No more heavy traffic across iconic Victoria Falls bridge

 THE Governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe have resolved to that no heavy trucks or train will use the iconic century old Victoria Falls Bridge which links the two countries.

President Hakainde Hichilema said the two sister nations have agreed to restrict the use of the bridge and will build an alternative route.

Mr Hichilema said during the Engineering Institution of Zambia(EIZ) conference in Livingstone, the historic bridge built in 1905 is no longer suitable to accommodate for heavy duty traffic.

“This bridge you see here, this road and rail bridge over the falls here, we have taken a decision with Zimbabwe, our partners, that we don’t want heavy traffic anymore here, it’s not a new bridge, it’s over 100 years.

“We don’t want 30 tonne trucks going through this bridge,” the President said.

He and in the alternative, there are plans to build another road and rail bridge, “a few kilometres down stream here”.

“…and divert traffic as you enter Livingstone. All the heavy traffic must be diverted from there. As we want to rehabilitate the Zambia Railways,” Mr Hichilema said.

And the head of State said Government still targets to grow Zambia’s economy to US$80million , adding that the economy has nearly doubled over the past four and a half years.

He said efforts are underway to ensure all provinces contribute significantly to the country’s gross domestic product by engaging in various economic activities.

Mr Hichilema also proposed linking the Luapula River to the Kafue River to increase power generation, in line with Government’s energy mix agenda

At the same event, Minister of Infrastructure and Urban Development Minister Charles Milupi said Zambia seeks to be a proactive and forward-looking infrastructure planning which anticipates demand driven by climate change, urbanisation and technological advancement.

(Mwebantu, Sunday, 19th April, 2026)

Source: No more heavy traffic across iconic Victoria Falls bridge (19/04/2026)

Crocodile slips into Victoria Falls hotel

 STAFF at Victoria Falls’ A’Zambezi River Lodge were jolted out of the calm of the early morning hours on Saturday by an extraordinary and wholly unexpected visitor when a Nile crocodile was discovered calmly occupying part of the hotel precincts. In a destination famed for its closeness to nature, the encounter was nonetheless startling, unfolding just as the day was beginning to stir.

The reptile, believed to have quietly made its way from the mighty Zambezi River nearby, was first spotted by alert hotel employees, whose swift response ensured the situation did not escalate. The alarm was raised immediately, setting in motion a carefully coordinated response designed to protect both people and wildlife.

The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) moved swiftly to the scene, acting decisively to neutralise any risk while handling the animal with care and professionalism befitting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli confirmed the incident, providing reassurance about both the outcome and the process involved.

“The animal, identified as a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) originating from the Zambezi River system, was safely immobilised and translocated by trained authority personnel.

The crocodile was subsequently released back into the river. No human injuries or property damage were recorded.”
According to Mr Safuli, while the sight may have startled lodge staff and guests alike, the crocodile’s appearance was not as unusual as it might seem within such a natural setting.

“The authority notes that the incident occurred within the species’ natural range and habitat. The lodge is situated in a riverine environment along the Zambezi River, which supports established crocodile populations. Terrestrial movement by crocodiles is normal behaviour and is commonly associated with basking, nesting, dispersal, or territorial activity.”

Mrs Pride Khumbula, RTG corporate affairs and quality manager, confirmed that the reptile had ventured into one of the lodge’s water features, seamlessly blending into an environment shaped to mirror the natural world around it.

“A’Zambezi River Lodge can confirm that a crocodile was sighted on the property on Friday 17 April 2026. The situation was promptly managed in close coordination with Zimparks, who responded swiftly, safely apprehended the animal from the hotel’s water feature where it had made its way into, and relocated it back into its natural habitat.”

Mrs Khumbula emphasised that the lodge’s proximity to wildlife is not accidental but intrinsic to its identity, set within a protected landscape that celebrates coexistence rather than separation.

“The hotel is uniquely located within the Zambezi National Park, where we proudly coexist with wildlife as part of a protected natural ecosystem. We are fully cognisant of our position within a designated wildlife corridor and actively support biodiversity by allowing animals to move freely within their natural habitat.

Source: Crocodile slips into Victoria Falls hotel (19/04/2026)

Econet InfraCo Secures Land For Multimillion-dollar Luxury Resort In Victoria Falls

 Econet InfraCo has announced plans to build a multimillion-dollar luxury resort in Victoria Falls. The project, to be called Vic Falls Lifestyle, will comprise 40 high-end residential villas supported by premium amenities, including restaurants, wellness centres, and sports facilities.

Econet InfraCo Chief Executive Officer Fayaz King described the development as a landmark project for Zimbabwe’s luxury tourism sector.

“These will be among the most exclusive residential properties ever developed in Zimbabwe,” said King.

