ZIDA reveal Masuwe SEZ Development Plans

(31st October 2025)

Over the last month or so the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) Linked-In profile has been revealing details of key development projects proposed within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Victoria Falls, including plans for yet another hotel development.

In late September a post detailed the Masuwe Commercial Centre, a "flagship, multi-use development strategically located within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls" (ZIDA, September 2025).

The US$17 million development is located on a 31 hectare site adjacent to the new cricket stadium facility which is currently under construction and which we are confidently told "will host matches for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup" (the venues for the event are yet to be decided). We are also reliably informed that "international arrivals to Victoria Falls are projected to exceed 430,000 by 2026" (ZIDA, September 2025).

In mid-October a further post gave details of the Masuwe Hotel & Restaurant Project, a "a flagship investment poised to transform Victoria Falls." The description detailed the US$120 million '200-bed' development before going on to describe 120 4-star rooms and 80 5-star rooms, giving a total of 200 rooms (and an estimated 400 beds).

"This US$120 million development will rise on a 19-hectare site within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, Zimbabwe’s first tourism-focused SEZ. It’s no ordinary resort: we’re delivering a 200-bed luxury complex (120 four-star and 80 five-star rooms) complete with high-end restaurants, a spa & wellness centre, conference facilities, and leisure amenities tailored to premium travellers. Crucially, the project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the government’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company ensuring strong public backing and strategic alignment. Located adjacent to the new 10,000 seat international cricket stadium (now under construction for World Cup 2027), this resort will be at the heart of Victoria Falls’ growth as a world-class destination" (ZIDA, October 2025).

The posts linked to a pdf brochure titled 'ZIDA 2025 Projects' and which gives further details of the two above developments and three further development proposals as part of the first phase of the Masuwe development (download full brochure here).

Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate in Masuwe Special Economic Zone

"Lot 1 of Jafuta Estate owned by Mosi oa Tunya Development Company (Mosi) spanning 271.5 hectares is located in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The area was declared an SEZ on 28 September 2018 through General Notice 747 of 2018 with the objective of creating a Tourism and Financial Services Hub. The vision for the Masuwe SEZ is to enhance tourism-related activities by integrating tourism, recreational and sporting facilities, with commercial, medical and conference centres as well as an International Finance Centre, and other complementary developments.

Project Scope

- Development of core infrastructure including roads, water, sewer and wastewater management systems, power and telecommunication networks. Estimated Project Cost - US$81.6 million

- Construction of two medical centre[s]. US$15 m

- Construction of hotels, villas, flats and holiday homes. US$79.8 m

- Development of a commercial centre with shops and offices and the international financial services centre. US$17 m

- Development of a tourism and hospitality school. (Project not available - partner identified). US$10.7 m

- Development of a golf estate. US$10 m

- Development of a multipurpose international cricket stadium (Project not available - under construction). US$7.5 m." (ZIDA 2025, p81-82)

Lot 1 Jafuta Estate (click to view larger image)

 

Masuwe SEZ Commercial Centre Project

"The Masuwe Commercial Centre is a USD17 million flagship development on 31 hectares within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. It will deliver a modern, multi-use hub featuring Grade A office space, retail outlets, financial services, dining and hospitality facilities."  (ZIDA 2025, p55-56)

Masuwe Commercial Centre (click to view larger image)

Masuwe SEZ Hotel & Restaurant Facilities Project

"The USD120 million Masuwe Hotel and Restaurant Project is a greenfield tourism project located in a special economic zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls. The Project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the government through Mosi-oa-Tunya Development Company and private investors. The development seeks to deliver a 200-bed [room] resort - comprising 120 four-star rooms and 80 five-star rooms - on a 19-hectare site, featuring high-end restaurants, conferencing facilities, a spa and wellness centre, and leisure amenities catering to both premium and upscale markets." (ZIDA 2025, p57-58)

Masuwe Hotel and Restaurant (click to view larger image)

In their supporting notes ZIDA point to "Peak season occupancy above 85%."

