Falls, international tourists now pay US$58 (25/01/2026)

Zimbabwe Fail to Disclose Illegitimate Developments within Victoria Falls World Heritage Site to UNESCO

Keep Victoria Falls Wild, 27th January 2026.

 As with other recent reports the new 2025 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya State of Conservation Report fails to disclose recent developments which have already been agreed, constructed or implemented within the south-bank section of the WHS, including the significant redevelopment of the Wild Horizons Lookout Cafe, launch of an Abseil activity within the Rainforest, tours to Cataract Island (launched by Zambezi Crescent in 2022), the development of the Baines Restaurant (opened in mid-2023), the rapidly expanding National Park Rock Pool development, the proposed Six Senses riverside lodge development, the recent redevelopment of the Zambezi National Park lodges and take-over by Zambezi Crescent (rebranded as the Malachite Suites), significant expansion of the Zambezi Crescent operated upstream Victoria Falls River Lodge since it was first established and proposed development neighbouring of Kandahar Camp - all of which have yet to be formally disclosed by the State Parties. All these developments are located within the World Heritage Site 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (HESZ) which prevents all new infrastructure developments (with the exception of infrastructure essential to the management of the site).

It should be noted that the Committee’s 2024  request specifically included reference tourism developments within the Zimbabwean area of the WHS HESZ - the Baines Restaurant and launch of tours to Cataract Island (and for which an ESIA had already been explicitly requested by the Committee (World Heritage Committee, 2017)).

“Requests the States Parties to provide information on all developments proposed in the Property, its Buffer Zone, and wider setting, including on a permit for two commercial tourism development sites within the Zimbabwean component of the property recognised as highly sensitive zones according to the previous J.I.M.P.” (World Heritage Committee, 2024)

Instead of disclosing the extent of this wave of illegitimate development within the WHS HESZ the State Parties have decided to yet again to keep UNESCO and the World Heritage Committee in the dark and simply report that there have been no 'new' development proposals. 

The controversial Baines Restaurant development overlooking the river immediately above the Victoria Falls. The Restaurant is located within the World Heritage Site Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone which prevents all new infrastructure developments (with the exception of infrastructure essential to the management of the site).

The Report also fails to disclose developments within the Buffer Zone which supposedly surrounds the World Heritage Site. Recent developments within this area include the construction of the new Zambezi Helipad overlooking the gorges downstream of the Falls and development of the upstream Big Tree Curio Market area, together with the proposed Victoria Falls Resort riverside development, the mysterious Stand 1815 development (land sold by Council for development in 2024, development not identified in Council Master Plan) and the significant Masuwe Development Zone proposal (all on the south bank). There are also concerns over several tourism development sites identified in the 2024 Victoria Falls City Council Master Plan (Victoria Falls City Council, 2024) and identified under the 1975 Outline Plan as ‘restricted permanently’ from all new development (Rhodesia Ministry of Local Government and Housing, 1975).

See also: Zambia and Zimbabwe Present Incomplete Joint Management Plan for Victoria Falls World Heritage Site - https://vicfallsbitsnblogs.blogspot.com/2026/01/zambia-and-zimbabwe-present-updated.html

Read more on our reaction to the new 2025 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya State of Conservation Report  and Draft 2025-230 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya Joint Integrated Management Plan on our website, together with full background details on all these controversial developments - https://www.keepvictoriafallswild.com/victoria-falls/victoriafalls/2025jointplan.html

#KeepVictoriaFallsWild #UNESCO #WorldHeritage

 

 

New Report raises questions over management of Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

A new independent report calls for strict action on illegitimate tourism developments within the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and highlights serious questions over the wider management of Site in advance of the 46th Session of the World Heritage Committee, to be held in New Delhi, India over 21-31 July 2024.

The 2024 Victoria Falls State of Development Report (3.8mb), produced by Keep Victoria Falls Wild, calls for action on tourism developments which have been constructed in the 'no new development zone' (known as the 'High Ecologically Sensitive Zone' or HESZ) of the World Heritage Site in recent years and raises serious concerns over the management of the Site. 

