Planning Your 2026 Zimbabwe trip? Here’s what you’ll pay at Victoria Falls & National Parks

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.

Malawi Travel Update 2026: VAT increase and new foreign currency payment rules

Malawi has introduced several economic and policy changes affecting international visitors in 2026. Alongside the country’s new reciprocal visa policy, travellers should now also plan for a VAT increase to 17.5% and a requirement to pay accommodation in foreign currency.

VAT increase to 17.5%

From 01 January 2026, Malawi increased its standard VAT rate from 16.5% to 17.5%.
Travellers can expect a small price increase across tourism services such as:

• Hotels and lodges
• Safaris and guided tours
• Transport and restaurant meals

The impact is modest but worth factoring into your travel budget.

Accommodation must be paid in foreign currency

Malawi now requires foreign visitors to pay hotel and lodge bills in hard currency, typically:

• US Dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)
• British Pounds (GBP)

This applies to hotels, safari lodges and camps nationwide. While many properties already priced in USD, the rule now formalises this practice.

Why the rule was introduced

Malawi is currently experiencing a shortage of foreign currency. Tourism is a key source of hard currency, and the government wants tourism revenue to flow directly into official reserves.

How to prepare for Malawi travel in 2026

What this means for travellers

• Expect accommodation prices to be quoted and charged in USD or EUR
• International credit cards are increasingly accepted and preferred
• Bring some foreign currency as a backup
• Use Malawi Kwacha (MWK) for daily expenses such as restaurants, transport, markets and tips

Bottom line for travellers

• VAT: now 17.5% > small overall price increase
• Accommodation: payable in foreign currency
• Daily spending: still in Malawi Kwacha (MWK)

With basic payment planning, Malawi remains an easy and rewarding destination for safaris, Lake Malawi holidays and overland travel.

 

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Zimbabwe Travel Update: VAT increase in 2026 – What visitors need to know!

Travellers planning a trip to Zimbabwe in 2026 should be aware of an important change that may affect trip costs. Since 01 January 2026, several tourism services that were previously zero-rated for Value Added Tax (VAT) now attract 15.5% VAT. As a result, many tourism operators are being forced to reprice confirmed and future bookings.

What has changed?
Under Zimbabwe’s 2026 National Budget, the standard VAT rate has increased slightly from 15% to 15.5%. More importantly for travellers, certain tourism services that were previously VAT-free (zero-rated) are now treated as standard-rated supplies.

In practical terms, this means VAT may now be added to services where it was not charged before.

Which travel services are affected?
The VAT change may apply to a range of tourism-related services in Zimbabwe, depending on how they are structured and supplied. These can include:

• Safari packages and guided tours
• Accommodation and lodge packages
• Transfers and car hire
• Destination management services
• Certain services provided to non-resident travellers

Not all tourism services in Zimbabwe are affected in the same way, but many operators have confirmed that VAT must now be included in pricing, even for international visitors.

What does this mean for travellers?
For most visitors, the impact will be moderate but noticeable, especially on higher-value safari itineraries. Key points to consider:

• Expect slightly higher total trip costs compared to 2025 pricing
• Check whether quoted prices are VAT inclusive or exclusive
• Confirm if VAT applies to deposits already paid
• Ask operators to clarify how VAT is reflected on invoices

Importantly, the VAT increase does not indicate new tourism taxes or fees beyond the existing framework—it is an adjustment to how VAT is applied.

Is Zimbabwe still good value?
Despite the change, Zimbabwe remains highly competitive for safari and adventure travel. Iconic attractions like Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, and Mana Pools continue to offer world-class experiences.

Travel tip
Always check that your price clearly includes VAT and budget a small contingency for adjustments. Reputable operators are proactively updating bookings to comply with the new tax rules.

 

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How tourists can get a VAT refund when leaving South Africa (2025 update)!

Last updated: January 2026
This article has been reviewed and remains accurate for 2026. No material changes have been made to South Africa's tourist VAT refund framework, including claim thresholds, required documentation, or the refund process at international departure points.

