Zim lines up exclusive lodges plan for Victoria Falls Airport

THE Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) has placed a 300-hectare forest block next to Victoria Falls International Airport on the market, inviting private  investors to develop multimillion dollar eco-lodges and conservancies in one of the country’s most commercially-strategic  tourism zones. 

The land, branded “Airport Lodges” in the commission’s newly-launched  investment prospectus, lies just 20 kilometres from Victoria Falls and within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (Kaza).

In its prospectus, FCZ describes the site as a rare opportunity for sustainable, high end tourism investment.

“Located immediately adjacent to Victoria Falls International Airport and only 20km from the world famous Victoria Falls, this 300 hectare block of mature forest presents a rare opportunity for sustainable, high end tourism and conservation development,” the commission said.

“Situated inside the Kaza Transfrontier Wildlife Corridor and within a designated Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the site combines exceptional ecological value with premium access and favourable investment conditions.” 

The site combines premium airport access with strong conservation credentials, placing it at the intersection of international tourism and ecological stewardship.

According to the Airports Company of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls International Airport handled 463 848 passengers between January and September 2025, a 13,57% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

The rising traffic strengthens the commercial case for airport-proximate hospitality developments.

Victoria Falls remains Zimbabwe’s flagship tourism destination, accounting for roughly 60% of national park entries. 

In 2024, it recorded the highest hotel occupancy rate in the country at 63%, underscoring its dominant contribution to Zimbabwe’s annual tourism receipts, which exceed US$1 billion. 

The commission highlighted the estate's intact forest canopy, scenic diversity and natural buffer zones, positioning it as ideal for low impact, high yield development models.

Although FCZ has not disclosed a projected capital value, the scale, location and infrastructure requirements suggest a multimillion-dollar investment, particularly if developed as a luxury, low density eco-tourism estate targeting high spending international travellers.

Analysts said being located within the Kaza corridor enhances the site’s appeal for wildlife-based tourism and transboundary conservation linkages. Its SEZ status also provides potential economic incentives for investors.

FCZ has outlined several recommended development options, including low density luxury lodges and private villas designed to preserve forest canopy and wildlife movement; responsibly managed game sanctuaries or private conservancies aligned with regional conservation goals; and integrated eco-tourism hubs combining accommodation, guided wildlife experiences, cultural tourism and premium hospitality services.

“This property uniquely marries immediate international access, proximity to one of the planet’s premier natural attractions, and strategic conservation value inside Kaza and an SEZ,” the commission said. 

“It is exceptionally well-suited to development models that prioritise high yield per hectare, ecological integrity, community benefit and long-term brand value.”

The broader tourism recovery has been supported by increased international arrivals and the entry of new airlines into Zimbabwe. The number of airlines servicing the country rose to 22 in 2025, further strengthening Victoria Falls’ connectivity.

In addition to the Airport Lodges project, the commission is marketing Fuller Forest, a 12 000-hectare forest estate also located within the Kaza Transfrontier Wildlife Corridor and approximately 20km from Victoria Falls Town.

FCZ said the estate’s scale, conservation positioning and proximity to the airport make it suitable for high value, conservation-led tourism and mixed use investment.

Proposed opportunities at Fuller Forest include luxury airport-proximate lodges and boutique resorts targeting short stay international travellers; gated conservation tourism estates and private conservancies that combine exclusive visitor experiences with habitat protection; mixed use hospitality clusters integrated with game sanctuary management, including safaris and interpretation centres; and regulated, sustainably managed hunting concessions aligned with conservation and community benefit frameworks.

Source: Zim lines up exclusive lodges plan for Victoria Falls Airport (27/02/2026)

New lodge opens in Victoria Falls

 Newmark Hotels & Reserves’ new Bupenyu Lodge, set above the Bakota Gorge on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls, has opened its doors.

The exteriors were designed by Stellenbosch-based Experience Architects to mimic the environment with stone-clad passageways and basalt-lined walls. The interiors showcase local artistry and natural materials curated by Hinterland Studio.

The lodge includes 11 cliffside suites, each 52 square metres, with private plunge pools and indoor-outdoor living spaces. There is also an exclusive-use 132 square metre two-bedroom villa. All accommodation is connected to the communal areas via pathways that wind through the miombo woodlands.