Masuwe SEZ Villas Project

"The USD5 million Masuwe Villas Project is a greenfield tourism project located in a special economic zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls. The project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the government through Mosi-os-Tunya Development Company and private investors. The development seeks to deliver eleven luxury double-story villas within a secure gated community on a 26-hectare piece of land within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls. The project is designed to address the shortage of premium villa-style accommodation in a market dominated by hotels, where demand is rising inline with international tourist arrivals. The development is supported by key documentation, including a Feasibility Study, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and detailed servicing cost reports for the entire SEZ." (ZIDA 2025, p53-54)

Masuwe Villas Project (click to view larger image)

Masuwe International Medical Centre Project

"- The construction of a 150-bed international Medical Centre in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

- This is a greenfield project, aimed at establishing a modern, fully equipped healthcare facility in Victoria Falls

- This International Medical Centre will be on two adjacent compounds measuring six and four hectares respectively, located within the SEZ

- Compound 1: General hospital (6 ha)

- Compound 2: Luxury Medical Facility (4 ha)

- Project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with an estimated total capital outlay of USD 15 million aimed at providing both primary care and specialist services, including diagnostics, emergency medicine, surgery and rehabilitation.

-The facility is expected to serve over 60,000 patients annually, create over 200 direct skilled and unskilled jobs, and significantly reduce outbound travel to India, South Africa and China for medical reasons." (ZIDA 2025, p5-6) 

Masuwe International Medical Centre (click to view larger image)

Read more on the background to the Masuwe Special Economic Zone proposals on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Zambia Agrees Mosi-oa-tunya/Victoria Falls Entry Fee Hike

Kabwe – 28 October 2025 – The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) has reached a consensus on the long-anticipated adjustment of entry and user fees for the Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. The agreement, finalized at a key stakeholder meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Livingstone Lodge sees a moderate increase designed to support the site's maintenance and presentation. This meeting was in compliance with the Business Regulatory Act No. 3 of 2014, and the National Heritage Conservation Commission Act.

The meeting which was chaired by the Ministry of Tourism Regional Coordinator Clement Mulungushi and was attended by representatives from the Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA), ZATO - Association of Indigenous Local Tour Operators, Rafters Association, Avani Minor Hotels, Wild Horizons, and Radisson Blu among other key stakeholders.

Following extensive consultation, the parties agreed on a tiered fee structure to promote regional tourism while significantly boosting conservation revenue.

The primary agreement points are:

1. New Foreign Entry Fee: The entry fee for international tourists to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls will be increased from the current $20 to $30 USD, effective January 1, 2026. This represents a 50% increase, a compromise from NHCC's initial proposal of a $40 or $50 USD fee.

2. SADC Region Fee: A new, preferential fee for adult tourists from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region will be introduced to encourage regional travel.

3. Local Fees: The entry fee for Zambian Adults/Residents will be K50, with children under 16 years paying K25.

4. Forward Bookings: A transparent mechanism will be established to honor 2026 bookings made prior to the new fee's effective date.

The Livingstone Tourism Association raised concerns that the NHCC's original proposal for a 100% increase (to $40 USD) was too sudden and would negatively impact tourism in Livingstone. The Business Regulatory Review Authority (BRRA) through their Director Regulatory Affairs Mr David Banda also echoed this caution.

However, stakeholders welcomed the introduction of a SADC-tiered fee structure. The compromise of a $30 USD foreign entry fee was widely accepted as a balanced solution.

NHCC Executive Director Mr. Kagosi Mwamulowe said this undertaking was a major milestone in heritage management.

”The Commission cannot over emphasize the need to increase revenue to match the immense costs of maintaining a World Heritage Site as well as other heritage sites,” Mr. Mwamulowe said.

“This agreement ensures that revenue generated at Mosi-oa-tunya will visibly contribute to the maintenance and improved presentation of the World Heritage Site.” He remarked. He further extended his gratitude to all stakeholders for their mature and objective submissions.

The parties also agreed to explore the possibility of a gradual annual percentage fee increase in the future to keep pace with inflation.

With the consensus reached, the new fee structure is expected to take effect on January 1, 2026. The NHCC will now finalize the harmonized fee matrix across all site categories.

Ends.

  

 

Outcry over Hwange park road detour

 A 45-KILOMETRE detour through Hwange National Park had sparked a fierce backlash from leading conservation and tourism operators in Zimbabwe, who warn that it threatens the ecological heart of the Hwange region and the economy it supports.

In letters seen by NewsDay, Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) and the Amalinda Safari Collection have called for the immediate suspension of a plan to route commercial traffic through the sensitive Hwange National Park buffer zone.

The detour, from Cross Mabale to Mpofu to Dete to Cross Dete, is part of the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road rehabilitation project, undertaken by Asphalt Products.

However, stakeholders allege that they were not consulted, adding that the plan posed “grave” and potentially irreversible” risks.

In a letter dated October 17, PDC’s executive director, Peter Blinston, said that the area was a “critical wildlife corridor and buffer” for the safe movement of animals between Hwange National Park and surrounding lands.

