Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Features Correspondent
As the sun begins to set over Victoria Falls and tourists retreat from viewing the majestic Smoke That Thunders, another attraction comes alive in the town’s bustling high-density suburbs of Chinotimba and Mkhosana.
The familiar click-clack of pool balls colliding on green felt tables echoes from local bars, community centres and open-air recreation spots where residents gather after a day’s work.
What was once regarded as a simple pastime has evolved into a powerful social glue that is bringing together local communities and international visitors in an unlikely but meaningful cultural exchange.
In Victoria Falls, pool—commonly referred to by many locals as snooker—has become more than just a game.
It is a bridge connecting people from different backgrounds, cultures and continents.
On any given evening, tourists can be seen navigating the narrow streets of Chinotimba and Mkhosana, eager to experience life beyond the luxury hotels and safari lodges that have made Victoria Falls one of Africa’s premier tourist destinations.
“I came to Victoria Falls for the waterfall and wildlife, but one of my most memorable experiences was playing pool with local people in Chinotimba,” said British tourist James Parker.
“The atmosphere was incredible. Everyone was welcoming, there was laughter everywhere and, even though we came from different countries, the game gave us something in common.”
Australian tourist Sarah Thompson, who was visiting the resort town with friends, said an evening spent around a pool table in Mkhosana became the highlight of her trip.
“We spent the day at the Falls and on a sunset cruise, but the highlight of my trip was spending an evening playing pool with local people in Mkhosana,” she said.
“Everyone was friendly and welcoming. We laughed, shared stories and learned about each other’s lives. It felt like a genuine cultural exchange rather than a tourist activity.”
German backpacker Lukas Schneider said the township pool scene offered a unique experience that many international travellers are increasingly seeking.
“Many tourists today want authentic experiences. When I heard about the pool games in Chinotimba, I decided to visit,” he said.
“I was surprised by how quickly the locals included me in their games and conversations. Through pool, I got to understand the community and the everyday life of the people here. It was one of the most memorable parts of my stay in Zimbabwe.”
Local residents said the growing interest from visitors has transformed pool venues into informal cultural hubs where friendships are formed and stories exchanged.
At a popular pool spot in Chinotimba, players gather around tables from morning until late into the night. Spectators cheer good shots, offer advice and engage in friendly banter, creating an atmosphere that transcends language barriers.
For 34-year-old resident Brighton Ncube, the game has become a symbol of community unity.
“Pool keeps people together,” he said.
“You find young people, elders, workers, unemployed people and tourists all sharing the same space. It teaches respect, patience and friendship.”
In Mkhosana, similar scenes unfold daily.
Local players often challenge visiting tourists to friendly matches, creating memorable interactions that many visitors later share on social media platforms.
The result has been increased curiosity about township life and a growing number of tourists venturing into areas they previously would not have explored.
Tour guide Nomsa Moyo said community-based experiences are becoming increasingly popular among international travellers seeking authentic encounters.
“Many tourists want to experience the real Zimbabwe beyond the traditional tourist attractions,” she said.
“When they visit Chinotimba or Mkhosana and join locals around a pool table, they feel part of the community. They get to hear local stories, learn about our culture and interact directly with residents.”
The trend is also generating economic opportunities at the grassroots level.
Small businesses operating around pool venues, including food vendors, beverage sellers and transport operators, benefit from the increased foot traffic brought by both locals and tourists.
Community leaders believe the game is contributing to social cohesion by creating safe recreational spaces that promote positive engagement among young people.
Local resident and pool enthusiast Sipho Dube said the game has helped reduce social divisions.
“When people play pool, they forget where they come from or what language they speak,” he said.
“Whether someone is from Zimbabwe, Germany, South Africa or China, everyone understands the rules of the game. It becomes a language of its own.”
Victoria Falls is internationally renowned for the world-famous waterfall, adventure sports and wildlife experiences.
However, tourism stakeholders said grassroots attractions such as community pool games were increasingly becoming part of the destination’s appeal.
As travellers worldwide seek immersive experiences that allow them to connect with local communities, the humble pool table is quietly emerging as an unexpected ambassador for township tourism.
In the lively streets of Chinotimba and Mkhosana, every break shot tells a story of friendship, unity and cultural exchange.
Snooker and pool are deeply ingrained in Victoria Falls’ social fabric, serving as both popular local pastimes and community-driven leisure activities.
While widely enjoyed at licensed venues and camps, they are most commonly played casually at township shopping areas and local shebeens.
A major localised hub for the sport is the Tipotipo pool table area.
Neighbourhood residents frequently gather there to play.
Backyard and courtyard snooker and pool games are a major form of entertainment and contribute to local tourism within the residential suburbs.
Many local safari lodges, resorts and backpacker hubs feature pool and snooker as part of their recreational offerings for guests.
Victoria Falls frequently hosts prestigious national events such as the Carling Black Label National Pool Tournament.
The sport also features prominently in local fundraising and charity events, including tournaments hosted by the Rotaract Club of Victoria Falls.
Annual community gatherings such as the Zim @ 46 Independence Pool Tournament are highly anticipated, drawing significant local participation and sponsorship from local businesses.
Here, tourism is not confined to luxury lodges or scenic viewpoints—it is happening around pool tables where locals and visitors gather as equals, sharing laughter, competition and a genuine sense of community.
For Victoria Falls, the game is proving that some of the most meaningful tourism experiences can be found not in guidebooks but in the vibrant heart of the townships, where a simple game of pool continues to unite the world, one shot at a time.
