Zimbabwe records rise in Victoria Falls tourist arrivals

 Zimbabwe's tourism sector continues to register positive growth, with new figures showing an increase in visitor arrivals to the Victoria Falls Rainforest during the first quarter of 2026.

The latest statistics suggest that the country is building on the momentum generated by its growing international profile and ongoing efforts to position itself as a leading tourism destination in Africa.

According to official first-quarter data released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, visitor arrivals to the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest increased from more than 60,000 during the first quarter of 2025 to over 64,000 during the same period this year.

The increase reflects sustained interest in one of Zimbabwe's most important tourism attractions and comes as the country seeks to expand tourism's contribution to economic growth, employment creation and foreign currency generation.

Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains the flagship of Zimbabwe's tourism industry and is widely regarded as one of the world's most spectacular natural attractions.

ZimParks Public Relations Manager, Luckmore Safuli, said the figures demonstrate growing confidence among both domestic and international visitors.

"The first-quarter statistics demonstrate growing confidence among visitors choosing Victoria Falls as their preferred destination," he said.

"We are continuously improving the visitor experience while ensuring the sustainable conservation of this unique ecosystem."

Safuli said authorities expect visitor numbers to continue rising throughout the year as tourism promotion efforts gather momentum.

"Going forward, we expect Victoria Falls to attract more visitors, thereby contributing to Zimbabwe's tourism growth. As ZimParks, we remain committed to ensuring that all tourists visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site enjoy a safe and premium experience," he said.

Tourism officials view the performance of Victoria Falls as a key indicator of the broader health of Zimbabwe's tourism industry, which has been identified as a strategic sector under the country's economic development plans.

The destination remains a major source of foreign currency earnings and supports thousands of jobs across hospitality, transport, retail and related industries.

Economic analyst Stevenson Dlamini said growth in tourist arrivals generates benefits far beyond the tourism sector itself.

"What makes these numbers important is that tourism has strong multiplier effects across the economy," he said.

"Every additional tourist supports employment, creates demand for local goods and services, and generates foreign currency earnings."

He added that increased visitor activity at Victoria Falls contributes to wider economic development in surrounding communities and across the national economy.

"Growth at Victoria Falls therefore translates into broader economic benefits for both local communities and the national economy," Dlamini said.

The tourism industry has continued to attract investment in recent years, with new hotels, eco-lodges and tourism facilities opening in and around Victoria Falls.

At the same time, authorities have intensified conservation efforts aimed at protecting the area's unique biodiversity and maintaining the destination's appeal for future generations.

Industry stakeholders believe the combination of infrastructure development, improved visitor experiences and enhanced marketing efforts is helping strengthen Zimbabwe's competitiveness in the regional tourism market.

The steady increase in arrivals also reflects growing confidence among travellers seeking nature-based and adventure tourism experiences.

As tourism activity expands, Victoria Falls continues to reinforce its status as one of Africa's premier tourism destinations and a cornerstone of Zimbabwe's tourism economy.

With visitor numbers trending upward and further investments expected across the sector, tourism authorities remain optimistic that the positive momentum will continue throughout 2026, supporting economic growth, job creation and foreign currency earnings.

Source: Zimbabwe records rise in Victoria Falls tourist arrivals (14/06/2026)

British Airways’ return to boost Vic Falls tourism

 THE resumption of British Airways’ flights to Victoria Falls after being suspended for more than a year, is a big endorsement of the country’s tourism sector and Zimbabwe’s investment profile, industry players have said.

There was a special reception last Thursday when the global airline service plane landed at Victoria Falls International Airport with more than 90 passengers on board. Various stakeholders that included tourism players were at the airport by 1PM to welcome back the British Airways, which is operated by Comair.

The airline’s operations were suspended on 24 March last year when many countries enforced Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Its return comes at a time when more airlines have expressed interest to resume flights to Zimbabwe, which has made significant strides in ensuring visitors’ safety through rolling out Covid-19 vaccinations.

Victoria Falls is the first city in the country to attain herd immunity after a majority of its residents were vaccinated.