"We recommend strong and specific action on recent developments in the HESZ, including the cancellation of approvals, removal of infrastructure and return of sites to their natural state (Baines Restaurant and Rock Pool); the cancellation of agreements relating to yet to be developed projects in the HESZ (Kandahar Camp and ‘Tree Lodges’ proposals); full review of existing developments within HESZ and cancellation of lease agreements if found to be in breach of Park or other regulations (Victoria Falls River Lodge, Old Drift Lodge, Zambezi Camp 'redevelopmets' and the Lookout Cafe). We also highlight what be believe are to be serious and significant shortcomings in the management and protection of the WHS HESZ relating to the River Jetty Site Section, Transport Corridor and Buffer Zone which we believe need to be addressed in the new Joint Integrated Management Plan process."

KVFW 2024 State of Development Report 

Read More

Download the Keep Victoria Falls Wild 2024 State of Development Report (3.8mb) 

Read more on all these issues and developments on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Follow our Facebook page Keep Victoria Falls Wild for latest news and updates.

Call to harmonise Victoria Falls Rainforest entry fees

ZIMBABWE should review and harmonise entry fees charged to foreign visitors that want to tour the Victoria Falls Rainforest, which some stakeholders feel are discriminatory and negate efforts towards regional integration.

Speaking during a recent 9th edition of the Africa Public Service Day commemorations here, delegates complained about the uneven entry fees.

The new fees schedule effected in April by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, which manages the Victoria Falls National Park in which the Rainforest and the world natural wonder are located, demands locals to pay US$7 per person while Sadc and international clients pay US$30 and US$50 respectively.

Delegates to the APSD meeting who were drawn from different African Union member states said Africa’s Agenda 2063 ‘The Africa We Want’ will not be achieved if Africans fail to treat each other as equals and love their continent.

They were speaking after touring the Rainforest and implored responsible authorities to charge a uniform fee to all Africans regardless of country of origin or region. Delegates said Africa has the potential to launch its growth and Africans should be proud of their identity instead of identifying themselves in terms of individual countries or regions.

The conference, which sought to find solutions to challenges that affect equity, inclusivity, environment, climate change and economic growth, resolved that issues such as different entry fees into the Rainforest were indicators of failure to unite the continent.

It noted that resolving such issues was critical, especially at a time when the region is implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single continental market with a population of about 1,3 billion people and a combined Gross Domestic Product of approximately US$3,4 trillion.

The AfCFTA is one of the flagship projects under Agenda 2063 and seeks to boost trade in value-added production and trade across all sectors of Africa’s economy.

As such, delegates said the entry fees disparity was one of the issues that need to be addressed if the continent is to achieve its set targets. “We went to the Victoria Falls and some were made to pay US$50 because they are international and some were charged US$30 because they are Sadc,” said one of the participants.

“Because of that, we started seeing ourselves as different people. These are some of the things that make us fail to be united, we look at each other as people who are not from the same motherland.” Another delegate had earlier raised the same issue during plenary saying the entry fees were a reflection of lack of unity among Africans. Delegates said the future of Africa calls for futuristic thinking.

Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Professor Paul Mavima who was guest speaker on behalf of President Mnangagwa, said it was imperative for AU member states to follow the principles of the continent’s founding fathers.

Source: Call to harmonise Victoria Falls Rainforest entry fees (29/06/23)

Tourism Development Pressures Threaten Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (Zimbabwe)

(14th February 2023)

A new independent report produced for Keep Victoria Falls Wild highlights urgent concerns over the management of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site (WHS) and recent allocation of leases and concessions by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, threatening the vulnerable riverine fringe along the upstream river corridor above the Victoria Falls.

Download the Keep Victoria Falls Wild 2023 State of Development Summary Report (pdf, 887kb)

A series of new tourism developments have been authorised within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' of the Victoria Falls National Park (VFNP), a long-standing 'no new infrastructure' zone, including a proposed riverside 'tree lodge' development (a significant new 57-room development on a 40 hectare concession stretched along the riverside fringe within the VFNP and already widely promoted within the tourism industry) as well as a riverside restaurant development, currently under construction immediately above the Falls.

Site of riverside restaurant construction (January 2023)

There are also concerns over the allocation of Zambezi National Park Kandahar Camp for development as a lodge concession as this site is also recently identified in management documents as within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone.'

The report calls for an immediate halt to construction of the riverside restaurant and 'tree lodge' developments, all impacts on the sites mitigated and their lease concessions with National Parks rescinded, and further recommends that the World Heritage Committee requests a total moratorium on all developments in and surrounding the WHS until suitable management plans and maps are in place and agreed by all parties and all issues relating to the World Heritage Site management zone boundaries are confirmed and clarified.

