Zimbabwe soon could approve construction of a large tourist center at Victoria Falls to cater to 120,000 visitors per year, officials said in June 2015.
The $18 million park at the UNESCO world heritage site will boast a replica African village and will use exhibits to tell the story of the waterfalls known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which translates to “the smoke that thunders.”
“It will be a giant village, African in design and style, showcasing village scenes, traditional customs and history,” said Dave Glynn, chairman of the developers Africa Albida Tourism. “This is not a theme park. This is strictly to tell the story of Victoria Falls.”
The 32-hectare park will have historical, cultural, wildlife and entertainment sections. The park is expected to open in 2017 and employ 150 people. The project is awaiting final approval after an environmental impact study.
The majestic waterfall on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia is more than 2 kilometers wide and is formed as the Zambezi River plunges down a series of gorges and raises a mist that can be seen more than 20 kilometers away.