Online Reporter
Vic-Falls file pix, Walter Nyamukondiwa, Zimpapers Reporter
ZIMBABWE has once again made headlines in the global tourism arena, with Condé Nast Traveller naming the country — particularly Victoria Falls — as one of the “must-visit” destinations for 2026. Condé Nast is a renowned international media powerhouse with a portfolio spanning print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Its titles include Vogue, Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Architectural Digest, and Condé Nast Traveller.
In its latest edition, the magazine highlights Victoria Falls as a top travel destination for 2026, captivated by the grandeur of the Falls and a blend of heritage hotels and newly established, strategically located accommodations.
This recognition follows closely on the heels of Forbes Magazine’s recent endorsement of Zimbabwe as the best destination to visit in 2025 — further cementing the country’s growing reputation.
“Long celebrated for the Mosi-oa-Tunya — ‘the smoke that thunders’ — the city of Victoria Falls is reinventing itself as one of southern Africa’s most exciting destinations in 2026,” reads an excerpt from the magazine.
“Travellers come not only to witness the Falls but also to immerse themselves in adventure, culture, and conservation experiences. A wave of new hotels has emerged to meet rising demand, including Anantara’s first Zimbabwean property, the luxurious Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls, which opened last December; adventure operator Wild Horizons’ Waterfalls Lodge, launched in July; and Samanzi Luxury Cabanas, a boutique retreat unveiled in August, offering intimate cabanas and serene pools.”
The magazine meticulously listed these developments, showcasing the region’s evolving hospitality landscape.
“This past June, the Palm River Hotel introduced a stunning new riverside deck overlooking the Zambezi, offering scenic dining and a beautifully curated high tea,” the magazine noted. “Looking ahead, Bupenyu Lodge by Newmark Hotels & Reserves (opening at the end of 2025) and the House of Chinhara–Vignette Collection (opening in January 2026) promise ultra-luxury options that will elevate the region from a mere stopover to a destination in its own right.”
Condé Nast Traveller emphasises that Victoria Falls is shedding its image as a transient resort and emerging as a compelling standalone destination.
With a growing number of private villas nestled along the sandy banks of the Zambezi, Victoria Falls now offers secluded retreats featuring amenities such as private pools, riverfront suites, personalised butler service, and guided excursions.
The area also boasts convenient access to the Falls, whether by road or boat. A key highlight from the magazine was the Government’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly the rehabilitation of the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway.
“Infrastructure is also keeping pace with this growth, as the Bulawayo–Victoria Falls Highway is undergoing rehabilitation.
Fastjet has recently launched a new Bulawayo–Victoria Falls route, and construction of the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium — set to host the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup — is underway,” the magazine reported.
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi recently stated that President Mnangagwa’s policies are beginning to yield tangible benefits for the sector.