The Comair country manager, Ms Karen Tumazos, said the resumption of flights was a big win for tourism operations.

“This is great for us to bring visitors to Victoria Falls City, which is one of the top destinations in Zimbabwe. It has been over a year since we last flew here and we are hoping to see an increase in passengers going forward,” she said.

“We will be flying twice, weekly in May and from 1 June we resume daily flights and we hope to keep flying and increase frequencies to Zimbabwe,” said Ms Tumazos.

Some of the passengers who came from South Africa were excited to be back to the resort city and could not wait to experience the adventures and wonders of Victoria Falls including seeing wildlife and sampling other activities.

“I have been coming to Victoria Falls for the past 15 years and I still get the drive to come back for more because I love this place,” said Mr Michael Johnston.

Another visitor Miss Lathitha Gazi said: “I look forward to the best experience in Victoria Falls and we want to have fun as we celebrate one of my family member’s birthdays.”

Source: British Airways’ return to boost Vic Falls tourism (18/05/26)

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge expands facilities

 IN A continuously evolving MICE landscape, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge remains an inspiring choice for conferences, meetings and events.

Anald Musonza, Head of Sales and Marketing at Africa Albida Tourism, which owns and operates the lodge, tells Tourism Update the focus is on creating a seamless experience for event organisers and delegates. There is also emphasis on tailored group experiences and wellness options, as many corporate groups are now looking for more than a traditional meeting set-up.

Since the launch of Queen Nandi Place in April last year, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has expanded its facilities with the addition of Imbizo 1 and Imbizo 2 breakaway rooms, and the Elangeni Lounge, providing greater flexibility for smaller sessions and multi-day meetings, says Musonza.

The lodge is also in the process of upgrading its Indaba conference room, which will further enhance the overall delegate experience.

Facilities

“We offer a selection of fully equipped venues with modern audiovisual capabilities, flexible seating configurations, and dedicated support teams,” says Musonza.

“Our venues can comfortably accommodate groups ranging from small executive groups of 10-20 delegates up to larger conferences of 180 delegates, depending on the set-up and venue selection.”

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has 72 rooms and is suited to larger groups and conferences.

For smaller, intimate, high-level corporate gatherings, the Victoria Falls Safari Club is the ideal option, offering travellers exclusivity, privacy and highly personalised service.

Immersion

"MICE guests are interested in experiences that feel local and are immersed in the culture of the destination,” says Musonza.

Cultural dining experiences are very popular as they encourage group participation and create a strong sense of place, such as with the Boma – Dinner & Drum Show.

“Our location and offering allow us to deliver events that are productive and genuinely memorable,” says Musonza. Responsible tourism Sustainability is a clear and growing priority for MICE travellers.

“More and more, we see that event planners are looking for venues that can show meaningful sustainability practices. We are seeing demand for locally sourced ingredients in our menus and experiences that support community engagement.”

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge actively incorporates responsible tourism into its MICE offerings, including efficient resource management, support for local suppliers and opportunities for event delegates to engage with conservation and community projects.

Source: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge expands facilities (Southern and East African Tourism Update, 18 May 2026)

First Capital finalises US$30m Kingdom Hotel disposal to ASB

 First Capital Bank Limited has completed the long-awaited disposal of Makasa Sun, drawing the curtain on a US$30 million transaction and handing control of the iconic Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls to United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based ASB Hospitality.

The Victoria Falls Stock Exchange-listed lender announced that the transaction had been successfully concluded following months of regulatory approvals and shareholder cautionary statements dating back to September last year.

In a notice signed by company secretary Ms Sarudzai Binha, the bank said, “The Board of Directors of First Capital Bank Limited wishes to advise shareholders and the investing public that the disposal transaction has been successfully completed.”

The company also confirmed the withdrawal of the cautionary announcement that had remained in place during negotiations and regulatory processes.

Shareholders were initially advised in September 2025 that the bank and its co-shareholder were engaged in discussions regarding the disposal of their interest in Makasa Sun.

The transaction marks one of the more significant hospitality-sector acquisitions in Zimbabwe in recent years and reinforces growing Gulf investor interest in the country’s tourism assets, particularly in Victoria Falls and Harare.

