Victoria Falls Safari Club construction complete!

The stylish Victoria Falls Safari Club is open setting a new benchmark in luxury accommodation in Victoria Falls, a top choice tourist destination.

The lavish Club will blend the enchanting power of nature with modern comforts to create an exclusive atmosphere that is distinctly African.  Construction of this superb new addition to the Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) portfolio started in November 2011 and was completed two weeks ahead of schedule.

AAT Chairman Dave Glynn said, ‘We are absolutely thrilled with the way the project progressed. We are now looking forward to welcoming our first guests.’

The Safari Club team, led by Club Manager Claire Wright, is eager to receive the first guests and has been undergoing extensive training in preparation for the opening.

Remarked Ross Kennedy, AAT Chief Executive, ‘Hospitality projects such as these are notorious worldwide for running well over time and budget and thus tour operators and agents are always skeptical. For this project we have good news for them – a green light to book because we are ready!’

Kennedy added that interest in the Safari Club in the build-up to opening has been extremely encouraging with many international tour operators already featuring it in their 2013 brochures, with a number of USA, Australian and European Union operators requesting special launch packages to promote in their markets.

Through the use of local materials such as thatch, gum poles, stone and sand, the $2,7 million development has been in line with AAT’s policy to reduce the organisation’s carbon footprint. During the construction of the new Club wing several trees were trans-located into a nursery and are now being replanted. In addition, contractors were strictly controlled to prevent them from trampling haphazardly over the fragile and precious environment.

Contractor Dale Kiggen commented that it had been an honour to work on the Safari Club project and he was confident that the Safari Club would soon become the number one address in Victoria Falls.

Located adjacent to the award-winning Victoria FallsSafari Lodge, the flagship property of AAT, the Safari Club will boast rooms that are 50% larger than those at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, giving a sense of abundant space. The exclusive club ethos will be reflected in such features as butler service, private check-in and check-out and a multi-functional area that includes a bar, lounge and terrace.

Victoria Falls is gearing up for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly in late August 2013 that is expected to attract more than 3,000 delegates from around the world.

UNWTO 2013 CONFERENCE AND RESULTING DEVELOPMENT IN VIC FALLS - SET TO BENEFIT ALL

It is becoming very evident that Victoria Falls is the town that both leisure and business travellers are talking about and it is certainly one of the top destinations in Southern Africa at the moment. Victoria Falls experienced the highest number of visitors in several years in 2011 and it looks like 2012 is shaping up to be an even better year for the tourist town. After a decade of low arrivals, Zimbabwe is seeing a huge growth in tourists to the country and the famous Victoria Falls is most certainly seeing this obvious increase in interest.

But why is this town in land locked Zimbabwe such a popular destination? Other than the obvious spectacular Victoria Falls (one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) it is also the adventure capital of Africa, continually offering new and exciting activities. Furthermore, it is situated in the centre of a number of world class national parks in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia and Namibia, meaning it is increasingly obvious that the tourist town is the ideal destination for travellers to pass through for a few days, before moving on to explore the surrounding areas.

However, the increase in arrivals that industry players are now preparing for can be attributed to a number of other positive factors.

The Victoria Falls Airport is being modernised and enlarged and a number of international airlines are discussing possible flights into Zimbabwe and the town itself. This is in addition to the recent commencement of Emirates flights into Harare from Dubai, via Lusaka. South African Airways has also dramatically increased its capacity to Zimbabwe by 66%, while Air Namibia has launched a four-times a week schedule from Windhoek to Harare.

The new Victoria Falls Safari Club

Meanwhile the town has become the destination of choice for conferences with the African Travel Association (ATA) hosting their 37^th world congress from 18 – 22 May this year, which saw 500 delegates descend upon the town. This is just the preview to what is expected in 2013, when the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly is hosted in both Victoria Falls and Livingstone, with an estimated 3000 delegates from 158 countries expected to attend.

The General Assembly can only mean positive things for the town and Go to Victoria Falls members are extremely excited about how it will impact arrivals into the town.

Roddy Meiring, General Manager of Ilala Lodge says “It’s a unique opportunity which will further develop the town, once again proving that Zimbabwe is back on the map and a safe place to visit”.

Trish Mambinge, General Manager of Sales and Marketing for Shearwater Victoria Falls, added that “UNWTO means we shall see more arrivals next year, meaning we will take on more pax on our activities, gaining increased experience and revenue”.

Meanwhile the new luxury Victoria Falls Safari Club 20-room wing at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge looks set to be THE showcase accommodation at next year's assembly. This exclusive facility, including four majestic suites, will open in August this year, a year ahead of the global summit, and construction is well underway. 

Furthermore, the government is planning to build a new conference centre as preparation, which will not only go a long way in accommodating the few thousand delegates in 2013, but will also cement Victoria Falls’ reputation as a world class conferencing destination.

So with a number of exciting new developments for the town, as well as a more positive attitude towards Zimbabwe as a whole, it’s no wonder the Go to Victoria Falls members are expecting occupancies in 2012 and 2013 to surge, and for the increased interest to result in even further infrastructural developments.

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.