Concerns Over Degradation of the Falls Environment as Zambia and Zimbabwe Register Record Numbers of Visitors to Victoria Falls over 2024

KEEP VICTORIA FALLS WILD

Zambia have recently published their annual tourism report for 2024, providing long-awaited detail on visitors to the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and indicating a record number of tourists visited the Falls over 2024.

Zambia recorded a record 2,199,820 international arrivals over 2024, a 35 percent increase on the 1,392,153 arrivals recorded in 2023. Visitors to the north-bank Falls visitor park, however, declined to 170,402, against 227,000 in 2023, including 45,023 international visitors, down from 51,126 recorded in 2023. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park recorded 11,591 visitors (Zambia Tourism Agency, 2025). The figures show a strong national recovery from the pandemic years and reflect the strength and diversity of Zambia's nationwide tourism industry.

Across the river Zimbabwe recorded 1,613,901 international arrivals in 2024, a slight increase on the 1,602,781 visitors recorded in 2023, but still significantly short of pre-pandemic highs of 2,579,974 arrivals recorded in 2019 (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, 2025, p.8). The figures mark a sudden pause in the country’s post-Covid recovery, while global tourism levels have largely recovered to pre-pandemic levels in 2024.

Visitors to the south-bank Rainforest viewing

the lunar rainbow (ZPWMA, 2023)

Visitors to the Falls, however, showed a fuller recovery, with the south-bank Victoria Falls visitor park receiving 394,681 visitors over 2024, including 295,084 international visitors (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, 2025, p.24). The total for 2024 is just short of the record high of 397,436 visitors to the Falls recorded in 2019 (and which included 310,732 international visitors), indicating that tourism to the Falls has recovered to pre-Covid levels, despite the poor national figures (and a reflection of the over-reliance of Zimbabwe's national tourism industry on the Falls). The Zambezi National Park recorded 202,618 visitors, up on the 170,605 visitors recorded in 2023.

The figures reported indicate a new record combined total of 565,083 visitors to the Falls over the year, surpassing the previous record total of 537.980 recorded in 2019. The figures also mark only the second time that the Falls have received over half-a-million visitors in two consecutive years, with a total of 537,980 visitors recorded in 2018 and 530,136 in 2023.

The scale of recent growth in tourism to the Falls is clearly illustrated by the numbers of visitors estimated to have visited the south bank Rainforest since the early 1900s. While there are no detailed records of visitor numbers to the Falls since Livingstone first described them to the world, estimates based on known occupancy levels at the Victoria Falls Hotel over the decades indicate that perhaps one million people had visited the south bank Rainforest by the time of independence in 1980. It is calculated that this number doubled to two million over just twenty years to 2000 and this total itself nearly tripled to close to six million visitors over the twenty years to 2020 (Roberts, 2025).

Carrying Capacity Concerns

The new record total raises concerns over the peak-season carrying capacity of the Falls visitor parks, especially on the south bank. 

The 1996 IUCN SEA report calculated the carrying capacity on both sides of the Falls to be 250 people at any one time with a daily limit of 3,000 visitors.

“The rainforest walk is the primary attraction which brings tourists from all over the world. The carrying capacity of the Rainforest walks limits the carrying capacity of the whole area... The carrying capacity of the rainforest is based upon the number of people in the rainforest at any one time. Calculations by the study team showed that on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean side, the carrying capacity was about 250 persons at any one time giving 1,250 persons on an average day and up to 3,000 persons per day on a capacity day.” (IUCN, 1996a, p.9-10) 

The 2010 State of Conservation Report confirmed the carrying capacity for the Falls visitor parks, estimating a total of 6,000 daily visitors as a maximum, split equally over the two sides of the river (UNESCO, 2010).

The 2016 Joint Plan indicated a revised carrying capacity of 500 visitors to the south bank and 250 visitors to the north bank at any one time (as opposed to Heath’s 1990 estimate of 250 visitors for each side of the river). The revised south bank figure is believed to be based on the assumption of an average visit time of one-hour, instead of the widely accepted tourism industry figure of two hours, effectively doubling the south-bank daily capacity identified in 1996 from 3,000 to 6,000 (it should be noted there have been no corresponding improvements to visitor facilities or infrastructure to justify this increased figure).

The 2024 Zambezi/Victoria Falls National Park Management Plan estimated the current tourist accommodation capacity of the south bank at between 5,000 and 6,000 beds (ZPWMA, 2023, p.59), with hotel and other developments already announced and in progress expected to easily bring this total to over 6,000 (while the centrally located Kingdom Hotel, with nearly 300 rooms, still lies empty).

Accepting a daily limit of 3,000 visitors either side of the Falls and an average stay of two days/nights, the drive to expand tourism accommodation on the south-bank resort beyond 6,000 beds would suggest that the carrying capacity of the ‘Rainforest’ is in danger of being regularly breached during peak-season periods, when hotels and lodges are often booked to near capacity. The concerns over the visitor capacity of the Falls also extend to tourism activities, with recent years seeing a significant increase in the number of cruise boats operating on the river above the Falls and helicopters offering flights over the Falls.