Sketch outline of World Heritage Site boundary superimposed over satellite image and showing the location of existing and proposed developments in the south bank upper river corridor of the World Heritage Site (Satellite image: Google Maps)

Conservation Concerns

The riverine forest fringe is a protected feature of the WHS and noted for its importance to wildlife and wider scenic value. The vulnerability of this habitat is also recognised in the 2016-2021 Joint Integrated Management Plan:

"The Zambezi River, in common with all rivers in tropical Africa, has a distinct fringing vegetation of gallery or riparian woodland. The Riverine Forest is found along the banks of the Zambezi, Songwe and Maramba Rivers and on some islands. On the riverbanks it is with a width rarely more than 20-100m wide from the high water mark (Fanshawe, 1975, Meynell et al., 1996). At its best development, riparian forest is a three storeyed forest with a closed evergreen canopy attaining 21m in height... This habitat houses the highest concentration of animals and is the most sought and threatened by human developments." (State Parties, 2016, p.18-9)

The draft Management Plan, circulated in November 2022, identifies the forested riverine fringe as being particularly at risk from tourism developments, the river, islands and gorges, together with the springs and drainage lines which flow into the river, being under very high risk from development (ZPWMA, November 2022, p.19). Yet despite the vulnerability to this habitat being widely recognised in management documents, tourism developments continue to impact and threaten the river corridor, especially in the upstream section of the site, the draft report of the recent Reactive Monitoring Mission concluding:

"For the area upstream from the Falls, the mission observed that the rationale for the 1989 recommendation to focus on the riverine strip of the National Parks remains justified, with most pressure actually felt by the NP areas near the river that are most relevant to the integrity of the site. While MoTNP and ZNP have been identified as buffer zones, the tourism developments have shown that the status of National Park has not provided the envisaged protection" (UNESCO, 2022).

Zoning Issues

The text of the 2007-12 JIMP clearly identifies the riparian vegetation above the Victoria Falls as within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (State Parties, 2007, p.39). The supporting map (State Parties 2007, p.38) is unclear in showing the zonation of the property in the upstream river corridor.

The 2016-21 JIMP detailed revised zones for the property, although the text description again indicates that the riverine vegetation is included in the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (Block 6) and is described as “...following the Victoria Falls Rainforest, thence up the Zambezi River covering the riverine vegetation strip to where it joins the Zambezi National Park boundary” (State Parties, 2016, p.29).

The 2016-21 JIMP identifies the boundary with ‘Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone’ (Block 7) as extending along Zambezi Drive road.

"The zone covers the Victoria Falls border and the Rainforest car park area and continues from the Victoria Falls Rainforest VIP entrance gate, thence along the Zambezi Drive Road to beacon R11, thence westwards following the boundary beacons to where it joints Zambezi National Park boundary" (State Parties, 2016, p.29).

Map showing boundary line of Victoria Falls National Park and site of riverside restaurant development (Satellite image: Google Maps)

This clearly indicates that the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' includes the entire area of the land between Zambezi Drive road and the river - the area commonly known as the riverine fringe or strip - extending along this whole section of the river immediately above the Falls. This interpretation is also consistent with the historical management of this area which has been part of a strict ‘no new infrastructure’ policy since its management was taken over by National Parks in the early 1950s.

It follows that the land from the road away from the river is considered to be within the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone,' an area which is described in the 2016-21 JIMP as including the road and rail transport corridor which dissects the site below the Falls.

The supporting map presented in the 2016-21 JIMP (State Parties, 2016, p.27) confuses the issue by not clearly showing the line of the river above the Falls and appears to incorrectly show the riverside fringe within the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (yellow area). The confusion, or error, is more clearly apparent in the map presented in the 2012 Retrospective Inventory (Image 6), which while clearly indicating the line of the river and area of the upstream riverine fringe covered within the VFNP and WHS, mistakenly identifies the area as being in the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone,' an error which is repeated in the most recent map of the property, presented in the 2021 State of Conservation Report (State Parties, 2021, Appendix 2a, p.2).

Map showing management zones and proposed tourism developments within WHS, (Adapted from State Parties, 2021, Appendix 2a).