The lodge offers three dining options: an outdoor boma, open-plan restaurant or the deck of each suite. Additional facilities include spa treatment pods, infinity pool, wine cellar and a helipad for transfers.

Experiences include helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, rhino conservation excursions, horseback safaris, day trips to the Chobe and Hwange national parks, Zambezi River cruises, swims at Devil’s Pool and meeting with local communities at Chinotimba Township.

Source: New lodge opens in Victoria Falls (27/02/2026)

Tragedy strikes again, female guard killed by elephant in Victoria Falls

 BARELY a week after a fatal elephant attack claimed a life in Mkhosana Suburb, another tragedy has hit Victoria Falls.

A female security guard was trampled to death by an elephant in Chinotimba Suburb on Sunday morning.

The woman, whose name is being withheld pending family notification, was on duty guarding a booster station when she was attacked.

Her lifeless body was discovered by a passer-by in the early hours of Sunday.

This incident follows last Sunday’s death of 42-year-old Gift Siziba, who was trampled by an elephant in Mkhosana Suburb.

The back-to-back fatalities have left the city in shock and fear.

Source: Tragedy strikes again, female guard killed by elephant in Victoria Falls (22/02/2026)

From pole and mud to prime resort attraction. . . How tourism has transformed Monde community

FOR generations, the road from Victoria Falls towards Monde and the villages of Indlovu and Ntabayengwe carried the soft, familiar rhythm of rural Zimbabwe. Anyone who travelled it knew the scene by heart: quiet homesteads with round huts standing like sentinels, dusty footpaths weaving between fields, and a gentle pace of life that seemed untouched by the tourist bustle only minutes away. The land had beauty in abundance, yet for many who lived there, opportunity felt painfully scarce.

Today, that same stretch of road feels almost enchanted. It leads to one of Zimbabwe’s most unexpected success stories — a transformation so striking that even long-time residents pause to take it in. What once seemed a sleepy rural corridor has blossomed into a vibrant symbol of rural-based tourism. Where the lowing of cattle once set the soundtrack, there is now the subdued hum of comfort and luxury. The horizon, once dominated by mopane woodland, now features graceful thatched roofs and stone-fronted lodges that wouldn’t look out of place in any world-class destination. This place is no longer a quiet backwater; it has stepped confidently into the limelight as a premier resort area bringing pride, dignity and prosperity to the surrounding communities.

The change isn’t subtle — it’s impossible to miss. Some homesteads have embraced bed-and-breakfast hospitality, offering travellers peaceful, off-the-grid escapes just 13,5 kilometres from the city centre, turning remoteness into a luxury rather than a barrier. Further along, a retreat centre rises out of Ntabayengwe like a modern sanctuary, its 4-star elegance blending effortlessly with its rural roots. And perched dramatically over the edge of the Batoka Gorge is a new lodge whose bold architecture seems to announce that the area’s tourism ambitions now reach as far as the Zambezi winds blow.

But this wave of development is about so much more than buildings. It has become a catalyst for deeper, broader rural upliftment. Hwange Rural District Ward 3 Councillor, Givemeagain Moyo, has watched the transformation with pride and clarity.

“The development and added value of the land has created thousands of jobs. More than 200 jobs were for example created during the recent construction of the lodge alone,” said Moyo.

The benefits ripple outwards like water spreading from a newly-dug borehole. There are boreholes, in fact — drilled by Zinwa, delivering fresh water to communities. Roads have been improved. Local farmers now find dependable markets for their produce. Council coffers gain through rates. Every lodge built brings with it a chain reaction of opportunities, services and livelihoods that extend far beyond the lodge gates.

What’s unfolding goes beyond infrastructure; it is reshaping tourism itself. By pulling visitors beyond Victoria Falls’ city limits, the area is easing the city’s chronic accommodation pressures and offering something fresh: Rural Tourism. Travellers are increasingly hungry for immersive, authentic experiences, and Monde has stepped forward to meet that appetite. A local retreat centre’s success in hosting high level regional and international conferences last year is proof enough that global standard hospitality can flourish on rural soil. Monde isn’t just competing — it’s excelling.

And this isn’t an isolated spark. The same energy is spreading to places like Domboshava near Harare, showing that Monde is not a lucky exception, but a trailblazer. Tourism executive Dr Mukwasi credits the transformation to a profound change in mindset and a deeper understanding of land’s true value.

