Zimbabwe Plans For 'Disneyland' Near Victoria Falls

Earlier this week, Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality minister, Walter Mzembi, announced plans for a new theme park near Victoria Falls. Described as a “Disneyland in Africa,” the $300 million theme park will include conference centers, hotels, and restaurants, according to the BBC. The Falls is ranked one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is home to the world’s most dangerous pool.

A theme park isn’t the only thing Zimbabwe is planning to draw tourists to the area. According to The Guardian, Mzembi has plans to build hotels and convention centers on over 2,900 acres near Victoria Falls.

CNN reports there’s talk about a $70 million mall in the capital and a $150 million project to revamp and expand the Victoria Falls airport may be under way, with the goal of reintroducing flights from across Africa.

As to be expected, there's opposition to the plan. Lisa Grainger, a regular Telegraph contributor, wrote: "It would be like building a casino beside the pyramids. The reason people visit the falls is because it's unspoilt and natural: it's a glorious part of the Earth. Not because they want to buy candy-floss and be immersed in an American-style theme park.”

It seems to us that a theme park may be unbecoming for this beautiful natural wonder. What do you think? Leave your comments below.