Anew hospitality development, Waterfalls Lodge, has officially opened in Victoria Falls. The 60-room property was developed by Wild Horizons, a company under the Tourvest Group. The lodge represents a shift from traditional all-inclusive safari accommodations toward a hotel-style, bed-and-breakfast model that aligns with current patterns in global travel demand and regional tourism strategies.
Constructed within an area zoned for hotel development, the lodge incorporates sustainable features such as water-saving technologies, low-impact landscaping, and locally sourced building materials. Wild Horizons has indicated that the construction and opening of the lodge have led to the creation of over 70 direct jobs, with additional employment expected through services such as shuttles, maintenance, and local supply chains.
Gary Archer, Chief Executive Officer of Wild Horizons, described the project as part of a broader reorientation in the company’s hospitality approach. According to Archer, the lodge is intended to facilitate longer guest stays, increase operational integration with the local tourism sector, and support community engagement initiatives. Wild Horizons operates multiple services in the area, including tours, transfers, and dining facilities.
Tourism remains a significant contributor to Zimbabwe’s economy. Data from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority indicates that the sector generated nearly USD 1.5 billion in receipts during 2024. Globally, the tourism industry plays a notable role in employment, with the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the World Travel & Tourism Council estimating that it supports approximately one in ten jobs worldwide. According to the International Labour Organisation, tourism-related employment accounts for around 8.2% of the global workforce. In Zimbabwe, estimates suggest tourism contributes roughly 3% to national employment as of 2023.
The launch of Waterfalls Lodge follows the closure of the Kingdom Hotel in 2023, which previously served the region’s mid- to high-tier accommodation market. The new property is positioned within this segment, offering boutique lodging within a four-star framework and at a moderate price point. It is intended to be accessible to a variety of travellers, including solo visitors and families.
The design of the lodge references local natural features, with architecture inspired by water patterns and forest textures. On-site amenities include resort-style pools, open-plan communal areas, and access to The Lookout Café, a local restaurant also operated by Wild Horizons.
Sustainability and community initiatives form part of the wider operations associated with the lodge. Wild Horizons is affiliated with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, which engages in conservation, anti-poaching efforts, and wildlife education. Annually, over 1,000 local students participate in its environmental awareness programmes. In addition, Wild Horizons supports various micro-enterprise initiatives, including a raincoat rental programme facilitated by more than 160 local vendors, aimed at providing equipment for tourists visiting the falls.
A shift in traveller preferences toward environmentally conscious and community-connected tourism has been noted in various industry reports. The 2025 Booking.com Travel and Sustainability Report indicates that 93% of surveyed global travellers intend to make more sustainable choices, and 73% are interested in ensuring their travel spending benefits local communities. Additionally, research cited by Forbes projects that 34% of travellers aim to take solo trips in 2025, while demand for authentic and localised travel experiences remains high.
Waterfalls Lodge has been developed in alignment with Tourvest’s broader “One Tourvest” strategy, which aims to promote locally grounded tourism operations across the African continent and other regions. As part of this approach, Wild Horizons has also undertaken responsibility for restoring greenbelt land adjacent to the lodge site.
Bookings at Waterfalls Lodge are now open to domestic, regional, and international guests.