Foreign visitors to South Africa can claim back 15% VAT (Value Added Tax) on goods they take out of the country, provided the total value of purchases exceeds R250. Here’s your 2025 step-by-step guide to claiming your VAT refund quickly and hassle-free at OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban.

Who can claim a VAT refund?

• Foreign tourists and non-resident diplomats leaving South Africa
• Goods must be taken out of South Africa via a designated exit point
• Total purchases must exceed R250 (VAT inclusive)
• Refunds apply to goods only – not services (like tours, hotels, or car hire)

Step 1: Ask for a valid tax invoice
When shopping, request a tax invoice for all purchases you intend to claim. A valid tax invoice must include:

• The words “Tax Invoice”
• The seller’s VAT registration number
• A unique invoice number
• The date of purchase
• The buyer’s name and address (required if purchase is over R5,000)
• The seller’s name and address
• The amount of VAT charged (or a note that 15% VAT is included)
• A full description and quantity of goods
• Tip: Only original tax invoices are accepted — no copies or photos.

Step 2: Present goods & invoices before check-in
At the airport, you must show both your goods and stamped tax invoices before you check in:

• Find a VAT Refund or Customs Inspection Desk in the departure hall
• If your purchases are in checked luggage, get them inspected and stamped before you hand them over
• Keep your boarding pass, passport, and stamped invoices together for Step 3
• Goods must leave South Africa within 90 days of purchase to qualify.

Step 3: Submit your claim & get paid
Head to the VAT Refund Office at:

• OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg): Terminal A Duty Free Mall
• Cape Town International Airport: Central Terminal Building (before security)
• King Shaka International Airport (Durban): International Departures

Present your passport, boarding pass, and stamped invoices. Once processed, your refund is loaded onto a VAT Refund Card, which works like a prepaid MasterCard®. You can:

• Withdraw cash at any ATM worldwide (outside South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini)
• Spend it anywhere that accepts MasterCard®

Important things to know

• Time limit: Your claim must reach the VAT Refund Administrator (VRA) within 90 days of export
• Large purchases: Over R10,000? Proof of payment may be required
• Exclusions: No refunds on services, consumables partially used before departure, or goods not presented for inspection
• Be early: Arrive at the airport well ahead of your flight to allow time for inspection and processing

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I claim VAT on hotel stays, tours, or car rentals?
No – the refund applies only to physical goods you take with you when leaving South Africa. Services are excluded.

Q2: How much must I spend to qualify for a VAT refund?
The total value of all goods (VAT inclusive) must exceed R250.

Q3: Do I have to carry all my purchases as hand luggage?
Not necessarily. If your purchases are packed in checked luggage, you must present them to a customs or VAT official for inspection before check-in.

Q4: How long does it take to receive my VAT refund?
Refunds are usually processed on the spot and loaded onto your VAT Refund Card. However, some transactions may take a few days to reflect.

Q5: Can I claim a refund if I’m leaving South Africa by road?
Yes, but only through designated land border posts where a VAT Refund Administrator (VRA) office or customs desk is present.

Q6: What happens if I forget to get my invoices stamped?
Unfortunately, unstamped invoices do not qualify for a refund. Make sure to complete the inspection process before leaving.

Q7: Is there a maximum amount I can claim?
No set limit, but purchases over R10,000 may require proof of payment (like a credit card slip) and additional verification.

Q8: What if my flight is very early or very late?
VAT Refund desks operate daily, but check airport opening hours ahead of time - especially for smaller border posts or regional airports.

Claiming your VAT refund in South Africa is straightforward if you plan ahead - keep your invoices, allow time at the airport, and make sure your purchases meet the requirements. Add this to your departure checklist and make your trip even more rewarding!

Useful links

• South African Revenue Service (SARS): VAT Refund Info
• VAT Refund Administrator (VRA): Official Site

 

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How to claim back VAT at South Africa's three major airports!

UPDATE >  How tourists can get a VAT refund when leaving South Africa (2025 update)! 