We believe that all these maps are clearly incorrect in not showing the area of riparian fringe as protected within the VFNP and WHS as being within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone,' as indicated by the text of the JIMP documents. For this section of the riverine fringe to be in anything other than the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' would be a significant shortcoming in the administration and management of the site. For it to be within the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone' - the same zone as the rail and road transport corridor and visitor car parking area - would be a serious neglect of Parks core conservation aims and its international obligations under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.

It should also be noted no management zonation is detailed for the upstream area of the ZNP which is included in the WHS in either of the JIMP documents - a significant omission which subsequently allowed the development of two lodges along this section of riverine fringe, the Victoria Falls River Lodge (opened in 2012) and the Old Drift Lodge (opened in 2018). Although the river upstream to Kandahar Island is identified as being within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (State Parties 2007, p.39) this still did not prevent the development of lodge units on Kandahar Island (opened in 2017, part of the Victoria Falls River Lodge development). The revised zonation map subsequently presented in the 2021 State of Conservation Report shows the whole WHS area of the ZNP within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (State Parties, 2021).

The 2016-21 JIMP also presented revised guidelines for permitted activities and developments allowed within the management zones. The original 2007-12 JIMP prohibited all new infrastructure developments (with the exception of existing facilities) the both the High and Medium management zones (State Parties, 2007, p.39-41). The 2016-21 JIMP, while still prohibiting all new infrastructure development within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone,' permits the development of 'semi-permanent facilities' within the 'Medium Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (State Parties, 2016, p.32).

Urgent Implications

The errors and discrepancies shown in the management zonation maps are of particular concern in relation to three developments along this stretch of the river - the riverside restaurant (with on-site construction well under-way), the new National Park structure (constructed in early 2022) and the proposed riverside 'tree lodge' (again with preparatory work already underway on the ground). The developers of the riverside restaurant are falsely claiming that their site is located within the ‘Orange’ (Medium) management zone and therefore an allowable development.

Image showing approximate lines of VFNP and WHS boundary
and management zones [click for larger view]

As it appears certain that the area of the VFNP upstream river corridor and riverine fringe is within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' which prohibits all new infrastructure construction there must be an immediate halt to construction of the riverside restaurant (and also by implication the 'tree lodge' development), all impacts on the sites mitigated and their lease concessions with National Parks rescinded.

There are also questions over the allocation of Kandahar Camp for development as a lodge concession as the 2021 State of Conservation zonation map shows this site within the 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' - where no new infrastructure or facilities are allowed.

Download the Keep Victoria Falls Wild 2023 State of Development Summary Report (pdf, 887kb)

Please sign the online petition against the current wave of tourism development proposals which threaten the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

Read more on all these issues and developments on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Follow our Facebook page Keep Victoria Falls Wild for latest news and updates.

References

State Parties (2007) 2007-2012 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site Joint Integrated Management Plan (external download, opens in a new window).

State Parties (2016) 2016-2021 Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site Joint Integrated Management Plan (external download, opens in a new window).

State Parties (2021) Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site State of Conservation Report. (external download, opens in a new window).

UNESCO (2022) Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Reactive Monitoring Mission (February 2022) Draft Report. (pdf download [3.16 mb], opens in a new window)

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (1996) Parks and Wild Life Act.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (November 2022) Victoria Falls-Zambezi National Park Draft Management Plan.

ZimParks shelves Vic Falls entry fees increase following operators’ outcry

 VICTORIA Falls: Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has shelved the Rainforest entry fees increase that was set to begin next month and deferred the review to April.

Tourism operators had raised objection through the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) over the lack of consultation.

They argued the short-notice increase had set players on a collision course with tourists who had received 2023 schedules and made advance payments.

ZimParks spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo, confirmed the increase had been put on hold.

“As Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority we would like to confirm the postponement of the increase in Rainforest entry fees,” he said.

“We were supposed to effect the increases on the 1st of January 2023 and after consulting players in the tourism industry we have agreed to postpone until the 1st of April.”

He said after consulting and considering that the country seeks to promote domestic tourism, ZimParks saw it prudent to allow easy access to the resort by locals upon payment of US$7 per person, which remains unchanged until April.

“So, the new charges for international tourists or regional tourists are going to be effected on the 1st of April 2023,” said Farawo, adding that wildlife management and conservation was being funded by tourism directly.

