Source: Vic Falls allure spawns tourist rush – herald
Rutendo Nyeve-Bulawayo Bureau
A RECORD number of local and international tourists are visiting the Victoria Falls as the waterfall reaches its peak, defying fears that numbers could drop due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East — which has unsettled global travel patterns and disrupted flight routes.
The country’s premier resort is surging into the peak tourism season, with water plunging into the waterfall with remarkable energy.
The allure of the Falls remains strong with hundreds of Easter holidaymakers, joined by a growing influx of MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) travellers trooping into the resort town.
This has reinforced Victoria Falls’ standing as a destination of global choice that continues to draw visitors.
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.
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 said the timing of the early peak has worked in the industry’s favour, coinciding with an influx of domestic tourists travelling for the Easter holidays, and seamlessly blending into the traditional international peak season running from May to October.
Despite the Middle East conflict, which has affected some international flight connections, Dr Mukwasi said Zimbabwe’s tourism sector continued to demonstrate resilience.
“Since we have the best place to visit in the world in Africa, we think 2026 shall bring very good fortunes. 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 same 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
“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 continued to work closely with tourism operators to ensure safe access for visitors.
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 8 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.
The post Vic Falls allure spawns tourist rush appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.