IShowSpeed brings global spotlight to Victoria Falls

The resort city of Victoria Falls on Thursday played host to international internet sensation IShowSpeed as part of his widely publicised African tour, drawing excitement from fans and shining a global spotlight on Zimbabwe's premier tourism destination.

The American YouTuber and streamer, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, is known for his high-energy, interactive content that sees him immersing himself in local cultures around the world. His current tour, dubbed Speed Does Africa, has already generated headlines across the continent following visits to South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique.

Zimbabwe became the latest stop on the tour, with the majestic Victoria Falls taking centre stage. Upon arrival at the iconic waterfall, IShowSpeed was welcomed with vibrant traditional dance performances, creating a festive atmosphere. Staying true to his engaging persona, he joined in the celebrations, much to the delight of a crowd largely made up of enthusiastic young fans.

His visit featured a packed itinerary highlighting the area's diverse tourism offerings. He began at The Elephant and Cheetah Experience before making his way to the Victoria Falls Rainforest, where he experienced the thunderous spectacle of Mosi-oa-Tunya up close.

In a display of his trademark fearlessness, the social media star later took on a bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge into the Batoka Gorge, before crossing over into neighbouring Zambia.

IShowSpeed's Zimbabwe tour began in Harare on Wednesday, where he interacted with locals, took part in cultural activities and showcased the country's vibrant urban lifestyle to his millions of followers worldwide.

By sharing his experiences with a massive global audience, IShowSpeed's visit is being viewed as a major boost for Zimbabwe's tourism profile, with the natural beauty and adventure of Victoria Falls projected onto an international stage.