“They are designed to meet the standards of top-tier international hospitality, comparable to presidential suites in leading global hotels.

“Security and privacy are central to the development’s value proposition. The gated resort will include round-the-clock security, catering to investors and visitors seeking a secure, secluded environment.”

Under the investment model, buyers will be able to acquire ownership of individual villas, on the condition that units are made available for rental for up to 11 months each year—a structure designed to balance personal use with income-generating potential.

King added that Econet founder and Group Chairman Strive Masiyiwa played a key advisory role in shaping the concept and is expected to be among the property owners.

“Land for the resort has been secured, with planning at an advanced stage, and construction is expected to commence before year-end,” said King.

Source: Econet InfraCo Secures Land For Multimillion-dollar Luxury Resort In Victoria Falls (15/04/2026)

The vision behind Econet InfraCo’s Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort

 Econet InfraCo — the recently listed billion-dollar infrastructure platform company — has acquired a 100-acre site in Victoria Falls, where it plans to build an upmarket ‘Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort’.

The resort will consist of about 40 luxury villas, built for use by high net wealthy visitors to the city, who plan to stay for two weeks or more.

According to InfraCo, the villas will be designed to cater for every whim of a jet set clientele who expect the best. They will be supported by a club house with a wellness gym, spas, restaurants, gift shops, tennis courts and swimming pools.

The facility will have its own 10-bed private hospital and a helipad for quick transfers to the airport.

Equally important, the villas will have their own power and water supply system, with each villa connected to fibre as well as satellite internet access. Security to the facility will be provided by 24-hour guards, with additional security guards assigned to any of the  4, 5 and 6-bedroom villas as needed.

Explaining the vision, Econet InfraCo CEO Fayaz King, said: “We need to attract visitors who spend more time in the city if we are to generate more forex for our economy. That means we must also cater for the high net worth visitor — this is the global trend. We are using our skills in developing high-quality infrastructure to enable this development.”

King said each villa will be offered for sale as an investment to Zimbabweans, who will offer them for onward rental as part of the agreement.

“The owners will be allowed to use them for about a month a year. But they are there to be rented out for 11 months; that is the concept.”

King said designs had been completed and work is expected to start before the end of the year.

He noted that land for the development was acquired some time back, at the direction of Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa.

“The group chairman has had this vision for a long time, and sees Vic Falls as a jewel for Zimbabwe’s economic revival. He bought this land over 20 years ago but feels now is the time for us to push ahead, which is why InfraCo was created,” he said, adding that there were other projects the company was planning.

Source: The vision behind Econet InfraCo’s Vic Falls Lifestyle Resort (12/04/2026)

Econet InfraCo plans luxury Victoria Falls resort with 40 villas and private hospital

 Econet InfraCo says it will build a luxury Victoria Falls resort with 40 villas, premium amenities and a 10 bed private hospital.

Econet InfraCo says it will develop a multimillion dollar luxury resort in Victoria Falls, adding high end residential villas and a private medical facility as it broadens its investment platform beyond core infrastructure.

The project, to be called Vic Falls Lifestyle, is planned as a gated resort of 40 luxury residential villas supported by amenities that include restaurants, wellness centers and sports facilities, the company said.

Econet InfraCo Chief Executive Officer Fayaz King said the villas are being designed for buyers who want privacy and a hotel level service experience. He described the residences as among the most exclusive properties to be developed in Zimbabwe, with finishes and services aimed at matching what top global hotels offer in their highest end rooms.

The company said the resort will include a 24 hour, 10 bed private hospital with emergency services and dental care, part of a package meant to meet the expectations of a high net worth clientele that travels with security and convenience in mind. Security and privacy are central to the plan, King said, with around the clock security inside the gated complex.

Econet InfraCo, recently listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, said it has been valued at about $1 billion. The company is positioning the resort as a product for both lifestyle buyers and investors looking for rental income.

Under the model outlined by the company, buyers would own individual villas, but would be required to make them available for rental for up to 11 months each year. The structure is designed to balance occasional personal use with revenue potential, a model used in some resort markets where operators manage units as part of a single hospitality offering.

King said the concept received input from Econet founder and group chairman Strive Masiyiwa, who he described as playing an advisory role in shaping the development. King added that Masiyiwa is expected to be among the property owners. Econet InfraCo said it has already seen interest from local and diaspora Zimbabwean investors as well as international buyers, including people described as friends and associates of Masiyiwa.

The company said land has been secured, planning is at an advanced stage and construction is expected to begin before the end of the year.

Vic Falls Lifestyle would be the second major development announced by Econet InfraCo. Its flagship project, Econet Tech City, is planned as an industrial and technology hub near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, with the company saying it expects to host about 300 businesses on more than 800 hectares of land it already owns.

