Accor has signed an agreement to open Novotel Victoria Falls, a 111-room, new-build property scheduled to open in 2028. The hotel will be located in the Eagle Heights precinct overlooking the Masuwe River and marks the group’s entry into the Zimbabwean market.
The agreement, announced during the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in Cape Town, was signed with Eagle Real Estate Investment Trust. The REIT focuses on tourism, hospitality, health, retail and residential developments.
“This signing represents a bold step forward in our development strategy for Sub-Saharan Africa,” said Maya Ziade, chief development officer, premium, midscale & economy division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor. “Victoria Falls is one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, and we are proud to bring the Novotel brand experience to Zimbabwe for the very first time. As a first mover, we see this project as a gateway to long-term sustainable growth in the country.”
Located at the UNESCO World Heritage Site known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders,” the site is also recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is a center for adventure tourism.
Facilities at Novotel Victoria Falls will include an outdoor swimming pool, a kids’ club, an all-day dining restaurant and a destination bar. The hotel will be developed to serve both families and individual travelers.
“We are delighted to partner with Accor to bring an international standard of hospitality to Victoria Falls. This project reflects our vision of investing in transformative developments that elevate tourism and deliver value to local communities and investors alike,” said Bevin Ngara, managing director of Eagle Asset Managers.
Accor operates over 590 Novotel hotels in 68 countries, with more than 180 properties in the pipeline. Novotel Victoria Falls will be the brand’s first property in Zimbabwe.
