Ivan Zhakata

Herald Correspondent

THE Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has temporarily restricted access to the Victoria Falls Rainforest following reports of an elephant in the area.

The precautionary measure is aimed at protecting tourists, staff and wildlife while reducing the risk of human-wildlife conflict at the popular tourist attraction.

In a statement, ZimParks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli said teams were monitoring the situation and will advise the public once the area is deemed safe.

“Access to the Victoria Falls Rainforest has been temporarily restricted following reports of an elephant active in the area,” said Mr Safuli.

“The restriction has been instituted as a precautionary measure to safeguard visitors, staff and wildlife, and to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflict.”

Mr Safuli urged members of the public to stay away from the restricted area and warned against approaching or interfering with the elephant.

“Members of the public are urged not to enter the restricted area, approach the elephant, or interfere with ongoing wildlife management efforts,” he said.

Mr Safuli also urged visitors and tour operators to comply with instructions from ZimParks personnel and other relevant authorities on site.

“All visitors and tour operators are further advised to comply with instructions issued by ZimParks personnel and other relevant authorities on site,” he said.

The Victoria Falls Rainforest is a major tourist attraction within the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and provides visitors with vantage points from which to view the spectacular Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders.

The rainforest is sustained by the spray generated by the Zambezi River as it plunges over the falls, creating a unique ecosystem with lush vegetation and supporting a variety of plant and animal species.

The area attracts tourists from across the globe and is an important component of the tourism sector in Victoria Falls.

The Victoria Falls, locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

The temporary restriction comes as authorities continue to manage human-wildlife interactions in areas where wildlife and human activities overlap.

Mr Safuli said ZimParks remained committed to ensuring public safety while protecting the country’s wildlife heritage.

“ZimParks remains committed to the safety of the public and the conservation of Zimbabwe’s wildlife heritage. Further updates will be communicated through official ZimParks channels,” he said.