GO TO VICTORIA FALLS MEMBERS ARE TOP TOURISM EXPORTERS IN MATABELELAND NORTH

Three Go to Victoria Falls members came out tops as tourism Exporters of the Year in an awards ceremony honouring Matabeleland North’s Outstanding Businesses. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was named Exporter of the Year at the ceremony held at Elephant Hills on Friday 16 December 2011. 

The inaugural regional awards were launched by the Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce and have been introduced as a way of recognizing outstanding businesses and leadership, who excelled during the year and should be awarded for helping to revive the economy.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge now goes through to the Regional semis in March 2012 to be held in Bulawayo, and from there to the Finals in Harare in mid-2012.

Other Go to Victoria Falls members came in as runners up, with The Victoria Falls Hotel as first and Wild Horizons as second.

Members of the Victoria Falls community were obviously clear favourites as another five were also recognized for their outstanding achievements:

Manager of the Year went to Trythings (GM of Ele Hills)

Entrepreneur of the Year went to Geoff Gover (Seven to Eleven Superette)

Woman of the year went to Mrs Mhlanga - Vic Falls Education Centre – for consistency of her duties over the last 5 years.

Exporter Agriculture – Spencers Creek Victoria Falls

New Business of the year – Comoil Lupane

It is once again evident that members of this amazing community are succeeding in bringing tourism back to Zimbabwe and it is wonderful that they are being recognized for their achievements.

ENJOY AN AFRICAN SUN DOWNER

Summer is here and what better way to enjoy those hot Zimbabwean afternoons than sipping on a cocktail, overlooking a magnificent waterhole. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has to have one of the most spectacular settings to enjoy a sun downer, while at the same time witnessing elephant, buffalo and other wildlife coming to drink at the waterhole.

The new cocktail menu at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge offers all the classic options such as a Mojito, Pina Colada or Margarita as well as those with an African twist, perfect for the hot summer in Vic Falls. Why not try a Victoria Falls Ice Tea, African Sunset, Summer Fruit G & T or one of the other tasty options.

The lodge is also proud to present its summer menus at both the Buffalo Bar and the Makuwa Kuwa restaurants. Offering a wide variety of dishes to suit even the most conservative of diners, you’ll find everything from light snacks to more elaborate meals. The more adventurous diners, looking for a taste of Africa can try out the warthog, impala or crocodile.

After a day of activities in Africa’s adventure capital, guests will be spoilt for choice at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, as they enjoy the warm summer evening and take in the beauty of this spectacular area.

DISCOVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF THE VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE

The Victoria Falls Bridge Tour is an alternative bridge activity, available to those visitors who don’t quite have the nerve (or stomach) to jump off the famous bridge. The activity, organised by Shearwater Victoria Falls, has become a popular alternative to the bungi, bridge swing or slide but is also becoming a “must see” for those adrenalin junkies wanting to know more about the bridge they’re jumping off.

Guests are taken on a journey, as an actor playing the part of Georges Imbault (chief construction engineer of the bridge) gives a history of the bridge and explains how it came to be the magnificent structure is today. Participants discover Cecil John Rhodes plans for his Cape to Cairo Railway, learn how the bridge was constructed and understand how and why a full locomotive was transported across the gorge before the actual completion of the bridge.

After the historical introduction, guests are strapped into harnesses and taken under the remarkable piece of engineering to enjoy a walking tour of the bridge, while taking in spectacular views of the Falls and the Batoka Gorge below. Why walk over the bridge when you can walk under it? Tour guide “Georges Imbault” will elaborate on the construction while at the same time describing the surroundings and points of interesting around the bridge. All the while the highly trained and experienced guides will ensure a safe and informative 2½ hours on and around the bridge.

To learn more about the one hundred years of Victorian Engineering, a book entitled “Sun, Steel & Spray: A history of the Victoria Falls Bridge” written by Peter Roberts, was published this year and is now available to purchase.

So why not try a bridge activity with a difference and take part in one of Shearwater Victoria Falls' Bridge Tours. Come away having learnt more about this magnificent bridge that has become an icon of grandeur throughout the world.

BRING IN THE NEW YEAR AT VIC FALLS

With only a month until Falls Fest, the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe is gearing up for an influx of local and international visitors, set to celebrate New Year in style.

Now in its third year, Falls Fest will be taking place on 30 and 31 December 2011, to tie in with the New Year festivities. The two day festival was introduced as a way to increase the number of visitors to Victoria Falls and last year saw over 4000 people attending each day. This year has already seen overwhelming support for Falls Fest and organisers hope to see the destination boosted even further.

The headline act at this year’s festival is South African Music Award (SAMA) nominated and winners in the "NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR" category, Locnville. This Cape Town based electro hop music duo will be joined on stage by a number of support acts from South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Roddy Meiring, General Manager of Ilala Lodge, one of the primary sponsors of Falls Fest and a Go To Victoria Falls member, believes that the positive outcome of the music festival is undeniable. “Hotels and local adventure companies had their best season in several years and business in the falls is booming,” says Meiring.

