Hyatt has announced plans to bring the Grand Hyatt brand to Zimbabwe with the signing of a management agreement for Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom, expected to open in late 2027 following an extensive renovation of a property with more than 60 years of history at one of Africa’s most iconic destinations.
The hotel, located in the heart of Victoria Falls — a UNESCO World Heritage Site known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders” — is just a five-minute walk from the Victoria Falls rainforest and sits closer to the entrance of the national park on the Zimbabwean side than any other hotel in the area. Victoria Falls International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.
Originally built in 1966 and redeveloped in 1999, the property will undergo a full design transformation in line with the Grand Hyatt brand. Upon reopening, it is expected to feature 245 guestrooms, three dining venues, a spa and fitness center, a grand lobby lounge, and 1,800 square meters of meeting and event space.
“This property represents a truly exceptional setting,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President of Development for Middle East and Africa at Hyatt. “This signing marks a significant milestone in Hyatt’s continued expansion across Africa.”
The agreement was signed with an affiliate of Albwardy Investments LLC, whose chairman Ali Albwardy described the project as an opportunity to create an elevated hospitality experience that celebrates the culture and significance of Victoria Falls, building on the property’s decades-long role as one of the destination’s landmark hotels.
The hotel will become the second Hyatt branded property in Zimbabwe, with World of Hyatt members able to earn and redeem points on stays upon opening.
