Travelling to Zimbabwe is becoming more expensive. The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has implemented immediate increases to conservation and park entrance fees across the country - including the iconic Victoria Falls and key safari destinations.
Importantly, the increase follows Zimbabwe's introduction of value-added tax (VAT) on tourism services, which is now being applied to park entry and conservation fees - further raising the cost for international travellers.
Here’s a clear, traveller-focused breakdown of the new prices and what they mean for your Zimbabwe trip planning.
Victoria Falls entrance fee increase (2026)
The biggest change affects entry to the Victoria Falls Rainforest, one of Africa’s most visited natural attractions.
New Victoria Falls entry fees (per person, per entry)
- Zimbabwe residents: US$7 (unchanged)
- SADC residents: approx. US$35 (previously ~US$30)
- International visitors: US$58 (previously US$50)
The increase primarily targets international tourism revenue while local pricing remains stable. The newly introduced VAT on tourism services is now incorporated into these updated fees.
What this means:
If you visit the Victoria Falls multiple times during your stay (which many travellers do due to changing water levels and light conditions), costs add up quickly.
Premium experiences at the Falls are now pricier
- VIP Gate (fast-track / private access)
- International tourists: US$174 (previously US$150)
- Moonlight / “Moonbow” viewing
- International tourists: US$116 (previously US$100)
These special experiences remain bucket-list highlights, but now sit firmly in the premium travel bracket.
Safari park conservation fees also increased
Daily conservation fees have been raised across Zimbabwe's flagship wildlife areas, including:
- Mana Pools National Park
- Sapi Safari Area
- Chewore Safari Area
New daily conservation fees (per person)
- Zimbabwe residents: US$8
- SADC visitors: US$18
- International visitors: US$24
These fees are typically paid in addition to accommodation and activity costs when visiting safari lodges, and VAT is now part of the overall pricing structure.
Why Zimbabwe is raising park fees
Zimbabwe relies heavily on tourism revenue to fund conservation. The new 2026 tariff structure aims to:
- Support wildlife protection and anti-poaching efforts
- Maintain park infrastructure and visitor facilities
- Increase hard-currency revenue for conservation programmes
- Align pricing with a high-value, low-volume tourism strategy
- Incorporate newly introduced VAT on tourism services
This shift mirrors trends seen across southern Africa.
How this compares to visiting Victoria Falls' Zambia side
The Zimbabwe side has long been the more expensive side of Victoria Falls, and the gap has widened further with this increase and the addition of VAT.
Many travellers now combine:
- 1–2 visits on the Zimbabwe side (best panoramic views)
- A visit from Zambia for activities and budget balance
What travellers should budget in 2026
Typical Zimbabwe visit costs now include:
- Victoria Falls entry: US$58 per visit
- Moonlight viewing: US$116
- Safari conservation fee: US$24 per day
- Optional VIP Falls access: US$174
For families or multi-day stays, this represents a noticeable increase in overall trip cost.
Traveller takeaway
Zimbabwe remains one of Africa’s most spectacular destinations - but it is increasingly positioning itself as a premium safari and nature destination.
If Zimbabwe is on your bucket list:
- Plan your Falls visits strategically
- Budget for multiple park fees
- Consider combining Zimbabwe and Zambia for value
The experience is still world-class - but planning ahead is now more important than ever.
Tip: When budgeting your Southern Africa itinerary for 2026 and beyond, allow extra park fees in Zimbabwe compared with previous years.