Under the agreement, ASB Hospitality acquired the entire shareholding in Makasa Sun from First Capital Bank and the First Capital Bank Staff Pension Fund. Makasa Sun’s principal asset is the Kingdom Hotel, one of Victoria Falls’ best-known hospitality properties.

The finalisation of the transaction follows exchange control approval granted earlier this year by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, while competition clearances and tax approvals were also required before the transaction could be finalised.

Earlier this year, the bank confirmed progress on the deal, saying, “The transaction has now received exchange control approval and is awaiting the remaining regulatory approvals.”

The parties had agreed that ASB Hospitality would pay US$30 million for the asset, with an initial US$3 million deposit having already been placed in escrow pending completion. The balance of US$27 million would be released once all conditions precedent had been satisfied.

The deal adds to ASB Hospitality’s expanding footprint in Zimbabwe’s hospitality industry. The UAE investor acquired the Meikles Hotel in Harare in 2019, which was later rebranded as Hyatt Regency The Meikles Harare following refurbishment and repositioning efforts.

Its latest acquisition comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s tourism industry continues to rebound strongly after the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

International arrivals and tourism receipts have been recovering rapidly, aided by aggressive destination marketing, improved regional air connectivity and Government-backed investment incentives.

Victoria Falls, in particular, has become a focal point for international hospitality capital, benefiting from its status as Zimbabwe’s premier tourism destination and its strategic positioning within the regional safari and conferencing market.

Industry analysts say foreign investor appetite for high-end tourism assets has remained resilient despite broader macroeconomic pressures affecting the country.

The transaction also provides First Capital Bank with an opportunity to unlock value from a non-core investment while strengthening liquidity and capital flexibility at a time when banks are increasingly focusing on core financial services operations.

At the time the transaction was initially announced, Makasa Sun had a consolidated net asset value of approximately US$27,98 million. First Capital Bank held a 50 percent economic interest in the company valued at around US$15 million, with the balance owned by the bank’s staff pension fund.

The bank had previously classified Makasa Sun as a dormant entity and did not consolidate it into group financial statements, suggesting limited operational integration with its banking activities.

First Capital had also indicated earlier this year that the disposal was not expected to materially affect earnings, headline earnings per share or net asset value, aside from transaction-related costs and taxation adjustments.

Source: First Capital finalises US$30m Kingdom Hotel disposal to ASB (03/05/2026)

African Sun defers Elephant Hills refurbishment ahead of 2027 Cricket World Cup

 AFRICAN Sun has confirmed the postponement of the planned major refurbishment of the Elephant Hills Resort, originally scheduled for November 2026, ensuring the property remains open during Zimbabwe’s co-hosting of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, is renowned for its championship golf course, panoramic views of the Zambezi River valley, and extensive conference facilities.

As one of the largest hotels in the resort town, it plays a critical role in accommodating international, regional and domestic tourists drawn to the majestic Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Its operational capacity is especially vital during major global events.

African Sun confirmed the postponement in a statement.

“African Sun has confirmed that it will defer its planned major refurbishment of the Elephant Hills Resort, originally scheduled for November 2026, in support of Zimbabwe’s role as co-host of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The Resort will remain fully operational during 2026 and 2027 to ensure that Victoria Falls retains essential room capacity during this significant period of increased international demand,” reads the statement.

The hospitality group added that the refurbishment programme remains a key priority and will proceed immediately after the tournament, with a continued focus on enhancing guest experience and strengthening the property’s positioning.

Room availability in Victoria Falls is crucial for hosting cricket fans and teams from around the world.

African Sun expressed enthusiasm for working closely with trade partners as they prepare to welcome visitors to Victoria Falls.

Source: African Sun defers Elephant Hills refurbishment ahead of 2027 Cricket World Cup (01/05/2026)

See also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (23/04/2026) AfricanSun exits VFEX, opts for unlisted status.

 Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10/03/2026) African Sun to Delist.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (12/12/2025) African Sun to shut down Elephant Hills for major overhaul.