Source: Econet InfraCo plans luxury Victoria Falls resort with 40 villas and private hospital (09/04/2026)

Econet InfraCo to build top-tier luxury resort in Vic Falls

 Econet InfraCo has announced the development of a multimillion-dollar luxury resort in Victoria Falls as part of the billion-dollar infrastructure platform’s broader strategy to expand into high-end tourism infrastructure.

The project, which will be called Vic Falls Lifestyle, will comprise 40 luxury residential villas supported by premium amenities, including restaurants, wellness centres and sports facilities. 

Econet InfraCo’s Chief Executive Officer Fayaz King said the project was a landmark development for Zimbabwe’s luxury tourism sector.

“These will be among the most exclusive residential properties ever developed in Zimbabwe. They are designed to meet the standards of top-tier international hospitality, comparable to presidential suites in leading global hotels,” Mr King said.

The development positions Victoria Falls as a destination for affluent global travellers seeking privacy, exclusivity, and integrated services.

Recently listed on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange with a valuation of approximately US$1 billion, Econet InfraCo said the resort will feature a 24-hour, 10-bed private hospital, equipped with emergency services and dental care – an offering designed to meet the expectations of a high-net-worth clientele.

“Security and privacy are central to the development’s value proposition. The gated resort will include round-the-clock security, catering to investors and visitors seeking a secure, secluded environment,” Mr King said. 

Under the investment model, buyers will be able to acquire ownership of individual villas, with the condition that units are made available for rental for up to 11 months annually – a structure intended to balance personal use with income-generating potential.

“Victoria Falls requires this calibre of development to attract visitors who not only spend, but also invest in the country,” Mr King said. 

He added that Econet founder and Group Chairman Strive Masiyiwa, played a key advisory role in shaping the concept and is expected to be among the property owners.

According to the company, the project has already generated interest from both local and diaspora Zimbabwean investors, as well as international buyers – including Masiyiwa’s close friends and associates.

“Land for the resort has been secured, with planning at an advanced stage, and construction is expected to commence before year-end,” said Mr King.

The Victoria Falls project is Econet InfraCo’s second major development initiative. 

Its flagship project, Econet Tech City, is an industrial and technology hub to be built near Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare, and expected to host approximately 300 businesses on over 800 hectares of land, which the company already owns

Source: Econet InfraCo to build top-tier luxury resort in Vic Falls (08/04/2026)

Victoria Falls Safari Collection boosts MICE investment

 THE Victoria Falls Safari Collection (VFSC) says it is expanding its meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) facilities to cater for growing demand from the business community.

The resort — which regularly hosts a number of high-level events and globally acclaimed individuals — is undertaking an expansion drive that has seen the construction of a 180-seater Queen Nandi conference room, two breakaway rooms, an amphitheatre, and an additional conference room expected to be operational by June.

VFSC Head of Marketing and Sales, Anald Musonza, said investments in MICE facilities are a result of the growing need for conferencing space.

“There’s quite a lot of demand for conferences, meetings, incentives and events into the destination,” Musonza said.

“You are all aware Zimbabwe was voted the best destination to travel to by Forbes 2025, and recently at ITB as well, we were… voted the best by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association, and our minister voted the best Tourism minister.

“That… is good positive messaging coming from what’s happening in our destination. And we’ve seen that we’ve been attracting quite a lot of significant MICE business at a global level,” he added.

MICE has been driving up business for various players in the tourism sector, with the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe citing Victoria Falls and Harare as the major beneficiaries of this uptick.

“We have strategically started investing heavily in that area (MICE) because it helps us in our business in terms of picking up business when there is normally no good business.

“January to June… were actually the best months in the 30-year history of our business because of MICE business,” Musonza said.

Corporate clients remain the primary drivers of the MICE business, as the tourism sector is projected to grow by 3,1 percent in 2026.

Growth is already evident, driven by stronger international and domestic travel, alongside continued government investment in the sector.

Musonza said the introduction of more flights to Victoria Falls by airlines such as Fastjet was significantly contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.

“As a destination, I call this the golden triangle because we have three international airports that are less than an hour to our property.

“Kasane International Airport, which is 70 kilometres, which is the furthest, but from landing… within the hour you will be here.

“Victoria Falls International Airport, 20 kilometres, within 30 minutes after landing, you are on our property.

“Livingstone International Airport, 30 kilometres, again within an hour of landing, you are here,” Musonza said.

“So, you can see that there is a very good connection and connectivity into the destination, and you’re beginning to see Vic Falls becoming a proper international hub.

“And you are all aware that our government, through Air Zimbabwe, actually through Munhumutapa, has told us already… we will get this launch of the London Harare flight in June.

‘That to us is one of the most popular routes for us in terms of direct access to Europe,” he added.

Source: Victoria Falls Safari Collection boosts MICE investment (02/04/2026)