In 2018 ZimParks extended the daily opening times for the south-bank visitor 'Rainforest' from its traditional dusk closing time (6-7 p.m.) until 10 p.m. while also allowing night-time game drives within the Zambezi National Park and late night dining and events along the river. 

Tourism development pressures have also led to the development of inappropriate and illegitimate infrastructure within protected 'no new development' zones, such as the establishment of the riverside Baines Restaurant, opened in mid-2023 and located immediately above the Falls within the Victoria Falls National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site 'red zone.' The proposed development of a riverside 'tree lodge' complex along an undeveloped stretch of the riverine fringe surrounding the Elephant Hills Golf Course, again within the VFNP and WHS red zone, threatens to further impact the fragile ecology of the immediate area of the Falls (KVFW, 2023; 2024). These developments also risk increasing people-wildlife conflict by displacing local elephant herds from their traditional movement corridors, refuge and feeding areas and bringing them into conflict with local residents (VFCC, 2024, p.64, 91, 155).

Over-tourism risks the degradation of the Falls environment through direct physical development and disturbance, with increased noise and light/visual pollution experienced by the visitor and ultimately reducing the wilderness, and tourism, value and appeal of the Falls. The drive for short-term growth and gains are undermining the long-term tourism value and potential of the destination - as well as risking the lives of residents. 

References

Further information, downloads and links to key documents available from Keep Victoria Falls Wild website (www.keepvictoriafallswild.com).

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (2023) 2023 State of Development Final Report. August 2023. 

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (2024) 2024 State of Development Final Report. July, 2024.

IUCN (1996) Strategic Environmental Assessment of Developments Around Victoria Falls, Executive Summary. IUCN Regional Office for Southern Africa.

Roberts, P. (2025) Footsteps Through Time - A History of Travel and Tourism to the Victoria Falls. Fourth Edition. Zambezi Book Company / CreateSpace Independent Publishing. (First published 2017).

UNESCO (2010) Conservation Issues.

Victoria Falls City Council (2024) Victoria Falls City Master Plan. Draft Report of Study. April 2024.

Zambia Tourism Agency (2025) Annual Report 2024.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (October 2023) Zambezi/Victoria Falls National Park GeneralManagement Plan (2024-2034). October 2023 (approved April 2024).

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (2025) Tourism Trends and Statistics 2024.

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)

Zifa mulls Victoria Falls stadium

 The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) is reportedly considering the construction of a new stadium in the tourism town of Victoria Falls.

This publication understands that Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi visited the city on Tuesday and held a meeting with the council leadership to discuss the way forward regarding the construction of a state-of-the-art football stadium.

Zimbabwe is said to be preparing a joint bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with neighbours South Africa and Botswana.

A Facebook post by the City of Victoria Falls revealed details of the visit.

“Zifa president Nqobile Magwizi on Tuesday led a delegation to Victoria Falls to scout for land for the construction of a state-of-the-art soccer stadium as the country solidifies its bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2028,” the report said.

“Accompanied by Zifa general secretary Norman Gwangwadza, the football body’s delegation met the City of Victoria Falls management led by town clerk Ronnie Dube and several councillors, including Zifa Southern Region vice-president Cllr Tafadzwa Mutowa, putting the tourism city in the spotlight for sports tourism and infrastructure development.

“After a brief meeting, the delegation toured several pieces of land in Mkhosana and areas near the Gorges.

“Zimbabwe was among the southern African nations that expressed early interest in participating in a regional bid for the 2028 Afcon.

“The Caf executive committee is expected to decide on the 2028 host following the submission of bids by countries. 

Victoria Falls is strategically located to host world-class sporting activities, hence the need for appropriate facilities.

“Currently, the city has the Division One-classified Chinotimba Stadium, and the construction of a modern state-of-the-art stadium would raise the city’s profile, with the potential to attract clubs and activities not only for competitions, but also for camping and off-season sessions.

“With Caf and Fifa involved, plans are to construct a modern stadium with B Arena and C Arena. Zifa is therefore looking for space to build a stadium, with Victoria Falls emerging as one of the potential host cities.

“The city is also looking to public-private partnerships (PPPs) for infrastructure development in line with the Government’s thrust for partnerships with the private sector.”

At the moment Zimbabwe does not have a Caf certified stadium, forcing national teams and teams involved in continental competitions to play  their home fixtures in neighbouring countries.

Source: Zifa mulls Victoria Falls stadium (12/03/2026)

ZIFA Explores Building State-of-the-Art Stadium in Victoria Falls

ZIFA Explores Building State-of-the-Art Stadium in Victoria Falls as Zimbabwe Targets Co-Hosting AFCON 2028

The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has begun scouting for land in Victoria Falls to build a state-of-the-art football stadium, a key step in strengthening Zimbabwe’s bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations.