“The introduction of commercial traffic through this sensitive zone would severely undermine these conservation gains and pose a grave risk to wildlife,” Blinston wrote, highlighting the danger to endangered painted dogs, elephants and other large mammals.

Amalinda Safari Collection, which operates Khulu Bush Camp, Ivory Lodge and Sable Valley, detailed the operational and ecological threats in its letter of October 16.

The company's chief executive officer, Sharon Stead, warned that the route “traverses critical wildlife pathways and migratory routes,” and will "demonstrably elevate the risk of severe animal mortality.”

The tourism operator also raised practical concerns, stating that the detour adds “an unnecessary 45-kilometre extension to vehicle transit” and uses minor district roads "not suited to the anticipated vehicular load.”

This, they argue, will lead to delays, accelerated road degradation and a “severely compromised” service for guests, directly jeopardising the “substantial tourism revenue that supports local conservation and employment.”

Both organisations have expressed frustration at lack of prior engagement.

PDC’s letter noted that “key stakeholders, including ourselves and other conservation bodies... have not been consulted,” while Amalinda said the choice of route is “especially challenging" given the contractor’s understood capacity to build a “less intrusive alternative."

The unified front from the conservation and tourism sectors presents a significant challenge to the project.

PDC has respectfully requested that works be “immediately suspended” pending consultation and environmental assessment, and that alternative routes outside the wildlife buffer zone be explored.

Similarly, Amalinda has urged Asphalt Products to “immediately place the current detour plan under review” and to adopt an existing commercial route as the preferred alternative.

The dispute puts a spotlight on the perennial conflict between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in ecologically sensitive areas.

Blinston said the project “threatens the economic sustainability of tourism and conservation operations in the area — sectors that rely heavily on the protection of Hwange’s unique wildlife heritage.”

Asphalt Products managing director Francis Mangwendeza referred questions to the Transport ministry.

“I am not in a position to answer. Ask the Transport ministry,” he said.

Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Felix Mhona did not answer questions sent to him. The government is currently constructing the strategic Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway, which is also in a bad state.

Source: Outcry over Hwange park road detour (20/10/2025)

ZIDA attempt to lure investors for US$120 million 200-room Masuwe Hotel & Restaurant Project

[from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Linked-in page, mid-October 2025] 

A Landmark $120M Resort Project in Victoria Falls 

Enter the Masuwe Hotel & Restaurant Project a flagship investment poised to transform Victoria Falls.

This US$120 million development will rise on a 19-hectare site within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone, Zimbabwe’s first tourism-focused SEZ. It’s no ordinary resort: we’re delivering a 200-bed luxury complex (120 four-star and 80 five-star rooms) complete with high-end restaurants, a spa & wellness center, conference facilities, and leisure amenities tailored to premium travellers. Crucially, the project is structured as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with the government’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya Development Company ensuring strong public backing and strategic alignment.

Located adjacent to the new 10,000 seat international cricket stadium (now under construction for World Cup 2027), this resort will be at the heart of Victoria Falls’ growth as a world-class destination. 

The Masuwe resort brings together an unparalleled location, experience, and investment case: Location & Scale: 19-hectare resort development in the Masuwe Special Economic Zone of Victoria Falls.

Facilities: 200-bed [correction: development actually details 200 room, est 400 bed] luxury resort offering 120 four star and 80 five-star rooms, plus world class restaurants, spa, conferencing venues, and leisure amenities for the upscale tourism market.

Flexible Financing: Open to debt, equity, or blended finance – we’re structuring the deal for win-win partnerships.

The Masuwe project also benefits from SEZ incentives (tax breaks, streamlined processes, profit repatriation) to maximize investor gains. This landmark development is more than just a resort, it’s a statement of Zimbabwe’s readiness to host the world and thrive.

Backed by government support and global partnerships, the project aligns with Zimbabwe’s ambition to build a US$5 billion tourism economy and achieve Vision 2030 goals. Victoria Falls is ascending as a global destination for adventure, leisure, and now investment. The Masuwe project is at the forefront of that story. The excitement is tangible, the fundamentals are solid, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Hospitality brands, developers, financiers – this is your chance to be part of an African success story in the making. The world is looking to Victoria Falls; connect with us to explore how you can join this game changing venture and make waves in Zimbabwe’s tourism boom. Let’s build the future of hospitality in one of the world’s most spectacular destinations together. 

