Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Zimbabwe’s wider safari destinations are driving a stronger tourism performance as international travel demand combines with a major rise in hospitality investment. Zimbabwe generated $251 million from tourism during the current quarter, representing a 14% increase from the same period last year, while investment into the hospitality sector rose by 438%. The figures highlight the growing role of natural attractions, wildlife experiences, accommodation and tourism infrastructure in the country’s visitor economy.
Victoria Falls Remains Zimbabwe’s Tourism Anchor
Victoria Falls continues to sit at the centre of Zimbabwe’s international tourism offering. Located on the Zambezi River, the waterfall forms part of a wider destination that combines nature, adventure and wildlife experiences.
Visitors can explore the Victoria Falls rainforest, take guided walks to viewpoints and experience the Zambezi through activities ranging from river cruises to canoeing and fishing. Adventure tourism is also a major part of the destination, with activities such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping available around Victoria Falls.
The town provides a base for accommodation ranging from hotels and lodges to safari-style properties. Restaurants, tour operators, activity providers and transport services support visitors staying for short breaks or longer Zimbabwe itineraries.
Victoria Falls also provides a convenient starting point for travellers combining waterfall sightseeing with wildlife tourism in nearby protected areas.
Hwange Expands the Safari Experience
Hwange National Park adds a major wildlife component to Zimbabwe’s tourism offer. Located in western Zimbabwe, the park is the country’s largest national park and is known for its diverse wildlife and extensive savannah landscapes.
Elephants are among the species for which Hwange is particularly recognised. Visitors can take part in guided game drives and walking experiences depending on the area and operator, with opportunities to observe elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and numerous other species.
The park’s proximity to Victoria Falls makes it especially relevant to multi-destination safari itineraries. Travellers can combine a visit to one of Africa’s major waterfalls with several days of wildlife viewing without needing to choose between nature and safari experiences.
This combination supports longer stays and allows tourism spending to reach accommodation providers, guides, restaurants and other businesses operating around the two destinations.
Investment Strengthens Tourism Infrastructure
The 438% increase in hospitality investment is adding capacity to Zimbabwe’s tourism sector as demand grows. Investment in hotels, lodges, resorts and supporting facilities can expand the range of accommodation available to international and domestic visitors.
For travellers, accommodation capacity is an important part of destination access. A broader selection of properties can provide more choices across different budgets and travel styles while supporting longer itineraries.
The investment trend also extends the tourism ecosystem beyond accommodation. Hospitality development can generate demand for food suppliers, transport services, tour operators, guides and activity providers, strengthening connections between tourism and local businesses.
Zimbabwe Offers More Than Victoria Falls
Although Victoria Falls is the country’s most internationally recognised attraction, Zimbabwe has several other destinations that can be incorporated into a longer holiday.
Mana Pools National Park, along the Zambezi River in northern Zimbabwe, offers canoeing, walking safaris and wildlife viewing in a remote setting. The park forms part of the larger Mana Pools–Sapi-Chewore landscape and is recognised for its wildlife and river environment.
Matobo National Park in southern Zimbabwe provides a different experience, combining granite landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage. The park is known for its distinctive rock formations and ancient rock art sites.
Zambezi National Park, located upstream from Victoria Falls, provides another opportunity for game viewing and river-based experiences. Travellers can therefore build itineraries that combine waterfalls, rivers, wildlife and cultural landscapes.
Tourism Earnings Continue to Grow
The $251 million quarterly tourism figure represents a 14% year-on-year increase and comes alongside the major rise in hospitality investment. The combination of stronger tourism receipts and new investment indicates increasing activity across accommodation and visitor services.
For Zimbabwe, tourism is closely connected with international air access, safari operations, hospitality and destination management. Victoria Falls remains a key gateway, while airports in Harare and Bulawayo support access to other parts of the country.
Travellers arriving through Victoria Falls can focus on the waterfall and nearby safari areas, while longer journeys can incorporate Hwange, Matobo or Mana Pools.
Safari Holidays Can Extend Across Regions
Zimbabwe’s tourism geography allows visitors to build holidays around different experiences rather than relying on a single destination. A typical itinerary can begin with several nights around Victoria Falls, continue into Hwange for wildlife viewing and then extend towards another national park or cultural destination.
The travel experience changes with each location. Victoria Falls provides dramatic scenery and adventure, Hwange focuses on wildlife and safari activities, while Mana Pools offers river landscapes and walking or canoe-based experiences. Matobo introduces rocky scenery and heritage.
These combinations can encourage visitors to remain in the country for longer, creating additional opportunities for accommodation, transport and tourism businesses.
Zimbabwe Strengthens Its Tourism Future
The latest tourism performance places natural attractions and safari experiences at the centre of Zimbabwe’s expanding visitor economy. Victoria Falls continues to provide the international draw, while Hwange and other protected areas broaden the country’s appeal to wildlife travellers.
The 438% increase in hospitality investment adds another important element by supporting accommodation and tourism infrastructure as visitor numbers and spending increase.
For international travellers, Zimbabwe increasingly offers the ingredients for a complete African journey: one of the continent’s most famous waterfalls, extensive safari landscapes, river experiences, adventure activities and diverse accommodation. With Victoria Falls connecting naturally to Hwange and other destinations, the country is building a tourism network capable of supporting longer and more varied stays.
