Elephant Hills Resort has announced the deferral of its planned major refurbishment works, a strategic decision aligned with Zimbabwe’s role as a co-host of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 and the need to preserve destination capacity during one of the most high-profile sporting events ever staged on African soil.
The Victoria Falls-based property was originally scheduled to close in November 2026 for an 18-month refurbishment and rebranding programme, with reopening planned for the second quarter of 2028. However, the resort will now remain fully operational throughout 2026 and 2027, ensuring that Zimbabwe’s premier tourism hub can adequately accommodate the expected influx of international fans, teams, media, sponsors and leisure travellers linked to the tournament.
The decision underscores the increasingly strategic role hospitality assets play in supporting national tourism objectives during global mega-events. With Zimbabwe co-hosting the World Cup alongside South Africa and Namibia, Victoria Falls is expected to benefit from extended visitor stays, pre- and post-match leisure travel and heightened international exposure.
As one of the destination’s flagship properties, Elephant Hills Resort provides critical large-scale room inventory and resort infrastructure. Located just ten minutes from the iconic Victoria Falls, the property offers sweeping views across its natural surrounds and a complimentary shuttle service into the Victoria Falls Rainforest and town, positioning it as a convenient base for both leisure and business travellers.
Beyond accommodation, the resort is a destination in its own right. Wildlife roams freely across the expansive grounds, including an 18-hole championship golf course, complete with a driving range and pro shop – a distinctive offering that appeals to golf tourism, incentives and high-end leisure markets. The resort also features a large swimming pool, bowling greens, floodlit tennis courts, squash courts, a gymnasium, beauty spa and hair salon, alongside multiple restaurants and bars.
These extensive facilities reinforce Elephant Hills Resort’s relevance not only to holidaymakers, but also to groups, conferences and events. A fully equipped business centre and meeting infrastructure further position the property as a key MICE asset for the destination at a time when business and sports tourism are becoming increasingly intertwined.
The resort’s owners, African Sun, have emphasised that the refurbishment has been deferred, not abandoned. The company remains firmly committed to proceeding with the planned upgrades immediately after the conclusion of the Cricket World Cup, with the long-term objective of elevating guest experience, modernising facilities and strengthening the resort’s market positioning.
From an industry perspective, the move reflects a pragmatic alignment between capital investment planning and national tourism priorities. Global sporting events bring short-term economic impact, but their true value lies in sustained destination visibility and trade confidence. Maintaining operational capacity during such moments is increasingly seen as essential to maximising return on exposure.
For Zimbabwe’s tourism sector, the announcement signals coordinated thinking between the private sector and the broader destination agenda. By remaining open during the World Cup period, Elephant Hills Resort ensures that Victoria Falls retains the scale, quality and diversity of accommodation required to meet global demand – while laying the groundwork for post-event product renewal.
As Africa prepares to host one of cricket’s most-watched tournaments, the deferment positions Elephant Hills Resort not just as a place to stay, but as a strategic enabler of Zimbabwe’s global tourism moment – before embarking on its next chapter of transformation once the final ball has been bowled.