African Sun exits VFEX, opts for unlisted status

 HARARE,– Hospitality group African Sun Limited has delisted from the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange (VFEX), signalling a strategic shift to operate as an unlisted public company.

In a notice to shareholders, the group confirmed it had met all regulatory conditions for the voluntary termination of its listing, with trading in its shares ceasing on April 9.

“The company has fulfilled all regulatory requirements for the voluntary termination of its listing. The last day of trading on the VFEX was April 9, 2026, and the effective date of delisting was April 20, 2026,” said company secretary and governance executive V.T. Musimbe.

The exit follows shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting in March and a share buyback offer designed to consolidate ownership ahead of the delisting.

African Sun said repurchased shares would be processed in line with the Companies and Other Business Entities Act, with settlements commencing after the formal transfer of shares on April 20.

Post-delisting, the group will operate as a public unlisted entity, with an over-the-counter (OTC) facility to be introduced for shareholders who did not participate in the buyback.

“African Sun will transition to a public unlisted company effective April 20, 2026. Shareholders who did not participate in the offer will be provided with details of an OTC trading platform in due course,” the company said.

The move is a notable development for the VFEX, a foreign currency-denominated bourse established to attract offshore capital. Analysts say the delisting may weigh on liquidity and test investor confidence as issuers reassess the value proposition of listing on the relatively young exchange.

African Sun, one of Zimbabwe’s largest hotel groups, operates a portfolio of key tourism assets, and its strategic repositioning will be closely watched by investors and the hospitality sector.

Source: African Sun exits VFEX, opts for unlisted status (22/04/2026)

See also:

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10/03/2026) African Sun to Delist.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (12th December 2025) African Sun to shut down Elephant Hills for major overhaul.

Victoria Falls defies global uncertainty: Easter tourism surges early

 VICTORIA FALLS, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is surging into the peak tourism season with remarkable energy, its waters rising earlier than expected and stealing the spotlight once more.

Even against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East — which has unsettled global travel patterns and disrupted flight routes — the allure of the Falls has remained resolute.

Easter holidaymakers, joined by a growing influx of Mice (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) travellers, are breathing renewed life into the resort town, reinforcing Victoria Falls’ standing as a destination that continues to draw visitors despite global uncertainty.

Across the town, hotels are reporting occupancy rates climbing beyond 70 percent, reflecting a renewed appetite for travel among both domestic and international visitors eager to witness one of nature’s most awe inspiring spectacles at its most vibrant.

The Zambezi River’s unusually early swell — typically experienced in May or June — has been driven by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Zambia and Angola. The result is a dramatic transformation of Victoria Falls into a roaring curtain of water and mist, its thunderous presence drawing tourists in large numbers as spray rises from the gorge and rainbows shimmer in the sunlight.

Tourism executive Dr Clement Mukwasi said the rapid increase in water volumes took many by surprise, but has been warmly welcomed by industry players.

“Usually, our peak water volumes occur around May or June, but this year, we are seeing the Zambezi already overflowing.

“We had to close rafting a bit earlier because of the high water, but the Falls are at their spectacular best,” he said.

Dr Mukwasi added that the timing of the early peak has worked in the industry’s favour, coinciding with an influx of domestic tourists travelling for the Christian holidays, and seamlessly blending into the traditional international peak season running from May to October.

Despite ongoing challenges posed by the Middle East conflict, which has affected some international flight connections, Dr Mukwasi said Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and promise.

“Since we have the best place to visit in the world in Africa, we think 2026 shall bring very good fortune. Southern Africa has been peaceful and quiet, and we anticipate many travellers shifting from North Africa to visit Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls in particular,” he said.

Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe Matabeleland North Chapter chairperson Ms Patience Musonza echoed the optimism, saying operators are expecting strong occupancy levels over the Easter period, driven by families, leisure travellers and regional visitors seeking to reconnect with nature.

“Domestic tourism is helping to push bookings. Just walking inside the rainforest around the waterfall shows how much water there is, which is a plus for us,” she said.

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli said the high water flows are a natural phenomenon that brings benefits beyond tourism, extending into broader conservation gains.

