Hospitality group African Sun Limited has postponed a planned multi-million-dollar refurbishment of the iconic Elephant Hills Resort to maximize on revenue from increased room demand during the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.
The 276-room Victoria Falls resort had been scheduled to close in November 2026 for an extensive 18-month renovation and rebranding exercise, with reopening initially targeted for the second quarter of 2028.
However, the hotelier has now opted to defer the project as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the global cricket tournament alongside regional partners.
African Sun, in a statement, said the decision was taken to accommodate the expected influx of international visitors during the tournament period.
“African Sun has confirmed that it will defer its planned major refurbishment of the Elephant Hills Resort in support of Zimbabwe’s role as co-host of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup,” the company said.
The group added that the resort would continue operating throughout 2026 and 2027 to preserve room availability in Victoria Falls, one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.
“The resort will remain fully operational during 2026 and 2027 to ensure that Victoria Falls retains essential room capacity during this significant period of increased international demand,” it said.
Located near the Zambezi River and famed for its championship golf course and conference facilities, Elephant Hills is one of the largest hospitality establishments in Victoria Falls and plays a key role in accommodating both leisure and business travelers.
However, African Sun said “the refurbishment programme remains a key priority”, adding that the planned works are intended to improve guest experience and further enhance the resort’s standing as a leading destination.
The postponement comes at a time when African Sun is undergoing significant corporate restructuring.
Last month, the hotel group formally exited the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange after shareholders approved its delisting and transition into an unlisted public company.
Company chairman Lloyd Mhishi has said the move is aimed at unlocking shareholder value and allowing the group to focus resources on its core hospitality assets, including Elephant Hills Resort and other flagship hotels in Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.
African Sun operates some of Zimbabwe’s best-known tourism properties, among them The Victoria Falls Hotel, Hwange Safari Lodge and Holiday Inn Harare.