“All along, people were not investing much in rural areas because they viewed land tenure as insecure, but the mindset has changed. We see raw land actually, the value going up and matching that of urban areas,” he said.

He speaks of a powerful shift in how rural communities are perceived.

“For quite a long time, people in the rural areas were treated as people who should only benefit from commissions. But now, the rural areas are viewed as the primary place to invest in, the primary place to enjoy the process of tourism operation. The moment you have a lodge out there, you also have water connected, you also have roads connected, you also have network connected,” he said.

It’s a transformation that dovetails neatly with the Government’s rural development agenda — one that moves beyond mere subsistence towards self-sustaining, investment-driven rural economies. But there’s an important focus on quality too.

“We just have to ensure that whatever is constructed meets the international standards that tourists would require,” he said.

Urban operators have pledged to support and promote their rural counterparts, recognising that Zimbabwe’s tourism success story is strongest when it’s shared.

In the end, the story of Monde is not simply about new lodges or upgraded roads. It is about imagination, courage and the quiet but determined belief that rural Zimbabwe can be more than what it has traditionally been allowed to be. From the shadows of old huts have risen bright, confident symbols of prosperity. And with each new step, each new lodge built, Zimbabwe’s rural heartlands are proving they are not waiting for development — they are creating it, shaping it, and owning it, one extraordinary transformation at a time. 

Source: From pole and mud to prime resort attraction. . . How tourism has transformed Monde community (20/02/2026)

Horror in Mkhosana suburb…Jumbo tramples man to death as residents watch

 RESIDENTS of Mkhosana suburb in the CBZ area of Victoria Falls have been left in a state of deep shock and trauma after witnessing a marauding elephant fatally trample a 42-year-old man on Sunday night. 

The incident, which occurred around 11PM, claimed the life of Gift Siziba, a local resident, who was on his way to a funeral of a colleague he worked with at Wild Horizon. 

The attack unfolded at a house belonging to Mr Innocent Chidarera, who, along with other neighbours, watched in horror as the tragedy unfolded just metres from their windows. 

Speaking to the Chronicle yesterday, a visibly shaken Mr Chidarera recounted the terrifying moments when the elephant turned his property into the scene of a fatal attack. 

He described the incident as a traumatic experience that will haunt him for a long time.

“I am the owner of the premises where this unfortunate incident happened. It was, I think, around 11PM. I was asleep and was with my wife inside the house. We heard an elephant trumpeting,” said Mr Chidarera. 

He said the sound of footsteps followed the initial trumpeting. As he and his wife peeped through their curtain, they were met with a sight of sheer terror. 

“We opened our curtain, we found that a man was crawling under this tree and the elephant was in pursuit. When it got to the man, it went on its knees. I think it was using its horns to attack him,” Mr Chidarera said. 

The proximity of the attack left the family gripped with fear. 

“We could not see much because this tree was also obstructing. However, the elephant was so close, it was so close that you could touch it from the house,” he said. 

Desperate to intervene, Mr Chidarera tried to create a disturbance. 

“So, I also tried to make some noise inside. Then it trumpeted again and sprang. Then all the neighbours, I think they were watching from their windows. Everyone came out and then we saw a restless man, or I can say a lifeless body, lying beside my window. I am traumatised,” he said. 

A neighbour, who identified herself as Prophetess Margaret said she had heard the elephants moving around earlier in the evening but never imagined the horror that was about to unfold. 

“I first heard the elephants around 9PM, but it is common here. Then around 10:30PM, the trumpets sounded suspicious, and they drew near to my house. After a few minutes, we just heard my neighbours crying,” she said. 

Prophetess Margaret called on the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) to act urgently to prevent further loss of life.

“This is too much for us. We live in fear every day. I am appealing to Zimparks to move in and ensure this dangerous elephant is driven away or killed before it claims another life. We cannot continue living like this,” she pleaded. 

Matabeleland North Provincial Police spokesperson, Inspector Glory Banda, confirmed the tragic incident, urging the public to be extra vigilant, especially at night when human-wildlife conflict is high. 

“A 42-year-old man, Gift Siziba, was walking at around 10:30pm when he encountered an elephant, which charged towards him. He tried to run towards the houses but the elephant caught up with him and trampled him to death,” said Insp Banda. 

