DESPITE the challenges posed by the El Niño-induced drought, tour operators and industry authorities in Victoria Falls are reporting a remarkable surge in business.
Contrary to alarming social media claims that one of the Seven Wonders of the World is drying up, both the iconic water curtain at the main falls and upstream boat cruise activities have seen significant increases in visitor numbers over the past few months.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZimParks), responsible for the Victoria Falls rainforest and Zambezi National Park, has revealed an impressive 30 percent rise in visitors over the last three months compared to the same period last year.
This surge underscores the enduring allure of Victoria Falls, as tourists continue to flock to this natural marvel, defying the drought’s impact and reinforcing its status as a premier travel destination.
(November 2024)
Statistics released by the Zimparks show that about 1 300 visitors have been touring the rainforest daily in the past three months, representing a 30 percent increase from last year’s figures.
From August, September and October comparing the 2023 and the 2024 statistics, they show that on a daily average, 1 000 people were visiting Victoria Falls in 2023 as compared to an average of 1 300 visiting in 2024.
Tourism Executive and Shearwater Adventures Public Relations Manager, Dr Clement Mukwasi said it is normal that the Victoria Falls goes through various seasons, with the current period referred to as the low water season.
However, Dr Mukwasi said the city and the tourism business is doing well with upstream activities and the curtain of water still giving visitors the much anticipated spectacular experience.
“The water levels in the Zambezi River change from season to season. We are in what is called the low water level where we do not do activities such as rafting in the lower Zambezi. However, above the falls, the sunset cruise business is booming. We have multitudes enjoying the cruises on the Zambezi. The water depth that allows us to do cruises is more than 20 metres along the whole stretch where the activity is done.
“However, the speed at which such water plunges over the falls becomes very slow during the low water period. The curtain of water on the main falls is still there on the Zimbabwe side. On the Zambian side, the terrain is a bit higher and during this period, tourists go there to see the basalt rocks and access other top of the gorge areas that are naturally not accessible during the high water period,” said Dr Mukwasi.
Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe Regional representative, Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa-Hughes also weighed in saying the falls are not dry.
“The Falls are not dry. They are still thundering. Every year, the Zambian side of the falls dries up, which is not new to this year and that is why people walk on dry rocks to enjoy the devil’s pool activity on the Zambian side.
This year, maybe because of the drought, there has been less water coming from the catchment area, so comparing year on year, the curtain has been smaller. “Tourism is doing great and activities like boat cruises are happening daily to show that there is water on the Zambezi River. International, regional and local tourists are still coming to view and enjoy the falls. “It is business as usual and we encourage all to come and see for themselves,” said Mrs Murasiranwa- Hughes.
Source: Victoria Falls tourist numbers surge 30pc (03/11/24)