During a visit to the city on Tuesday, ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi led a delegation assessing potential sites, accompanied by General Secretary Norman Gwangwadza

Engagement with Local Authorities

The delegation met city officials led by Town Clerk Ronnie Dube, as well as councillors including ZIFA Southern Region Vice-President Tafadzwa Mutowa. Following discussions, the team toured prospective sites in Mkhosana and near the gorges to evaluate the best location for the proposed stadium.

Stadium Part of Larger AFCON Ambitions

The planned stadium, which will feature “B Arena and C Arena”, is part of Zimbabwe’s push to join a regional bid led by South Africa for AFCON 2028. The council highlighted the potential benefits of the project, saying it could position Victoria Falls as a center for sports tourism and attract investment in infrastructure.

“ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi on Tuesday led a delegation to Victoria Falls to scout for land for the construction of a state-of-the-art soccer stadium as the country solidifies its bid to host the next Africa Cup of Nations in 2028.”

Accompanied by ZIFA General Secretary Norman Gwangwadza, the football body delegation met the City of Victoria Falls management led by Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube and some councillors, including ZIFA Southern Region vice-president Cllr Tafadzwa Mutowa, putting the tourism city in the spotlight for sports tourism and infrastructure development,” Victoria Falls City Council stated.

Victoria Falls Among Potential Host Cities

With plans underway to establish a modern football stadium, Victoria Falls has emerged as one of Zimbabwe’s prime candidates to host matches should the country’s bid to co-host AFCON 2028 succeed. The project signals both a sporting and economic opportunity for the region.

“ZIFA is therefore looking for space to build a stadium and Victoria Falls becomes one of the potential host cities,” the statement concluded.

If approved, the stadium could cement Zimbabwe’s role as a co-host and bring a major continental football tournament to one of the country’s most iconic cities.

Source: ZIFA Explores Building State-of-the-Art Stadium in Victoria Falls (11/032026)

African Sun to Delist

 Zimbabwe's African Sun hospitality group is part way through a major restructuring, which includes removing the company from its stock market listing

Listed Zimbabwean hotel group African Sun has opted to delist from the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, as it restructures its portfolio in the country.

The group is reducing its hotel holdings, in a strategic shift that will see it deliver greater value for shareholders. In future, the business will focus on a smaller, core portfolio of higher quality properties, many of them operating with the benefit of international brands above the door.

Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls

Restructuring the Portfolio

Shareholders are about to approve a further disposal, which will see the company sell its Caribbea Bay Resort in Kariba to the country’s Public Service Pension Fund. The resort will change hands for a price of USD5.65 million, it is reported by local media.

The sale is the latest in a string of disposals of what the company has decided are non-core properties. Among those assets was the Great Zimbabwe Hotel, plus an associated business, Laclede Investments, which yielded USD4.2 million. African Sun also sold the 243 room Monomotapa Hotel which, with an associated land package, to the same public pension fund, returning USD18 million.

The policy of selling down leaves African Sun in early 2026 with a portfolio of seven hotels. The most impressive of these is the Victoria Falls Hotel. With 149 rooms, it sits close to the famous waterfalls and has been operating since 1904. It also holds the Elephant Hills Resort & Conference Center, with 276 rooms, the Hwange Safari Lodge and Troutbeck Resort.

Also within the portfolio are three internationally branded IHG hotels. Largest of these is the Holiday Inn Harare, with 201 rooms, plus the Holiday Inn Bulawayo and Holiday Inn Mutare.

African Sun is well placed to benefit from increasing international visitor numbers in Zimbabwe. African Sun chairman Lloyd Mhishi commented at a recent company presentation: “We anticipate a marked increase in international travel volumes, and a rebound in conference and business tourism driven by strengthened domestic demand.” He noted a more favourable regulatory environment, spurred on by the government’s publication of its tourism and hospitality policy. In addition, the government has been able to reduce the country’s inflation rate, following the rollout of a new official currency, Zimbabwe Gold.

Brands Head to Victoria Falls

Those improving economic conditions have encouraged international hotel brands into the country. And, as a major tourist attraction, the Victoria Falls area is seeing much of the development activity. Radisson Hotel Group has a project under construction to deliver a Park Inn by Radisson resort, while Accor expects to have Novotel Victoria Falls open in early 2028. Singapore’s Lux Collective has signed to add a luxury resort near the Zambezi River.

Not to be left out, IHG has a dual project in the city of Victoria Falls. Due to open in 2027, this will include a 99 room hotel, House of Chinhara, which will list under the group’s Vignette Collection. Later the same year, Six Senses Victoria Falls will complete, offering a bespoke experience with just 57 rooms, featuring tree level lodges for the ultimate connection with nature.

Source: African Sun to Delist (09/03/2026)

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)

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)