Victoria Falls Tourism Surge: High-End Occupancy Hits 60% as International Travelers Return to the "Smoke That Thunders"

Victoria Falls sees a major tourism surge with 60% occupancy at top lodges. Explore how the Boma Drum Show and the Zambezi are driving Zimbabwe's recovery.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 2, 2026, 6:25 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Zimbabwe Independent

Aerial Initiation: A Spectacular Descent into the Zambezi Frontier

The journey into Victoria Falls begins long before travelers clear customs. On a recent Fastjet Embraer EMB 145 flight, the descent offered a theatrical introduction to one of Southern Africa’s premier wilderness frontiers. From the air, the "Smoke That Thunders" (Mosi-oa-Tunya) commands a spiritual presence, with the Zambezi River carving U-shaped gorges through a landscape currently revived by significant seasonal rainfall. To the north, the Zambian town of Livingstone glints in the sun, while to the south, the Zimbabwean floodplains stretch toward shimmering horizons, setting a dramatic stage for the terrestrial experiences to come.

The Heartbeat of the Falls: Culture and Rhythm at The Boma

While the waterfall provides the soul of the destination, The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show acts as its primary pulse. Operated by Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), the venue has become an essential nighttime ritual for global travelers. Guests are integrated into the performance through traditional drumming, accompanied by Shona melodies that have been passed down for generations. This "modern-day gango" (gathering) pairs high-energy percussion with five-star Zimbabwean cuisine, including warthog steak, mopane worms, and fresh sadza, effectively bridging the gap between ancient ritual and luxury hospitality.

A Surge in Low-Season Occupancy Defies Historical Trends

According to Anald Musonza, Head of Sales and Marketing at AAT, the region is witnessing a robust recovery. Historically, the first quarter represents a "low-season" with occupancy rates typically hovering between 30% and 40%. However, this year has seen a surge to 50% destination-wide, with AAT’s collection—which includes the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Safari Club—reaching 60%. This uptick is attributed to a combination of "post-pandemic" travel momentum and the visual draw of the Zambezi River, which currently hurls over five million liters of water per minute over its basalt cliffs.