Zimbabwe has implemented a significant revision of entry fees for its top tourist attractions, including the world-famous Victoria Falls, following the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on all tourism services.
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) announced that daily conservation and park entrance fees have increased with immediate effect. The move aligns park pricing with the newly applied VAT, affecting both local and international visitors.
Under the updated tariffs, international day visitors entering the Victoria Falls Rainforest through the main gate will now pay USD 58. Those opting for the VIP entrance will be charged USD 174, up from the previous USD 150. Additionally, the Rainforest Moonlight Viewing experience for international visitors has risen to USD 116 from USD 100.
This adjustment follows an earlier increase in international entrance fees, which rose from USD 30 to USD 50, marking a continued upward trajectory in access costs for one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic natural landmarks.
ZimParks has also revised conservation fees at other key parks, including Mana Pools, Sapi, and Chewore. Under the new structure, local visitors will pay USD 8, SADC-region tourists USD 18, and international visitors USD 24, ensuring a uniform approach to park conservation funding across the country.
Industry Response
Kumbi Chiweshe, Chairman of the Zimbabwe Tour Operators Association (ZTOA), emphasizes that while fee increases require adjustments in tour packaging and pricing, Victoria Falls remains a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s tourism appeal.
“Victoria Falls continues to anchor Zimbabwe’s tourism offering. While these fee adjustments necessitate recalibration of pricing structures, our operators are experienced in structuring multi-country itineraries and managing cost variables across the region,” Chiweshe explains.
He anticipates that tour operators will integrate the revised fees transparently into travel packages, review commission structures where needed, and focus on enhancing value through the overall visitor experience rather than competing solely on price. “Competitiveness is defined by experience, accessibility, service standards, and destination appeal—not entry fees alone,” he adds.
With VAT now included in park fees, the ZTOA is advising its members to clearly itemize costs, communicate VAT components upfront, and proactively liaise with trade partners to prevent confusion at the point of sale.