Travellers visiting the Falls will of course be spoilt for choice when it comes to activities and day trips outside of the music festival. Go To Victoria Falls’ tour operators and adventure companies, will be offering white water rafting, river cruises, high wire activities, safari activities and lots more, allowing visitors the opportunity to experience Africa’s adventure capital at its best. Booking in advance will be necessary, as last year rafting companies saw their busiest day ever with over 600 people rafting in 1 single day.

The increase in visitors last year was not only seen in Vic Falls but throughout the country. “It got people travelling through Zimbabwe and received great international exposure, as people from all over the world came to experience the area and the country as a whole. It showed that Zim is still a safe destination and what better way to spend New Year than seeing one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and making a holiday of it,” concluded Meiring.

Following on from the success of 2010, this year’s Falls Fest and New Year period is set to be another excellent one for Victoria Falls.

Renovated A’Zambezi River Lodge

The Rainbow Tourism Group's A'Zambezi River Lodge, located just 5km upstream of the Victoria Falls, recently underwent a massive US$4.5 million renovation.

The property entrance features a new water feature and the restaurant building has been extended to include a lounge. The lodge now has a new a la carte restaurant, a new Zambezi Bar, and a wooden deck across the entire length of the building.


Also new is the 100-seater conference centre, located at the old entrance. The swimming pool area has red teak furniture to match the style throughout the hotel and the rooms have desks and two outside chairs. The bathrooms have been completely revamped and all now have showers with a separate bath.

Travelling Vic Falls - a visitor's comments

This via Kaeti Hands


Mum and Dad came to Vic Falls in the seventies, and it left such an impression on them that they gave me my middle name of Victoria after the Falls. So when I decided to make this trip, visiting Vic Falls was a must.  And now I have seen it, I understand - it is spectacular.


We are at the end of the dry season at the moment, so the water levels are at their lowest, but still, the Falls are amazing.  And Vic Falls town is very nice as well.   The Victoria Falls Hotel is a lovely old colonial hotel with stunning views, well worth a visit.  A few of us had high tea there this afternoon which was very pleasant indeed.  This morning I took the "flight of angels", a helicopter ride over the Falls, where you can understand the true scale of the Zambezi, and the gorge that it crashes into.

VICTORIA FALLS MARATHON LISTED AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD

The Victoria Falls Marathon has made it into the top 500 list of the World’s Ultimate Running Races.  The book is a list of 500 of the most adrenaline-filled, awe-inspiring, classic running races, across the world, and is considered to be THE runner’s guide. This emphasises the fact that the town, and the marathon, are world class and will ultimately attract more and more tourists with each year. Great News for Vic Falls!

GO TO VICTORIA FALLS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

Go To Victoria Falls, the interactive and informative website and travel hub offering information on Vic Falls, is delighted to welcome its five newest members.

In keeping with the need to provide travellers with information about all aspects of tourism at the Falls, the newest members offer an array of services, from accommodation (self-catered and catered) to activities and transfers.

Adventure Lodge boasts 70 self-catering rooms at an excellent price, is a mere five minute walk from the town, and a further 10 minute walk from the actual Falls. It is an excellent option for visitors travelling on a budget.

Adventure Zone is a leading tour operator in Victoria Falls, offering budget accommodation and a comprehensive Adventure and Safari Activity portfolio. Activities include white water river rafting, elephant back safari trails, lion walking encounters, canoe safari trails, the flight of angels above the Victoria Falls, bungi jumping, gorge swinging, sunset cruises, and tours and transfers around Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Chobe areas.

A’Zambezi River Lodge is the only hotel in Victoria Falls that enjoys a site on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. The newly refurbished lodge is within easy reach of the town and the Falls themselves, providing easy access to different attractions and activities. The beautiful location on the banks of the river makes A’Zambezi a perfect choice for travellers looking to take in the beauty of the area.

Khanondo Safaris and Tours is a safari operator offering tours and transfers in Victoria Falls, around Zimbabwe and to other destinations such as Livingstone, Kasane and Namibia. They also offer game drives and camping safaris to all major parks in Zimbabwe and day tours to attractions around Victoria Falls.

Mapopoma Cruises and Tours is a tour operator specialising in transfers and tours, river cruises, African village tours, bush dinners, Chobe day trips and car hire. Many of the major hotels in the town have contracted their services.

The new members join well known properties and operators such as Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, The Victoria Falls Hotel, Ilala Lodge, Wilderness Safaris, Wild Horizons and Shearwater Adventures, on the Go To Victoria Falls website. 

Ukusata Pack goes wild

Great news!  Shearwater Adventures and Rani Africa are delighted to announce that the Ukusuta Pack has succeeded in hunting for itself during its first weeks back in the bush. The six rehabilitated Painted Dogs, led by older brother Sithule, have already killed an Impala and a Waterbuck and, just this week, they brought down a Kudu on the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve.  So far all carcasses have been retained by the Dogs with no threat from Lions in the area. 

There are only between 3,000 and 5,000 African Wild Dogs left.