‘We are Victoria Falls Initiative’ coordinator, Shelley Cox, commended ZimParks for responding positively.

She said engagements among stakeholders will minimise any negative impact of the increase in fees and allow trade partners and travellers to understand some of the reasons behind the increases.

“While we await feedback on outstanding requests, it has been agreed that the Victoria Falls Destination Management partnership will work with all stakeholders to come up with an effective communication campaign strategy announcing the increases, which will be implemented in the second quarter of 2023,” she said.

The new fees schedule proposed by ZimParks will see locals paying US$10 to enter through the ordinary gate up from US$7 per person while Sadc and international clients will pay US$30 and US$50, up from US$20 and US$30 respectively.

To enter through the VIP gate, locals will pay US$30 per person, US$75 for SADC and US$150 for international clients.

Locals who want to tour the rainforest under the moonlight will be expected to part with US$15 per person while Sadc clients will pay US$70 and US$100 for international clients.

Visiting the Zambezi River will now cost US$5 for locals while SADC clients will pay US$12 and those from the international world paying US$15. Children above five years of age will pay half the adult fees.

Vehicles will be charged between US$5 for small cars and US$20 for buses and lorries while foreign-registered vehicles will pay US$30 each.

Source: ZimParks shelves Vic Falls entry fees increase following operators’ outcry (2/1/23)

ZimParks Sues Army Company US$142 000 Over Unpaid Use Chalets

 ZIMBABWE Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has taken to court a company operated by the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA), Rusununguko Nkululeko demanding US$142 530 for chalets leased to the latter in 2018.

ZimParks is also suing Landela Safaris for US$45 000 over a similar deal in which it leased View Point Site in Victoria Falls to the private company.

In summons filed separately by ZimParks at the High Court, the agreement between the national wildlife operator and Rusununguko was entered into in 2018.

In terms of the agreement, ZimParks granted a photographic lease agreement for chalets in the Zambezi National Park to the defendant.

The court application says in terms of the agreement, US$60 000 was for the right to lease the site and was payable in equal installments over the first five years of the lease starting in January 2018.

This was in addition to annual lease fees of US$35 000 payable from January 2018 to December 2021, and payable in advance before the first day of January each year.

It was also agreed all the amounts due each year were to attract interest at the rate of 12% per annum at the interbank market interest rates.

However, despite demand letters of demand from ZimParks, Rusununguko Nkululeko failed to pay the amount.

Meanwhile, regarding Landela Safaris, in 2018, the two parties entered into a written agreement in terms of which ZimParks granted the defendant the right to lease View Point Site in Victoria Falls for the purpose of photographic safari use.

“In terms of the agreement, Landela Safaris was bound to pay annual lease fees in the sum of US$45 000 starting from 2019, and payable or before the first of January each year.

All amounts due in each year were to attract interest at the rate of 12% with Value Added Tax (VAT) added to the above amounts due.

However, according to court papers, Landela Safaris failed to pay a total of US$154 800 to ZimParks as of January 2021.

“Wherefore the plaintiff claims judgment in the sum of US$154 800 payable in Zimbabwean dollars at the authorised prevailing rate of exchange in terms of the Exchange Control Act, holding over damages calculated at the rate of US$3 750 per month, interest on the capital sum of US$1 54 800 calculated at the rate of 12% per annum,” reads part of the lawsuit.

Both matters are yet to be heard.

Source: ZimParks Sues Army Company US$142 000 Over Unpaid Use Chalets (15/06/21)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th June 2021) ZimParks Sues Army Company US$142 000 Over Unpaid Use Chalets.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th June 2021) Old Mutual to build four-star hotel in Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th June 2018) Parks authority revises stinky deal.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (24th January 2018) PRAZ cancels Zimparks, Adage lease.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2017) Massive corruption unearthed at National Parks.

 

 

ZimParks Under Pressure

ZimParks Under Pressure

ZimParks Director General comments on financial pressures and causes confusion over Private Concessions in Zambezi National Park.

By Peter Roberts 

The Director-General of the Zimbabwe National Park and Wildlife Authority, Dr Fulton Mangwanya, has revealed some of the financial pressures facing ZimParks during the ongoing global pandemic and caused confusion in comments on proposals for private tourism concessions in the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls.

