Kariba turns into ghost town

The eastern shoreline of Kariba, once a crown jewel in Zimbabwe's tourism industry, is fast slipping into obscurity as tourism operators flee the area amid plummeting visitor numbers, collapsing infrastructure, and rising investor pessimism.

What was once a vibrant destination for international travellers and weekend getaways is now facing its second major exodus in two decades - this time driven not by political violence, but by logistical collapse and a sharp decline in domestic tourism.

"This is a critical moment for Kariba," said Farai Chimba, vice-president of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe, in an exclusive interview. "Key resorts that rely heavily on road access are struggling to attract weekend visitors and conference business. The ripple effect has hit occupancy rates hard, and multiple properties are now up for sale."

Latest figures from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) reveal a dramatic 18% fall in domestic arrivals in the first quarter of 2025, down to 1.6 million from nearly 2 million in the same period last year. In Mashonaland West, where Kariba is a flagship destination, occupancy rates plunged six percentage points to 27%.

Once touted as a paradise for houseboats, game viewing, and lakeside retreats, Kariba is now showing signs of economic decay - with empty lodges, struggling restaurants, and an exodus of tourism staff compounding the decline.

The downturn has prompted African Sun Limited (ASL) - a major player on the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange - to announce plans to sell its Caribbea Bay Resort in Kariba, along with Harare's Monomotapa Hotel.

"Negotiations for the disposal of a selection of hospitality assets are still underway," ASL said in a cautionary shareholder statement last week. "If successful, these transactions will require shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting."

With investor confidence in Kariba dwindling, tourism operators are shifting their attention to more stable regions like Victoria Falls, which remains Zimbabwe's strongest destination by arrivals and infrastructure.

"Zimbabwe's US$5 billion tourism revenue goal will not be met unless we rethink our strategy," said Charles Chakanya, CEO of Kalai Safaris. "We've focused too narrowly on long-haul international travellers. A stronger push into African and regional markets could rejuvenate areas like Kariba."

Former Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce president and economist Trust Chikohora added that global economic turbulence is deepening local woes.

"Inflation and job losses are hitting developed economies hard. With global tourism down, Zimbabwe - already burdened by internal issues - is suffering even more," he said.

The comparison with Zimbabwe's first tourism collapse in the early 2000s is telling. Back then, international outrage over violent land seizures and farmer killings triggered a sharp drop in arrivals. Today, the collapse is more silent, but no less deadly - driven by neglected infrastructure, poor access roads, power shortages, and a faltering domestic market.

Unless urgent action is taken to revive Kariba - through targeted investment, road rehabilitation, and rebranded marketing efforts - its slow decay could become permanent, say tourism insiders.

"This is more than a tourism story," said one local operator. "It's about jobs, community survival, and Zimbabwe's ability to offer something truly world-class. Kariba is bleeding - and few seem to be paying attention."

As visitor traffic fades and asset sales mount, Kariba's future as a top-tier destination is in jeopardy - raising alarms not just for the region, but for the country's broader economic recovery strategy.