Harare (New Ziana)- After a strong public and stakeholder outcry, the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) has deferred to next year hiking entrance fees to tourist attractions under its control such as the Victoria Falls rain forest.

The authority had said it would now cost US$10 for locals to enter the Vic Falls rain forest through the ordinary gate up from US$7 per person while Sadc and international clients were expected to pay US$30 and US$50, up from US$20 and US$30 respectively.

Visiting the Zambezi River was set to cost US$5 for locals while Sadc clients were expected to pay US$12 and those from the international world paying US$15.

But following engagements with stakeholders, Zimparks director general Fulton Mangwanya said the hike had been deferred to the second quarter of 2023. “This is meant to allow stakeholders ample time to update trade partners and travellers of the changes. The changes will be implemented on 1 April 2023,” he said in a statement.

“Zimparks would like to advise also that in an effort to support domestic tourism, the local conservation fee for Rainforest of USD$7 will remain in force. The Authority has agreed to maintain it as it is.”

Mangwanya said the authority was committed to supporting the ongoing recovery of the tourism sector whilst ensuring that attention was also being paid to conserving and protecting the country’s natural heritage and parks.
New Ziana