See Also: Introducing the Masuwe Commercial Centre - ZIDA attempt to lure investors for US$17 million project (late September 2025)

Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild Website: Masuwe Special Economic Zone

 

 

Zimbabwe Named Top of the World’s Best Countries to Visit in 2025, According to Forbes Travel Guide - Or Has It?

Minister for Tourism Appears to Accept Prestigious Accolade After Ministry's Own Social Media Page Spins Story with No Substance

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 13th October 2025

For the last few days the Zimbabwean Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry has been promoting a social media post claiming that Zimbabwe was 'recently named by travel experts as the world’s best country to visit in 2025.'

The post, shared on the Ministry's Facebook page three times since 10th October, simply features a photograph of the Victoria Falls with the text 'Forbes - Zimbabwe named the world's best country to visit in 2025, according to travel experts,' without giving any further details or linking to any specific article.

The claim appears after growing negative online and media coverage over increasing tourism development pressures at the Victoria Falls and which threaten the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the Zimbabwean side of the Falls (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 27th September 2025).

A quick internet search reveals that the national press and tourism industry have reacted with similar claims, with The Herald of 13th October reporting "Zimbabwe has been named the 2025 world best country to visit by Forbes magazine, a renowned global publication" and quoting Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi. 

"We are overjoyed by the acknowledgement from Forbes and global travel experts. As you know, its prestigious when you get such recognition from Forbes and it is confirmation that Zimbabwe is a safe, peaceful, war-free tourist destination," (The Herald, 13th October 2025)

Several online regional tourism news websites and many local tour operators have also picked up on the story and repeated the claims in the belief that Zimbabwe has been recognised by Forbes in their prestigious annual list of top global travel destinations to visit.

But has Zimbabwe really received this grand accolade? The original article on the Forbes.com website, titled 'The World’s Best Countries To Visit In 2025, According To Travel Experts' was posted on 5th August 2025, and is not in fact an award from the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide, or even the opinion of independent 'Travel Experts,' but is instead an advertorial feature written by a freelance travel writer and solely based on the online search results from one online travel booking website, kayak.co.uk.

In listing Zimbabwe top of this list, the feature detailed simply "Zimbabwe cities like Bulawayo have seen more than 80% increase in flight searches on Kayak, while Harare has increased by 56% for summer this year."

So despite the grand headlines and Ministerial self-congratulations, Zimbabwe has not been voted top of any global travel destination list by Forbes. Forbes Travel Guide published its prestigious list of top destinations to visit for 2025 in January (Forbes Travel Guide Top 12 Destinations for 2025). Zimbabwe did not make the list. The Minister for Tourism appears therefore to be the victim of her own Ministry's over active spinning of stories on social media, and that rather than drawing attention away from controversial developments at Victoria Falls, their mistake will in fact help put them in the global spotlight. How embarrassing.

Read about the growing tourism development pressures facing the Victoria Falls and which threaten the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing - Keep Victoria Falls Wild.

Furore over Victoria Falls housing stands recall

 The Victoria Falls City Council has come under fire from residents after indicating that it will repossess housing stands from beneficiaries in the BE100 area who fail to pay for them in full by month end amid allegations of corruption.

The Victoria Falls Consortium, a residents association, alleged that the council has already identified new potential beneficiaries and is compelling them to pay a “facilitation fee” to increase their chances of acquiring the stands.

These claims were made in a recent communication sent by the Victoria Falls Consortium to residents in the resort city.

“The Victoria Falls Consortium is reliably informed that the mayor of Victoria Falls, Prince Thuso Moyo, and other senior council officers have embarked on an unprocedural repossession of stands from the BE100 beneficiaries,” the consortium alleged.

“Effectively, they are allegedly taking bribes from individuals who have never been on the waiting list or have been vetted by the vetting committee.

“The information on our desk indicates that the mayor and senior council officers have already engaged new potential beneficiaries, causing them to pay a facilitation fee to increase their chances of benefiting after the October 31, 2025 deadline.”

The consortium noted that while repossession of stands was a standard council procedure for those who fail to pay, it was inappropriate and unprocedural to execute this process ahead of the deadline.

“We strongly believe that the council cannot proceed with repossessions without the following: a publicised council resolution on how the process is to be applied; a process that meets all legal frameworks; and unbiased allocations to new beneficiaries,” the consortium said.

“There should be proof of waiting lists for all new beneficiaries to curb corrupt tendencies where individuals qualify because of bribes.

“The new beneficiaries should be vetted by the same vetting committee before they qualify.