An interview with Dr Mangwanya, The Green Show).

In an interview with Willson Chimwedzi for 'The Green Show' (Heart and Soul Radio) on 17th February, Dr Mangwanya indicated that apart from annual license fees from private concessions, the Authority's income is currently practically zero.

"Yes, indeed this pandemic has caused quite a lot of problems, like our tourism has been badly affected, if we talk of Zimparks, because 80% of our tourists are regional, and as you are talking right now no-one is coming in. The local ones, who are the domestic tourism, we can't talk of much because there is no industry to travel in - everything is down. International tourists definitely are not coming because of the lockdowns, and with the new strain in South Africa it has actually exacerbated the whole issue. We can safely say we are running at zero right now, except from some lease fees that we are getting, and we don't get any support or funding from the fiscus [state]..."

"Right now we've got [only] 10% of staff at work... So I'm working extra hours to make things work, because if I don't provide salaries for my rangers they will turn into poachers, so the best thing is to make sure I get something to pay them and then the Directors are paid later, even a month or two months later, it's ok, so long as we pay those ones on the ground."

Private concessions have become an increasing feature in the country's National Parks in recent years, with sites licensed to tourism operators to develop exclusive safari lodges and camps catering for international tourists. Whilst providing an important element of the country's tourism industry, and revenue for ZimParks (which is entirely self-funded), the tourism operators also often play an important role in local anti-poaching initiatives and community and conservation support projects.

There are, however, increasing pressures against plans to grant a raft of new concessions, after a proposal to develop a popular public campsite in the Zambezi National Park received much local opposition.

See: Campaign to Save SiansimbaGains Momentum.

Speaking last week Dr Mangwanya appeared to confuse the issue, outlining plans to 'upgrade' four sites in the Park 'so that the public can go and actually enjoy' them. 

"What we are doing in Victoria Falls - I have had some complaints - we have got about twenty-five picnic sites along Zambezi River. I am planning to upgrade four of these sites to start with and these are Siansimba, and Kandahar, site four and site ten, so that the public can go and actually enjoy it, because it's supposed to be like that. You know, according to our constitution the public are supposed to enjoy some of these facilities that we have, so I am going to do that by the end of the year, I'll have renovated some of these places, revamped them so that they come and see."

On first impression Dr Mangwanya appears to be saying that these existing four sites will all be refurbished for public use. It is understood, however, that private lodge concessions are still being considered at Siansimba and Kandahar, and that new, alternative public camping sites will be developed nearby to compensate for their loss. Presumably the same is planned at picnic sites four and ten.

If this is the case the Environmental Impact Assessment currently underway for the Siansimba Tented Camp should clearly include the identification and consideration of this new public site in addition to the private development, and the proposal reviewed as a whole. The developments must also be assessed in relation to each other and existing private concessions, and this can only be done will full public disclosure of the current plans and with the implementation of ongoing monitoring and assessment of the impacts of existing tourism developments.

Image showing location of existing public campsite. The proposed lodge development is believed to be 

on the opposite side of the Siansimba stream (right side of image) which joins the Zambezi at this point.

It remains to be seen if the fragile woodland belt which extends along the riverside can sustain the development of further sites, as well as all the extra impacts that come with the development of private tourism camps, without significant degradation of their natural and wildlife value, or if these new alternative sites will be of equal value in terms of scenic location and visitor experience.

Further Information/Links

Facebook (8th January 2021) EIA Stakeholder Consultation For Siansimba Tented Safari Camp - Zambezi National Park.

The Green Show (17th February 2021) The State of Our National Parks, Heart and Soul Radio (Facebook link to video broadcast of show).

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th February  2021) Zambezi River Scenes Which Inspired Livingstone Under Threat.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (17th February  2021) Campaign to Save SiansimbaGains Momentum.

Zimparks board vice chairperson charged with corruption

 Former Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) board vice chairperson Idah Mupamhanga yesterday appeared in court for alleged criminal abuse of duty and corruptly concealing a transaction from a principal charges.

Mupamhanga was not asked to plead when she appeared before Harare magistrate Mrs Learnmore Mapiye.

She was freed on $1 000 bail.

