Victoria Falls, one of Southern Africa’s most spectacular natural attractions, has recorded a notable resurgence in international tourism during the first quarter of 2025.
According to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), the iconic destination welcomed 61,139 visitors between January and March — a significant increase over the same period in 2024.
Of this figure, 47,633 were international tourists, up from 44,110 a year earlier. The slight drop in domestic visitation was not enough to offset the positive trend in foreign arrivals, signalling renewed global interest in Zimbabwe as a travel destination.
Several factors have underpinned this recovery. Chief among them is the expansion of the Victoria Falls International Airport, which has boosted regional and global connectivity. Direct flights from Frankfurt and other major European cities have improved access, particularly for tourists from Germany, the UK, and Ireland.
South Africa remains the top source market, followed by Botswana — both countries benefiting from their proximity and strong historical ties to Zimbabwe. Additionally, regional integration initiatives like the KAZA UniVisa, allowing tourists to visit both Zimbabwe and Zambia with a single visa, have made multi-country itineraries simpler and more appealing.
ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo also credited targeted package tours and cross-border conservation travel as critical to the upward trend. “We’ve seen strong demand for packages that link Victoria Falls with surrounding wildlife areas and cultural sites,” he noted.
Victoria Falls, straddling the Zambezi River between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its dramatic landscapes, the region supports eco-tourism, adventure sports, and conservation-driven travel — elements that are attracting environmentally conscious visitors.
As tourism across Southern Africa rebuilds post-pandemic, the performance of Victoria Falls stands as a model for resilience. With supportive policies, strategic marketing, and investment in infrastructure, Zimbabwe’s crown jewel is well on its way to reclaiming its position as a premier global travel destination.
Source: Further Africa
