Story by Tichaona Kurewa
VICTORIA Falls has been listed among the Best Places to Visit in 2026 by Condé Nast Traveler, a leading American luxury travel publication, highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing reputation as a world-class tourism and investment destination.
The recognition places Victoria Falls alongside other global hotspots, celebrating its blend of natural wonder, adventure, and emerging luxury experiences. The magazine cited a wave of new developments from five-star hotels to improved infrastructure that are redefining the visitor experience.
Among the newest properties are Anantara’s first Zimbabwean resort, the Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls, Wild Horizons’ Waterfalls Lodge, and the Samanzi Luxury Cabanas, offering a “barefoot luxury” retreat on the banks of the Zambezi River.
The Palm River Hotel has also expanded its offering with a new riverside deck, ideal for sunset dining and afternoon teas overlooking the Zambezi.
With new infrastructure developments, from the upgraded Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Highway to new domestic air routes and the Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium set to host the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup, the city is entering an exciting new era as Africa’s adventure capital.
The recognition follows closely on the heels of another accolade from a leading American travel magazine, which named Zimbabwe one of the Best Places to Visit in 2025.
Condé Nast Traveler is part of the prestigious Condé Nast publishing group, home to global titles such as Vogue and GQ.
With a global reach of over 400 million readers across print, digital, and social platforms, the publication caters for premium travellers seeking unique, high-end destinations.