He said the increased volumes enhance the visual grandeur of the Falls, while simultaneously transporting nutrients downstream that support aquatic ecosystems and sustain fish populations.

“Recent increases in water volumes observed at Victoria Falls are primarily a result of sustained rainfall across the upper Zambezi River catchment. The Falls are currently exhibiting higher-than-average flows for this time of year, resulting in the dramatic spectacle commonly associated with peak flow conditions,” said Mr Safuli.

Mr Safuli said Zimparks continues to work closely with tourism operators to ensure safe access for visitors, while also issuing a safety advisory.

He urged visitors to strictly adhere to posted warnings, avoid swimming or approaching fast flowing sections outside designated areas, and follow guidance from park authorities at all times.

UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa Ms Elcia Grandcourt has meanwhile singled out Zimbabwe as a standout post pandemic tourism success story, highlighting the country’s ability to diversify offerings and capture new market segments.

“Africa has been able to constantly gain centre-stage within the international tourism landscape by seizing new opportunities and demonstrating resilience. Statistics indicate that Africa’s tourism has built back better and resurged stronger,” she said.

“Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe stands out as a successful example. The country has been able to diversify its tourism offerings and products, capturing new tourism segments and shares, which contributed to confirming and further strengthening its destination brand and image.”

According to UN Tourism Barometer data, Africa welcomed 81 million international arrivals in 2025 — an eight percent increase — while Zimbabwe received 1,6 million international visitors in 2024, underlining its growing global appeal.

Last month, Zimbabwe’s rising profile was further cemented when it clinched the Destination of the Year — Natural Wonders Award at the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association Awards, held on the sidelines of ITB Berlin 2026 in Germany.

This recognition followed another major accolade, with Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi being named Tourism Minister of the Year — Africa.

These honours reflect the tourism development agenda championed by President Mnangagwa, which has prioritised infrastructure modernisation, expansion of air connectivity, ease of doing business reforms, investment facilitation, and the maintenance of peace and security — all critical enablers in positioning Zimbabwe as an emerging and competitive destination.

The accolades also come in the wake of Zimbabwe being named by Forbes as one of the must visit destinations, further cementing its growing global appeal.

The country was recognised for its exceptional natural assets, conservation leadership and authentic visitor experiences that continue to resonate with travellers.

Anchored by the majestic Victoria Falls — stretching 1 708 metres wide and plunging 108 metres into the Zambezi Gorge — Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continues to flourish, buoyed by nearly 30 percent of the country’s land designated as protected wilderness.

With its rich natural assets, strong conservation stewardship and growing international recognition, Zimbabwe is firmly on course to leverage tourism as a key pillar of economic growth in line with Vision 2030.

Source: Victoria Falls defies global uncertainty: Easter tourism surges early (07/04/2026)

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)

Vic Falls sees softer SA demand

 Lodges in Victoria Falls are seeing softer demand from the South Africa market, with the destination’s widespread use of US dollar-based pricing cited as a key factor. 

According to Anald Musonza, Head of Sales and Marketing at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, South Africa has historically been the lodge’s largest regional source market, but arrivals from Kenya and Tanzania are now increasing.

Musonza encouraged agents to take advantage of off-peak seasons to help offset the impact of the rand-dollar exchange rate.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers a two-tier seasonal rate structure, with low-season rates from January to June, and high-reason rates from July to December, complemented by a 20% discount for guests from SADC countries. 

Improved regional accessibility is also strengthening Victoria Falls’ position as a multi-country gateway, supporting conferencing travel and making it easier for visitors to combine Zimbabwe with Zambia and Botswana itineraries.

Victoria Falls is strategically positioned within a one-hour drive from three international airports: Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane, which Musonza dubs “the golden triangle”. He estimates that around 50% of visitors fly into Zambia and drive across the border into Zimbabwe as the 24-hour border now accommodates late-night arrivals and business travellers staying in one country but travelling for conferencing and events.

Source: Vic Falls sees softer SA demand (26/03/2026)

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 through the increased risks of people-wildlife conflict. 

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.

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)