“Thus far, we gather that none of the above tenets have been considered, which is a serious cause for concern.

“Residents should take note of the betrayal by their elected leaders and council management.”

The consortium added: “Furthermore, we advise all BE100 beneficiaries to go to the council immediately and inquire about the status of their stands to ascertain what records are in their files.

“This will avoid last-minute surprises regarding this potential corruption underway,” the communication advised.”

Victoria Falls mayor Moyo dismissed the claims as “mere bar talk”  when contacted for comment.

He said, at a policy level, the council passed a resolution that stands of those who have not paid will be repossessed after October 31.

“What I know is that council passed a resolution to repossess the stands of those who would not have paid by October 31,” Moyo said.

“I also know that in the consortium, two of the leaders have stands and they have not paid in full, so this is an individual person’s issue, and residents must ignore them.”

Moyo said he was being name-dropped to soil his image.

“This is not a mayor’s thing, but a decision made by the council; the mayor does not take people’s stands,” he said.

“At a policy level, I can say stands will be taken after October 31, and I urge those who have not paid to pay so that they do not lose them.

“I also encourage the consortium leaders to lead by example by paying before the stands are taken from them.”

Source: Furore over Victoria Falls housing stands recall (12/10/2025)

READ MORE:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23rd August 2025) Vic Falls residents push for clarity in Town Clerk corruption probe.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (6th March 2025) Minister defends Vic Falls Town Clerk, accuses residents’ groups of politics.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10th July 2025) Victoria Falls Residents Consortium slams opposition-led council over alleged corruption, poor service delivery 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th December 2024) Government reverses 'unprocedural suspension' of Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (6th December 2024) Public funds being wasted investigating lies, says suspended Vic Falls Town Clerk.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (5th December 2024) Corruption and abuse of office - Victoria Falls Town Clerk and 2024 CEO of the year suspended.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th December 2024) Multi-million-dollar scandal rocks Victoria Falls council.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th June 2024) Pushback as Victoria Falls council boss clings to power.

See Also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23rd January 2024) Victoria Falls former Mayor Somveli Dhlamini loses appeal against conviction, sentence.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (5th January 2023) Victoria Falls council probe team completes investigations 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (30th October 2022) Victoria Falls Town Clerk Refuses To Resign Over Corruption Allegations. 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (7th October 2022) Land scam: Vic Falls Mayor Dhlamini arrested. 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (11th June 2022) Stands corruption storm in Victoria Falls 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th June 2021) Victoria Falls town clerk reinstated.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th June 2021) Vic Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube reinstated 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (20th June 2021) Suspended town clerk gets windfall.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (14th May 2021) Victoria Falls Councillors Accuse Minister July Moyo Of Meddling.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (30th April 2021) Town Clerk Dube suspended.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (14th May 2020) Minister Moyo Settles MDC Factions’ Victoria Falls Mayoral Dispute. 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (29th February 2020) MDC expels Victoria Falls mayor for defying party directive. 

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10th February 2020) Victoria Falls mayor arrested.

Introducing the Masuwe Commercial Centre - ZIDA attempt to lure investors for US$17 million project

[from the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency Linked-in page, late September 2025]

Introducing the Masuwe Commercial Centre - Where Africa’s Adventure Capital Does Business.

The Masuwe Commercial Centre, a flagship, multi-use development strategically located within the Masuwe Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Victoria Falls.

 The project responds to a clear market gap for formal, high-quality commercial real estate amid rising tourism demand and city growth.

Why this project matters

Prime location & demand drivers: Adjacent to the new cricket stadium that will host matches for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, positioning tenants to benefit from global footfall and visibility.

Compelling market context: International arrivals to Victoria Falls are projected to exceed 430,000 by 2026, underscoring the need for modern commercial infrastructure.

Project snapshot

Total investment: US$17 million

Site area: 31 hectares

Financial highlights: NPV - US$6.2m,

ROI - 32% and Payback Period - 5 years.

We welcome anchor tenants, developers and financiers to collaborate on shaping the commercial heart of Victoria Falls. 

See Also: ZIDA attempt to lure investors for $120M 200-room Masuwe Hotel & Restaurant Project (mid October 2025)

Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild Website: Masuwe Special Economic Zone

 

 

 

 

Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant

A 45-YEAR-OLD woman of Livingstone has died after succumbing to injuries she sustained when she confronted elephants that were passing near her compound while she was drinking beer with friends. In a statement, Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka said while her friends ran to safety, the deceased, identified as Loveness Moono, attempted to chase the elephants away. “On September 27, 2025, at around 03:45 hours, Linda Police Station received a report of an elephant attack from Ms Blessings Kawana, aged 36, of Linda Compound, Livingstone. She reported that her aunt, Ms Loveness Moono, aged 45, of the same area, had been attacked by an elephant and sustained multiple injuries.