She was ordered to reside at her given address and not to interfere with State witnesses. The court heard that on June 21, 2016 Zimparks through the then director commercial services Mr Tarisai Musonza wrote a letter to Mabelengwe Safaris (Pvt) Ltd represented by Rodgers Madangure advising them that they were not renewing their lease agreement for a hunting concession in Matopos Unit 1 Victoria Falls, which was expiring on December 31, 2016.

It is alleged that the reason was that they had operated for the stipulated period of 10-years as stipulated in section 370 of the Parks and Wildlife Act.

It is the State’s case that on September 12 2016, Madangure wrote a letter to Zimparks seeking an extension of the lease.

On October 2016 Musonza allegedly advised Madangure that due to the overwhelming requests received by the said hunting concession, it will be auctioned to the general public after being advertised in the national daily newspaper and also posted on the Zimparks website.

The court heard that on October 20, 2016 Mupamhanga instructed the legal department to prepare a memorandum of agreement for leasing Matetsi Unit 1 concession without a board resolution.

The memorandum of agreement was entered into by Zimparks being represented by Godfreys Matipano, then acting director general and Mabelengwe Safaris and Tours (Pvt) Ltd.

It is alleged that the lease was given to Mabelengwe Safaris without being auctioned and without a board resolution.

On the second count it is alleged that on October 20, 2016 Mabelengwe Safaris (Pvt) Ltd was issued with a memorandum of agreement to operate a hunting concession at Mutetsi Unit 1, Victoria Falls for 10 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2026.

The court heard that on October 24, 2016, Mupamhanga received an amount of $10 000 from Madungure without the knowledge of the Zimparks board.

The money was transferred from Madangure’s account with Standard Chartered bank to her ZB Bank account.

Upon receipt of the money and on October 26, 2016 Mupamhanga allegedly transferred the money from her ZB account into Zimparks ZB bank account as a donation without disclosing the true nature of the transaction to the board and management.

Mr Jonathan Samukange represented Mupamhanga.

Source: Zimparks board vice chairperson charged with corruption (11/10/2019)

ZimParks needs US$30 million for operations

 HE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) needs about US$30 million annually to effectively run its operations, but the budget might be affected if the United States government's proposed anti-trophy hunting law sails through, an official has said.

The American government is in the process of promulgating an anti-trophy hunting law called Cecil Act, purportedly inspired by the killing of Cecil, the lion, at Hwange National Park by an American national, Walter Palmer, in 2015.

The killing of the famous collared lion sparked worldwide outrage.

On Tuesday, Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry permanent secretary Munesu Munodawafa told journalists at the launch of the Zimbabwe rapid reference guide on wildlife crime at Matobo National Park that the law would cripple Zimbabwe's wildlife conservation efforts.

"On average, the operational budget, just the operational budget for national parks, is plus or minus US$30 million and that money has been coming in from various activities like sport hunting. That is why we even fight the issue of the ban on ivory trade," he said.

"If you look at it, ivory has been banned, trading in live elephants has effectively been banned, now they are moving to cut off trophies for buffaloes, for lions, for anything they are closing all the sources of revenue," Munodawafa said.

"The effect of the law would be to inhibit the movement, for example, of trophies to America whether by aeroplanes heading to America or even to prohibit American hunters. If you recall, Zimbabwe's tourism strives on wildlife and the key component also is conservation of our wildlife," he said.

Munodawafa said the challenge with the Act was that the country was using sport hunting as one of the ways of generating revenue for the country.

"If you look at the effect of that law, it is to say there will be no hunting at all and if you then take it in the context that most of the professional hunters are coming from the West, particularly from the Americas, if they ban trophy hunting, if the effect of the law is to ban or discourage trophy hunting, then it means our own efforts here at conservation will suffer," he said.

He said ZimParks would fail to generate revenue to plough back into conservation for activities such as anti-poaching and setting up of fences.

"Now if all that source of revenue is cut off, it means we are opening up this wildlife, which we still have, to poachers. Because if you are weakening national parks you are weakening all the structures that were put in place and government cannot afford to put money in the budget every year to sustain conservation efforts," he said.

Tourism is one of the country's biggest foreign currency earners, having generated about US$1,050 billion in receipts from international tourists last year, marking a 7% growth from US$917 million in 2017.

The country recorded 2,6 million international tourist arrivals in 2018, 6% up from 2,4 million received in 2017.

Source: ZimParks needs US$30 million for operations (4/10/19)