Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
ENVIRONMENTALISTS have raised concern over frequent overflights by helicopters at the gorge below the Victoria Falls saying the operations are heavily disrupting bird life, startling flocks and interrupting their lives.
In a post on Facebook, prominent environmental conservationist Charlene Hewat said helicopter operations, particularly those on the Zambian side were causing severe noise pollution that was affecting flocks and interrupting critical behaviours such as breeding and foraging.
“This helicopter from the Zambian side flies low along the Zambezi Gorge below Victoria Falls and makes one hell of a racket. On days like today it has been down eight times already and birds like the black eagle and the augers have not been seen,” she said.
“We usually see them daily. Surely this has to stop. There was an agreement some years back that no one would fly down the gorge and thank you Zimbabwe for adhering to the agreement. Now we look to Zambia to stop flying down the Gorge.”
Hewat said the birds were disappearing because of the noise that creates through the gorge.
Other environmentalists said helicopters and fixed – wing aircraft were disturbing birds and other wildlife.
They said the noise of the aircraft causes stress to the wildlife which may affect their breeding and territorial behaviour and may result in animals moving into less suitable habitats.
The growth of tourism at Victoria Falls – both on the Zimbabwean and Zambian side has raised some concerns that required Zimbabwe and Zambia to address them.
Victoria Falls, the country’s main tourist attraction, has been ranked as one of the top 10 bucket list experiences for US tourists in 2026, according to a new study by Icelandair.
Top attractions at the falls include cruise boat tours, aerial panoramic views and experiencing the power of the falls from various vantage points.
For a more adventurous experience, visitors often want to try ziplining or boat rides through the rapids along the Zambezi River.
The Victoria Falls Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major drawcard for tourists and adventure seekers.
A total of 47 633 international tourists visited the Victoria Falls rain forest during the first quarter of 2025, marking a significant rise from the 44 110 visitors recorded over the same period last year, according to Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).
Most of the tourists were from European countries, particularly the United Kingdom, Ireland and Germany.
