Zim lines up exclusive lodges plan for Victoria Falls Airport

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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