Zimbabwe Hikes Park Fees: New VAT Rules Push Victoria Falls Costs Higher for 2026
A significant shift in pricing strategy has just come into effect across one of Southern Africa’s most desirable destinations, forcing the travel trade to immediately adjust their quoting systems and client expectations. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has implemented a comprehensive increase in conservation and entrance fees. This adjustment affects the country’s most iconic sites, including the world-famous Victoria Falls and several premier safari locations. The driving force behind this sudden cost elevation is not merely an annual inflationary adjustment but the introduction of value-added tax (VAT) on tourism services, which is now being applied directly to park entry and conservation levies.
For African tour operators and destination management companies, this development signals a clear move by Zimbabwe towards a high-value, low-volume tourism model. The immediate impact is most visible at the Victoria Falls Rainforest, a site that serves as the anchor for nearly every leisure itinerary in the region. Under the new 2026 tariff structure, the cost for international visitors to enter the falls has risen from US\$50 to US\$58 per person per entry. While this might seem like a manageable increase in isolation, it fundamentally changes the budgeting dynamic for travellers who wish to visit the site multiple times to capture different lighting conditions or water levels.
The pricing strategy becomes even more pronounced when looking at premium experiences, which are often the highlight for luxury travellers. The VIP Gate access, which offers fast-track and private entry, has jumped significantly. International tourists will now pay US\$174 per person, up from the previous US\$150. Similarly, the exclusive Moonlight or “Moonbow” viewing experience, a bucket-list activity available only during specific lunar cycles, has increased to US\$116 per person. These figures firmly place these activities in the premium bracket, requiring consultants to carefully explain the value proposition to clients who may be surprised by the steep costs for single-entry experiences.
Beyond the Falls, the ripple effect of these changes extends deep into the bush. Daily conservation fees have been raised across Zimbabwe's flagship wildlife areas, such as the Mana Pools National Park, as well as the Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas. International visitors are now required to pay US\$24 per person per day. It is vital for those packaging these trips to remember that these fees are typically additional to accommodation rates and activity costs. When calculating a seven or ten-day safari itinerary, these daily accumulative costs will result in a noticeable increase in the total package price, especially for families or large groups.
The rationale behind these increases is multifaceted. Zimbabwe relies heavily on tourism revenue to fund its critical conservation and anti-poaching efforts. The generated funds are essential for maintaining park infrastructure and ensuring visitor safety in vast wilderness areas. By aligning its pricing with a more exclusive market positioning, the country aims to generate higher hard-currency revenue while theoretically reducing the environmental footprint caused by mass tourism. However, the inclusion of the newly introduced VAT is the primary technical reason for this specific price jump, mirroring broader fiscal trends seen across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
This development presents a strategic challenge and opportunity for the trade. The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls has traditionally been the more expensive option compared to its Zambian counterpart, and this gap has now widened. Smart itinerary planning will be essential in 2026. Operators may need to consider combining cross-border experiences more aggressively. A balanced itinerary could involve one or two premium visits on the Zimbabwe side to access the best panoramic views, paired with accommodation or activities on the Zambian side to average out the overall trip cost. This approach allows clients to experience the grandeur of the Falls without blowing their entire budget on entrance fees alone.
It is also important to note that regional pricing remains distinct. SADC residents will pay approximately US\$35, while Zimbabwean residents continue to pay US\$7, ensuring that local access remains relatively stable. However, for the international market that drives the bulk of the high-end trade revenue, the message is clear: Zimbabwe is positioning itself as a premium product. The days of low-cost access to its prime natural assets are fading, replaced by a model that demands a higher financial commitment from visitors in exchange for world-class, uncrowded experiences.
As the industry digests these changes, transparency with clients will be key. When presenting quotes for the upcoming season, it is advisable to itemize these park and conservation fees or clearly state their inclusion to avoid sticker shock. Zimbabwe remains one of the most spectacular destinations on the continent, offering unrivaled wildlife encounters and scenic beauty. The challenge for the trade now is to sell the exclusivity and conservation value of the destination, justifying the higher price point as a direct contribution to preserving these natural wonders for future generations.