Foreign visitors to South Africa are able to claim back VAT (value added tax) paid on items which they take out of the country when the total valued exceeds ZAR250. To claim the VAT refund at South Africa's three major airports (OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg, Cape Town International Airport (CPT) in Cape Town and King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban), travellers have to follow three easy steps:

1. When buying goods in South Africa, request a tax invoice for the items purchased. A tax invoice must contain the following information:

• the words "tax invoice"
• the seller's VAT registration number
• a unique serialised tax invoice number
• the buyer's name and address
• the seller's name and adress
• the date of issue of the tax invoice
• the amount of VAT charged, or a statement that 15% VAT is included in the total cost of the goods 
• the quantity and full description of the goods purchased

Only original tax invoices will be considered for a refund!

2. On your departure from South Africa, you must present the actual goods and tax invoices for inspection to a VAT Refund official or a South African customs official in the departure hall before checking in for your flight. In case your purchases do not fit into your hand luggage, you must present the goods and the tax invoices at a VAT Refund or a South African customs inspection desk prior to check-in. The VAT Refund official or South African customs official will stamp all tax invoices that quality for a VAT refund.

3. Present your claim at the VAT Refund Office. You will need your passport, boarding pass and your tax invoices (they need to be stamped by a VAT Refund official or South African customs official!). Your VAT refund claim will be processed and you will be issued with a VAT REFUND CARD which, once loaded with your VAT refund, may be used to make purchases or withdraw cash from any ATM wherever the MasterCard® Acceptance Mark is displayed (excluding the common monetary area being South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini/Swaziland). For more info regarding the VAT REFUND CARD click here. 

• Tax Refund at OR Tambo International Airport: Terminal A Duty Free mall
• Tax Refund at Cape Town International Airport: Central Terminal Building before security 
• Tax Refund at King Shaka International Airport: International Departures Terminal

For more information about the VAT Refund in South Africa please visit www.taxrefunds.co.za.!

Tanzania not to enforce VAT on tourist services

Great news for travellers planning to visit Tanzania as well as for the Tanzanian tourism industry. After consultations with the Tourism Confederation of Tanzania (TCT), the government of Tanzania announced that it amended the current national budget and will not enforce the value added tax (VAT) on tourist services, such as accommodation, park fees, ground transportation, tour guiding, game driving and water safaris etc. According to the original national budget 2013/14, the government acutally planned to eliminate the VAT exemption on tourist services. The VAT in Tanzania is 18%. Uganda, now it is up to you!

Uganda: Hotels not excluded from VAT anymore; rates to increase at least by 18%!

update (15 Nov 2013): The "Association of Uganda Tour Operators" just announced via their facebook page, that [...] In a letter addressed to Bonifence Byamukama, Chairman AUTO from Keith Muhakanizi, the Permanent secretary to the treasury in the Ministry of finance, VAT exemption on the supply of hotel accommodation in tourist lodges and hotels outside Kampala District was reinstated. This implies that upcountry accommodation can operate as before without the levy of the 18%. Therefore, members who had paid the VAT can seek for a refund. [...]

update (26 Aug 2013): We just got this retweet of our tweet from 21 Aug 2013:

@travelcomments @Guide2Uganda  As far as we have been informed this is still only a proposal ad has yet to be passed by parliament.
— GeoLodges Uganda (@GeoLodges) August 26, 2013

update (21 Aug 2013): According to Ugandan newspaper Daily Monitor (online edition), the government of Uganda agreed to postpone the proposed VAT on hotel accommodation to 01 July 2014 as part of a government policy to review and rationalise tax exemptions. [more]

Effective from 01 July 2013, accommodation establishments in Uganda will no longer be excluded from the 18% value added tax (VAT) usual in the country. Travellers planning to visit Uganda, as well as travellers who have already made bookings in Uganda for visits after 01 July 2013, must expect that the by then mandatory 18% VAT will come on top of the rates at all hotels, lodges, resorts, hostels etc. The decision to end the exemption granted for accommodation establishments was announced by the Minister of Finance in Uganda, Maria Kiwanuka, during her presentation of the 2013/14 national budget to Parliament at the Serena Kampala Hotel on 13 June 2013.