The fragile family’s ability to hunt was the first big hurdle to achieving self-sufficiency and increases the hope that they can be relocated to either Hwange or Mana Pools National Park as a viable pack. They are regularly ‘spotted’ on Shearwater Game Drives within the private, big five conservancy. 

It is estimated that only about 3000 – 5000 of this endangered species remain on the continent, with the Zimbabwean population being one of the last strongholds.

Much of their decline has been farmers who fear that the dogs will prey on their livestock, despite this being a seldom event. This persecution, on top of habitat loss, has almost wiped out the species. Lions and Hyena’s are also contributing factors to the decline in Wild Dog numbers.

To learn more about the Ukusuta Pack and the incredible work conducted by the Hwange-based Painted Dog Conservation visit www.painteddog.org

NEW BABY RHINO NAMED

In commemoration of World Rhino Day, which took place yesterday, 22 September, Shearwater Adventures and Rani Africa are delighted to announce the name of the newest Black Rhino on the Victoria Falls Game Reserve.

Having recently announced the birth of the Rhino calf, Go To Victoria Falls member, Shearwater Adventures, is excited to advise that the baby has now been christened.  After asking agents and trading partners to come up with suggestions, they are happy to announce that the winning name “Tatenda” was proposed by David Wood at Air Holidays. 

“Tatenda” means “we are thankful” in Shona, and David suggested that it would show gratitude for Shearwater and Rani Africa’s conservation work and to the Rhino parents, for keeping the species going. 

Tatenda’s arrival marks another leap forward in Shearwater and Rani Africa’s conservation efforts, which for the past ten years have been concentrated on sustainable wildlife utilisation, together with breeding and research programmes of rare and endangered species, with the Black Rhino as its pioneer project.

With less than 3,000 of these incredible animals left on earth and recent poaching incidences being at an all-time high, Shearwater Adventures and Rani Africa are justifiably proud of this achievement and of being closer to the dream of supplying Black Rhino from the breeding programme into other wild life areas. 

Another Successful Victoria Falls Marathon!

Sunday 28 August saw over 700 runners competing in the annual Econet Vic Falls Marathon in Zimbabwe, as well as the Zambezi Lite Half Marathon and Shoprite Fun Run. Highlights included the fantastic weather, amazing service from sponsored water points and the post event cruise and after party on the Zambezi River.

Zimbabwe athletes took the top spots, but a number of runners from Tanzania and Kenya came a long way (by bus) to compete, and take home some of the prizes.

Now in its sixth year, the event has grown from humble beginnings, into one of Africa’s best and most scenic races. Support from sponsors, which included some Go To Victoria Falls members, as well as tight organisation by the management team and the community, made the event a real “team effort”.

The Marathon also resulted in 100 wheelchairs being donated to disabled people in the region, thanks to Network of Caring, as well as donations of supplies to local schools, money and support to chosen charities, as well as a contribution to the Vic Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

Meanwhile, the Zambezi Man Multi Event which combines White Water Rafting, a mountain bike race and the marathon, was also a huge success, proving that the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe remains a world class destination for adventure events.

Victoria Falls working together to speed up immigration

Members of the tourism industry in Victoria Falls have come together in an effort that will ensure that immigration into the tourist town is fast and efficient. Following recent concerns over delays at immigration, meetings were held to see how the issue could be resolved. The industry worked together with the Immigration Office and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) office in Victoria Falls in easing the flow of guests at the Kazungula Border. 


On Friday 26 August 2011, a Green Route was set up through the use of a tent, two tables and four chairs, courtesy of the Wilderness group’s non-profit organisation Children in the Wilderness, in an effort to assist non visa travellers and returning residents with their entry into the country. Immigration has assigned two extra officers to the Green Route which will undoubtedly alleviate the immigration delays that the border has been experiencing recently.

The 'Green Route' tent, used to speed up immigration at the Kazangula border post

“This is a great start in the right direction,” says Blessing Munyenyiwa, director of Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe, “but there is still a lot to do in making sure all our entry points are improved, which can be done with the support of ZTA and immigration.” The Victoria Falls Border from Zambia will be the next focus, as most airlines fly into Livingstone Airport, carrying almost 40% of guests coming to Zimbabwe.

This is an excellent example of the power of common purpose between government departments and the private sector to deal with, address and fix challenges that impact tourism. All efforts are being made to make Victoria Falls and ultimately Zimbabwe a user friendly destination.

“The support of Victoria Falls tourism industry and their pulling together to promote the destination is admirable. I am certain that we will continue to be the best tourist town in the region and very soon the best in Africa” concluded Munyenyiwa.

For further information on Victoria Falls visit www.gotovictoriafalls.com. 

Some facts about Victoria Falls:

• Victoria Falls is an acclaimed World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World   that everyone should see at least once in their lives. 
• 70% of the vistas are from the Zimbabwe rainforest 
• It’s the largest single curtain of falling water on earth, more than twice the size of Niagara 
• Victoria falls is a 365-day a year destination with weather that is surely unrivalled.