Safari Tourism in Zimbabwe Gets a Boost with Extended Duty-Free Vehicle Imports

Published on December 3, 2025

Zimbabwean authorities have announced an extension of the policy allowing duty-free importation of vehicles by safari operators. This strengthens safari operators’ position in the tourism value chain. This information was revealed by Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube in his 2026 National Budget Speech. This continues to show the efforts made by Zimbabwe to position itself as a leading player in the tourism market arena.

The suspension of import taxes on vehicles will run from January 1, 2026, and it is expected to promote more investment in the Zimbabwean tourism sector. The policy allows safari operators’ and tour companies’ importation of vehicles and buses without incurring normal import duties. The policy is aimed at attracting investment in the tourism sector’s infrastructure as well as the acquisition of specialised vehicles for offering safari services. The policy is aimed at attracting investment in the tourism sector’s infrastructure as well as the acquisition of specialised vehicles for offering safari services. There is a growing investment in the sector.

Tourism Boost

According to industry projections, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has grown steadily and is projected to increase by 2.9% and 3.1% in 2025 and 2026, respectively. Alongside mining and agriculture, the government is realising the importance and value of tourism to the economy. The sustainable development the sector can offer, and the foreign currency that can be earned makes tourism a vital sector in Zimbabwe’s economic development plan. The government has decided to extend the duty suspension for a further two years, provided the operators pay their taxes as a means to maintain the industry’s positive growth.

Safari tourism is a major attraction of Zimbabwe’s international tourism. The diverse wildlife and the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros), popular destinations such as the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, and Hwange National Park, are a big draw for international tourists. The beautiful untouched scenery and the traveller’s rich cultural experiences are a big attraction to adventure tourists from all over the world. The government has facilitated the means for safari operators to improve their fleets by importing specialized safari vehicles, which we hope will allow operators to improve their services and the destination’s reputation as a world-class safari destination.

Besides the duty-free motor vehicle importation scheme, the Zimbabwean government has implemented additional policies to foster the development of tourism such as providing tax holidays, offering duty-free allowances on some capital equipment, and providing economic benefits to investors within the designated Tourism Development Zones. The government is seeking to bolster new investments, enhance the infrastructure, and stimulate the growing tourism economy. The suspension of the duty along with these economic benefits is likely to positively contribute to the economic growth of Zimbabwe, especially given the fact that Zimbabwe is rapidly emerging as a leading economy providing tourism services in Africa.

The great emphasis by Zimbabwe on ongoing infrastructure development is particularly relevant in regards to safari tourism. The safari operators who drive tourists to various locations and conduct game drives rely on a specialized fleet of motor vehicles, which safari tourism operators will now be able to modernize and expand. These modern motor vehicles will be a significant benefit to the Zimbabwe safari tourism product offering. The incentive for the modern vehicles is to maintain and promote Zimbabwe’s competitiveness in the growing safari tourism product offering. The modern vehicles will be even more essential for Zimbabwe’s tourism in the Southern Africa region.

The recently announced initiatives taken by the Ministry of Finance, focusing enhancing investment opportunities and increasing the contribution of the tourism industry to the national economy, illustrate the government’s priorities for tourism and travel industry in Zimbabwe. The country, along with other African countries, has one of the most underdeveloped tourism and travel industries. However, the potential and growth opportunities in the sector are significant, with the MICE industry experiencing rapid growth and development in the African Region. In this context, Zimbabwe’s attention to Quality of Services and MICE-related infrastructure development will determine the country’s share in the growing MICE industry.

Extension of the duty suspension is not a geo-economic pillar only, it copes with a message other African States on the need to focus on tourism potential and develop targeted fiscal instruments. Zimbabwe’s Incentives outline the rapid custom legislative frameworks which are needed to stimulate growth to the tourism sector and support the emergence of new businesses or the expansion of existing ones.

Safari operators and tourism professionals in Zimbabwe have new vehicles widening their service delivery after the suspension of import duties on vehicles and buses. Increased mobility vehicles will enhance safari service delivery to low carbon safari trips that international travelers increasingly seek. Modern vehicles also enhance service delivery to expensive safari niche markets that are low to offer longer and luxurious safari services.

The government’s tourism incentives are also likely to make Zimbabwe even more attractive to eco-tourism travelers. By allowing service delivery system to modern energy and eco-friendly vehicles, Zimbabwe strengthens its resolve destined for eco-sustainable tourism.

Conclusion

The future of Zimbabwe’s tourism services is certain. The government’s intentions to deliver fiscal policy to the industry will enhance tourism sustainability and profitability in the long run. Improved infrastructure, modernised service delivery systems, and strong focus on niche markets like MICE and eco-tourism are positive. Zimbabwe is set for a strong, competitive tourism industry on the international front.

Zimbabwe’s focus on tourism and safari and on quality infrastructure and services and appropriate fiscal parameters has opened new frontiers of safari tourism for many other African countries. Zimbabwe has created an enabling environment for innovation and investment in safari tourism and is going to be an example for tourism development in other African countries.