Source: Drunk L/Stone woman dies after confronting elephant (28th September 2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Conservation Campaigners Consider Call to Boycott Zim Side of Victoria Falls

(Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 27th Sept 2025, updated 8th October 2025) 

Conservation campaign group, Keep Victoria Falls Wild, has announced it is considering launching a call for an international tourism boycott of the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls in response to increasing tourism development pressures which continue to threaten the future viability of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) which it shares with its northern neighbour, Zambia.

In a social media post on their Facebook page, posted to coincide with World Tourism Day, 27th September 2025, the group highlighted the controversial Baines Restaurant development, located a short distance above the Falls and constructed within the WHS 'Highly Ecologically Sensitive Zone' (HSEZ) which prevents all new tourism development.

"A legal challenge against the development, launched in mid-2022 when construction first started at the site, has still yet to be heard by the courts, resulting in a second legal case, raised at the beginning of this year in an attempt to conclude this matter. Despite all the evidence, and negative publicity, the restaurant still remains open, with the owners of the operation, Scanner Investments (trading as Victoria Falls Investments) still claiming it is located in a permitted development zone and even attempting to sue a local resident for over US$2 million in damages in an attempt to silence the truth. All this after the new National Park Management Plan, published in 2024, presented a map which confirmed the site is located in the HESZ 'no new development zone.' It speaks volumes, not only of the state of Zimbabwe's legal system, but also indicates significant political support and influence over this development."

In response to the US$2 million libel claim Keep Victoria Falls Wild published a special report which categorically showed the development is, and always has been, located within the UNESCO WHS HESZ (KVFW, June 2025). 

The Baines Restaurant, Victoria Falls, constructed

within the World Heritage Site 'no new development zone'

The National Park Management Plan map is also definitive in showing the location as within the WHS HESZ (Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, 2024).

Map showing the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Management Zones 

(adapted from ZPWMA, 2024, click for larger view)

Questioning why, therefore, the restaurant remains open, the statement continued with a call for the tourism sector itself to stand up against illegitimate developments, or face the consequences of further negative publicity as well as a de-valued tourism product as new developments degrade and fragment the local environment of the Falls.

"The development is a stain on Victoria Falls' tourism industry and will continue to create negative media coverage until it is closed, the structures removed, and the site returned to nature. Perhaps it's time we called for an international boycott - not just of this restaurant, but of all tourism to the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, where a wave of tourism development proposals threaten conservation areas within the WHS and surrounding area which have been designated as 'permanently restricted' against all new development since the 1970s - including the riverside 'tree lodge' development which is being proposed by House of Chinhara Hospitality Investments Ltd and which is apparently to be managed by the InterContinental Hotel Group - or so they think. It's time that Zimbabwe's tourism sector sorted its act out and stood up against these illegitimate developments, which not only threaten the natural environment of the Falls, and future of the World Heritage Site, but will also diminish the tourism value of the Falls and limit the future viability of the tourism sector."

The riverside 'tree lodge' development was initially described as a '24 bed semi-permanent tented tree lodge' when first disclosed to the public in 2020. The proposal has subsequently grown into a 57-room 5-star luxury lodge, to be developed by House of Chinhara Hospitality Ltd and managed under InterContinental Hotel Group's exclusive Six Senses brand.

The list of recent tourism developments within this section of the Victoria Falls National Park and WHS HESZ also includes the 'Rock Pool,' a riverside bar developed and managed by the Park Authority, and the launch of tours to Cataract Island by Zambezi Crescent, operators of the Victoria Falls River Lodge, with the recent development of a jetty site a short distance upstream of the Falls to facilitate tours.

In addition Victoria Falls City Council have announced the development of the upstream Victoria Falls Resort, sale of Stand 1815 for a tourism hotel development (on the north-western edge of the Elephant Hills Golf Course) and revealed plans for the development of two more areas of virgin bush for a tourism development, one on the south-eastern side of the Golf Course and Zambezi Drive/Big Tree area and the other on the road loop down to the Falls rainforest, all located on the boundaries of the WHS and within the surrounding 500m 'Buffer Zone' which is supposed to limit development. These latter areas, identified in the 2024 Victoria Falls City Council Master Plan, were previously identified as being 'restricted permanently' from all new development, with the exception of infrastructure essential to its management, under the 1975 town development plan (known as the Outline Plan, and identified as Areas 7 & 14 under the 2001 Combination Plan).

