Grand Hyatt Resort Coming to Zimbabwe in 2027

VICTORIA FALLS, Zimbabwe - Hyatt is bringing its Grand Hyatt brand to one of the world's most famous waterfalls, and it's taking over a property with a story to tell.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced plans to open Grand Hyatt Victoria Falls The Kingdom in late 2027, following a management agreement with an affiliate of Dubai-based Albwardy Investments LLC, according to The Points Guy. The project involves a major refurbishment of the former Kingdom Hotel, originally built in 1966 and redeveloped in 1999, to bring it up to the luxury upper-upscale standards Grand Hyatt is known for.

This will be Hyatt's second branded property in Zimbabwe, joining Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles in the capital. But this one's got geography on its side: it's about a five-minute walk from the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park and is reportedly the closest hotel to the park entrance on the Zimbabwean side.

What's Planned for the Property

The redeveloped hotel is expected to feature around 245 guestrooms, three dining venues, a spa, fitness center, and a grand lobby lounge. That's a solid lineup for a destination that historically hasn't had a ton of full-service luxury options with brand recognition.

What really stands out, though, is the meeting and event space: more than 19,000 square feet is planned, positioning the property for conferences, incentives, and regional MICE business. That's unusual for a property in a national park gateway town, but it signals Hyatt and Albwardy see Victoria Falls as more than just a safari stopover.

Albwardy Investments acquired the property owner, Makasa Sun, for about $30 million and is funding the full-scale refurbishment. It's a significant investment in a market that hasn't always attracted this level of international hospitality capital.

Where This Leaves Travelers

If you're a World of Hyatt member, this is noteworthy. The hotel will participate in the loyalty program, so you'll be able to earn and redeem points once it opens. That's a rare opportunity at a property so close to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

The other thing worth considering is timing. Late 2027 is framed as an expectation, not a guarantee; it's tied to the management agreement and a major refurbishment timeline. Hotel conversions have a habit of running long, especially when they involve historic properties and significant infrastructure work. If you're planning a trip to Victoria Falls in late 2027 or early 2028 and hoping to stay here, I'd keep an eye on updates as the opening gets closer.

Beyond the loyalty angle, this property could change the calculus for travelers deciding between the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls. The Zambian side has traditionally had more international brand presence, but a Grand Hyatt within walking distance of the Zimbabwe park entrance shifts that balance. For travelers who prioritize branded reliability, spa amenities, and larger-scale dining options, this could tip the scales.

The meeting space also hints at a broader shift. Victoria Falls has long been a bucket-list leisure destination, but if Hyatt and Albwardy can attract corporate groups and regional conferences, it could bring more consistent demand and potentially more competitive pricing outside peak safari season. That's speculative, but 19,000 square feet of event space doesn't happen by accident.

A Second Hyatt for Zimbabwe

Hyatt's expansion here is part of a broader push into Africa, where the company has been adding properties in Kenya, South Africa, and other high-profile tourism markets. Zimbabwe, though, has faced economic and political challenges that have made some international hospitality brands cautious. A Grand Hyatt opening in Victoria Falls is a signal that at least some investors see the risk-reward balance tilting favorably.

For now, the Kingdom Hotel sits largely dormant, waiting for its transformation. By late 2027, if all goes according to plan, it'll be a Grand Hyatt with a view of one of the planet's most iconic natural wonders. That's a pretty compelling pitch for a hotel opening, and for travelers who've been waiting for a reliable, points-eligible option this close to the falls, it's worth keeping on the radar.