“Residents tried to scare it away, but unfortunately, he had already died upon their arrival,” he added. 

The death of Mr Siziba has cast a dark shadow over the Mkhosana community, with residents calling for an urgent review of safety measures to protect people from wildlife that frequently wanders into residential areas.

Source: Horror in Mkhosana suburb…Jumbo tramples man to death as residents watch (16/02/2026)

Elephant Kills Man in Victoria Falls

 A 42-year-old Victoria Falls man has died after being trampled by an elephant, in yet another reminder of the growing risks of human-wildlife encounters in the resort town.

Police say the incident happened around 10:30pm on Sunday near the Vehicle Inspection Department, commonly known as VID.

According to Matebeleland North police spokesperson Inspector Glory Banda, the man was walking through the area when he reportedly came across a lone elephant that became aggressive and attacked him.

Inspector Banda says the victim died at the scene.

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid walking at night and to remain alert, as elephants and other wildlife frequently move into residential and commercial areas in search of food and water.

Source: Elephant Kills Man in Victoria Falls (16/02/2026)

Fresh momentum for Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme

 Zimbabwe and Zambia are revitalising discussions on the Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme aimed at addressing energy challenges faced by both countries, Zambian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Brigadier-General (Retired) Wilson Tembo, has said.

He was speaking after paying a courtesy call on Acting President Dr Constantino Chiwenga yesterday, where the Batoka Gorge project, previously seemingly sidelined, gained renewed focus.

The countries were also seeking to strengthen cooperation on climate change response and mitigation, wildlife conservation and agriculture.

During their meeting, energy issues took centre stage, with the proposed Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Power Station set to generate an impressive 2,400 MW of electricity from the Zambezi River that borders the two countries.

The project is expected to play a critical role in alleviating the energy deficit currently impacting both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

“We discussed a range of topics related to our bilateral relations, starting with my introduction as the new ambassador to the Republic of Zambia,” said Ambassador Tembo.

“We discussed the energy sector, which has faced severe challenges due to the drought conditions experienced in 2023–2024. These conditions have severely impacted water levels in the Kariba Dam, the primary source of our electricity.

“We recognised the urgent need to explore alternative renewable energy solutions, like the Batoka Gorge project, to mitigate these challenges.

“Our discussions emphasised the importance of firm commitment to moving this project forward,” said Ambassador Tembo.

The meeting also addressed several topics, including youth empowerment, education, agriculture and wildlife conservation.

Notably, Zimbabwe’s current presidency of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Park (KAZA) was highlighted as an opportunity for collaboration in conservation efforts.

This role allows Zimbabwe to play a critical part in fostering sustainable management of natural resources and promoting biodiversity in the region.

Ambassador Tembo said they also discussed the importance of investing in youth initiatives to prepare future leaders, enhancing educational opportunities to bolster economic growth and developing sustainable agricultural practices to ensure food security.

Additionally, both countries recognised the need to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts to protect endangered species and promote eco-tourism, ultimately benefiting local communities and economies.

“We also discussed agriculture and youth empowerment, specifically training our young people,” said Ambassador Tembo.

“Harare Polytechnic signed a memorandum of understanding with the Technical and Vocational Training Authority of Zambia and some of our young people are already training at Harare Polytechnic.

“We talked about consolidating our bilateral relations, which have stood the test of time, particularly given that both our countries fought in the liberation struggle.

Source: Fresh momentum for Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme (14/02/2026)

Read more:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2026) $4.2BN Power Play: Zambia and Zimbabwe Partner on Batoka Gorge Hydropower Project.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23rd April 2026) ZRA calls for public input on development of Batoka Gorge Hydro-electric Power Station.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th February 2026) Fresh momentum for Batoka Gorge Hydro-Electric Scheme.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (31st December 2025) Zimbabwe, Zambia commit US$440m to Batoka Gorge project.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th December 2025) AFRY to update key studies for Batoka Gorge project, Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd June 2025) Zimbabwe And Zambia Renew Investor Search For Batoka Gorge Project.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd May 2025) Zambia, Zimbabwe Court Investors to Revive $5 Billion Hydro Dam.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd November 2024) Zambezi River Authority updates Batoka project feasibility studies.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th March 2024) Zambia and Zimbabwe to retender $5bn Batoka Gorge hydropower plant

See also the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.