Developments threatening the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site

(click for larger view)

Despite all these ongoing and planned developments, Zimbabwean Authorities chose not to disclose any new developments to UNESCO in the recent 2024 State of Conservation report for the site, thus failing in their obligation to inform the World Heritage Committee of all new developments affecting the WHS (State Parties, 2024). A new report is due to be submitted at the end of the year in advance of the next conference of the World Heritage Committee in mid-2026.

The Victoria Falls was designated as a World Heritage Site in December 1989, following the joint submission of the site by Zambia and Zimbabwe, known as the ‘State Parties,’ to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for consideration on the exclusive global list. The World Heritage List is managed under the World Heritage Convention (1972), of which both countries are signatories. As parties to the convention, the two countries are pledged to keep the Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site (VFWHS) ‘intact for future generations.’

A call for an international tourism boycott of the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, even if targeted against certain operations and operators, could have significant impacts on the country's tourism industry which relies heavily on international visitors to the Falls. Zimbabwe's volatile tourism sector has historically been highly vulnerable to negative international perceptions and is still to recover to pre-pandemic levels, despite government ambitions for a US$5 billion annual tourism economy by 2025. The country recorded 1,613,901 national tourism arrivals in 2024, significantly short of the pre-pandemic high of 2,579,974 arrivals recorded in 2019. Meanwhile Zambia recorded a record 2,199,820 foreign arrivals over 2024.

Zimbabwe’s tourism sector was reported to have generated US$1.18 billion to the national economy in 2024, against US$1.16 billion in 2023 and pre-pandemic highs of US$1.24 billion in 2019 (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, 2025).

Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Further Information

Keep Victoria Falls Wild (June 2025) Special Report on the Riverine Fringe. (download)

State Parties (2024) State of Conservation Report. Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya World Heritage Site.

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

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

Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025

 At least seven people have been killed by Elephants in Livingstone, Southern province, from January to September this year.

Tourism Minister, Rodney Sikumba says the government is working towards ensuring that no deaths are recorded as a result of elephant attacks. Speaking during a town hall meeting to discuss human animal conflict, Mr. Sikumba said the government is taking proactive measures.

Mr. Sikumba, who earlier inspected the fence being put around the Mosi Tunya National Park, has called for the reinforcement of the wire to make it strong.

Source: Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025 (ZNBC Today, 25th September 2025) 

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy

A 16-YEAR-OLD boy of Livingstone has been trampled to death by an elephant after it got agitated and charged at the deceased who was pursuing the animals with others. Southern Province Police Commanding Officer Auxensio Daka confirmed the human/animal conflict incident and named the deceased as Onismon Njamba Junior. “On September 12, 2025, at around 07:30 hours, Dambwa Central Police Post under Livingstone Central Police Station received a report of a fatal elephant attack from Mr Onismon Njamba, aged 40, of Dambwa Site and Service Extension, Livingstone. He reported that his son, Onismon Njamba Junior, aged 16, had been attacked and killed by an elephant near Toyota Zambia Limited in Dambwa Central Township, Livingstone District. 

Source: Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy (14/09/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone

 A young boy has died after being trampled by an elephant in a community near Livingstone, in an incident local authorities attribute to ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region. The event occurred over the weekend in a residential area adjacent to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Preliminary reports indicate that the elephant, believed to have wandered from the national park, entered the community. According to witnesses, the animal encountered the boy, who was reportedly playing outdoors at the time. Efforts by residents to intervene were unsuccessful.

Family members and local residents have expressed grief following the incident. A representative from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) offered condolences to the affected family and confirmed that officials are assessing the situation.

This incident occurs within a broader context of increasing wildlife encounters in areas surrounding Zambian national parks, particularly during dry seasons when animals may venture closer to human settlements in search of food and water. Livingstone, situated near Victoria Falls, is both a major tourist destination and an area where communities and wildlife habitats intersect.

The DNPW has reiterated its commitment to managing human-wildlife conflict through patrols and community awareness programs. Officials also emphasize the importance of residents remaining vigilant, particularly in regions close to protected areas.

Conservation and community groups have long noted the challenges posed by human-wildlife conflict in the region. Some advocates call for enhanced protective measures, such as improved barriers and early-warning systems, to help prevent similar tragedies.

