NHCC Reaches Agreement on Revised Victoria Falls Entry Fees

The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) has reached a long-awaited consensus on the adjustment of entry and user fees for the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. 

The agreement, finalised during a key stakeholder meeting held on 22 October 2025 at Livingstone Lodge, introduces a moderate increase aimed at strengthening the site’s maintenance and preservation efforts.

The meeting, chaired by Ministry of Tourism Regional Coordinator Clement Mulungushi, was attended by representatives from the Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA), Zambia Association of Tour Operators (ZATO), Rafters Association, Avani Minor Hotels, Wild Horizons, and Radisson Blu, among other key industry players.

Following extensive consultations, stakeholders endorsed a tiered fee structure designed to support conservation while promoting regional tourism.

Under the new framework:

• The foreign entry fee will rise from US$20 to US$30, effective 1 January 2026—a 50% increase that represents a compromise from the NHCC’s initial proposal of US$40–50.
• A preferential SADC fee will be introduced to encourage regional travel.
• Local visitors will pay K50 for adults and K25 for children under 16.
• A transparent system will be introduced to honour forward bookings made before the new fees take effect.

The Livingstone Tourism Association and the Business Regulatory Review Authority (BRRA) had earlier raised concerns that a 100% increase could negatively affect tourism in the region. The agreed figure of US$30 was widely accepted as a balanced solution that supports both conservation and business sustainability.

NHCC Executive Director Mr. Kagosi Mwamulowe described the agreement as a milestone in heritage management.“The Commission cannot overemphasise the need to increase revenue to meet the immense costs of maintaining a World Heritage Site,” Mr. Mwamulowe said. “This agreement ensures that revenue generated at Mosi-oa-Tunya will directly contribute to improved maintenance and presentation of the site.”

He also commended stakeholders for their constructive engagement and commitment to finding a workable solution.

The meeting further resolved to explore annual percentage-based fee adjustments to keep pace with inflation in future.

With the consensus now reached, the new fee structure will come into effect on 1 January 2026, with the NHCC set to finalise a harmonised fee matrix across all heritage site categories.