Australian Tourist Reported Missing in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park

An Australian tourist has been reported missing in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park, a location renowned for its natural beauty. The 67-year-old tourist, whose name has not been released, was reported missing on Friday, February 23, 2024.

The Disappearance

The tourist was staying at a luxury lodge about 3km from the rainforest park. He informed the lodge management that he was heading into the park. However, CCTV footage reviewed later did not show him entering the park. Physical records at the entrance of the falls also had no record of him entering.

The Search

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesman Tinashe Farawo announced that a fully-fledged team, including the police, was looking for the tourist. Sniffer dogs, drones, and trackers have been deployed on the ground. Farawo stated, “We are looking at other leads because it seems he never entered the rainforest”.

A Rare Occurrence

Such incidents are rare in Victoria Falls, which attracts thousands of tourists for its majestic water curtain that tumbles down more than 108 meters from the Zambezi River to a gorge below, sending up a mist visible from kilometers away. However, a few similar cases have been recorded in other parks.

Conclusion

The search for the missing Australian tourist continues, with authorities exploring all possible leads. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions when visiting such vast and potentially dangerous areas.