Local community leaders have urged authorities to consider additional strategies to ensure safety, with some mentioning the need for timely support for affected families. The DNPW states that it continues to work with communities to develop and implement effective wildlife management practices.

As investigations into the incident continue, the conversation around sustainable coexistence between communities and wildlife remains a significant issue for residents, conservationists, and policymakers in the region.

Source: Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone (14/09/2025)

Read More:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th September 2025) Livingstone woman dies after confronting elephant.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (26th September 2025) Elephants Claim 7 Lives in Livingstone Since January 2025.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Elephant kills 16-yr-old Livingstone boy.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (15th September 2025) Boy Killed by Elephant in Livingstone.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (13th August 2025) Zambian Ministry Of Tourism Holds Human-Wildlife Conflict Stakeholders Meeting.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th July 2025) Ministry warns residents from provoking elephants.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (28th June 2025) Elephant kills wildlife accountant in Livingstone-Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd April 2025) Roaming elephants a giant headache for Zambia.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd April 2025) Over 100 elephants have migrated into Livingstone, DNPW warns.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (1st April 2025). Elephants and Hippos Threaten Lives of Livingstone Residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd June 2024) Elephant kills American tourist in Zambia.

See also (external links, open in a new window):

Living with giants (www.worldwildlife.org, Spring 2025)

When hungry elephants and people clash (www.npr.org, March 2025)

The Elephant Whisperers of Livingstone (worldpressphoto.org, 2025)

Curfew in Livingstone (nhm.ac.uk, 2024)

Human-Wildlife Conflict In Dambwa South, Livingstone Zambia (https://uncoverkavangozambezi.com/, 2023)

Construction of Victoria Falls Cricket Ground takes shape

 THE construction of the Victoria Falls Multipurpose Cricket Ground is progressing steadily, with Zimbabwe Cricket confident the facility will be completed by March next year.

The facility will host matches, and its first major tournament will be the 2026 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, which the country is co-hosting with Namibia.

The multipurpose ground is also scheduled to host the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia.

A visit to the ground this Wednesday revealed significant progress of the civil works, with the playing surface now nearing completion.

Water infrastructure has been installed, including bulk water supply from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA), ensuring the turf can be properly maintained.

Zimbabwe Cricket Chairperson, Honourable Tavengwa Mukuhlani, confirmed that the overall development is past halfway and several key components are already taking shape.

“The two media centres are at an advanced stage, about 55 to 60 percent done. We have poured concrete for two of the three grandstands, and the grass embankments are already in place. Water connections are complete. The transformer is on-site, and we are now finalising the substations to link to the main grid.”

Key structures such as the Playhouse Pavilion and the VIP Pavilion have also taken off, while trenching is complete for the remaining grandstand, office blocks, and the doping control centre.

“By December, we expect all outbuildings to be up, and by January, we will begin furnishing,” Honourable Mukuhlani noted.

As the countdown to completion continues, the facility is set to become not only a premier sporting venue but also a landmark for Zimbabwe’s tourism and economic development.

Source: Construction of Victoria Falls Cricket Ground takes shape (3/9/2025)

See Also

Ambitions for an international-standard cricket stadium at Victoria Falls first put forward in 2010 (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 2nd July 2010). Land just off Pioneer Road in Victoria Falls’ industrial site between the railway line and Chinotimba suburb was allocated for the project, before the plans were finally shelved in 2016 following lack of investment interest (Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs, 24th October 2016). Project resurrected in 2024. Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th May 2024) Vic Falls cricket stadium to be completed by August 2025 – govt.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (21st May 2024) Opposition legislator fumes over proposed Vic Falls stadium.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd May 2024) Parliament raises red flags on proposed Victoria Falls cricket stadium.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (22nd May 2024) Zimbabwe Government plans to develop Victoria Falls ignore impacts on World Heritage Site.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (24th May 2024) Concerns grow over costs and impacts of controversial Victoria Falls Cricket Stadium proposal.

thesadiumbusiness.com (25th May 2024) Work begins on Victoria Falls’ Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (25th May 2024) Victoria Falls cricket ground to broaden tourism products.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th July 2024) Zimbabwe building stadium near scenic Victoria Falls, project funded by ICC.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (8th March 2025) New Mecca of Zimbabwe Cricket takes shape.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th June 2025) Multi-purpose stadium to unlock sporting talent in Matabeleland North.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (7th August 2025) Presidential blessing for Victoria Falls Cricket Stadium.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (3rd September 2025) Construction of Victoria Falls Cricket Ground takes shape

Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls website.