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.

NEW SPONSORS FOR VICTORIA FALLS ANTI-POACHING UNIT

victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) is thrilled to have new sponsors on board following a recent trip by Travellers Choice Gold Family Group (Africa Safari Co) to Victoria Falls.

The group from Australia met with Charles Brightman, head of VFAPU at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in March, to find out more about what the Unit is doing to help combat poaching in the area. Having been impressed by the efforts of the organisation, five of the Travel Agencies in the Gold Choice Group have committed to a once off sponsorship of a Scout. Bay Travel Services, City Beach Travel & Cruise, Jayes Travel, Jamison Travel and Stodarts Travel & Cruise, have joined together in donating US$ 3420.00 to the cause.

“It was enlightening to learn of the fabulous work being done by Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit” remarked Sue Fessey, Managing Director of Stodarts Travel & Cruise, following her meeting with  Charles Brightman.

VFAPU is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and its natural habitat. The unit protects the wildlife and habitat of the beautiful Victoria Falls area from subsistence and commercial poachers. It also rescues and rehabilitates animals injured by human interference, provides employment for ex-poachers giving them a sustainable income, and educates children at an early age through school and community awareness programs.

 “It is amazing to have donations such as these as it takes some of the pressure off and means that VFAPU gets to live longer”, said a truly delighted Brightman, following news of the generous donation.

Foreign Advisories with regards to Typhoid

There have been a number of warnings released by the Travel Advisories in various countries, including the USA and UK about a typhoid outbreak in Zimbabwe. The US has recommended no “non-essential” travel to Zimbabwe, while the United Kingdom is recommending no travel at all. This has caused a lot of concern for travellers visiting Zimbabwe from these countries.

It should be noted that while there has been a typhoid breakout in the high density suburbs of Harare, this area is 900km away and therefore not a threat to visitors to Victoria Falls.

Foreign Governments are obliged to report on the safety and security matters within each specific country, according to information released by government and the media about that particular country.

In saying this, visitors should always take the necessary precautions and immunisations, as advised by their doctor when visiting Zimbabwe. The best form of protection against mosquitoes and malaria is having a malaria prophylaxis treatment, using repellent and wearing long sleeved clothing in the evenings.

With regard to the Typhoid issue, guests are advised to take the necessary immunization against typhoid as well as follow caution by drinking bottled water, and avoiding eating unwashed fruits and vegetables. Since Victoria Falls is far away from the area where the problem has arised, we do not foresee this being an issue at all for visitors to the town. It is not a 100% guarantee, but if precautions are taken it is very unlikely it will be a problem.

The general feeling by members of the tourism industry in Zimbabwe is that the apprehension is both unjustified and unrealistic.

UNWTO PLEASED WITH PREPARATIONS FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

A team from The United Nations World Tourism Organisation visited Victoria Falls this week, and we are pleased to announce that so far they are extremely satisfied with the preparations for next year’s general assembly. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) will be hosting the 2013 UNWTO general assembly and the two countries are very much on track to host the event.

The visiting team also noted that they were inspired by the unity of purpose between the two host nations, and mentioned that they only needed to smoothen their transport system for inter-venue traffic

The visiting team from UNTWO included executive director Zoltan Somogyi, Deputy Director for Africa Mr Helder Thomas and programmes officer Mrs Pearl Blanca. The delegation has advised that they are confident that next year’s general assembly will be an extremely memorable one.

The Zimbabwean government has plans to build a new conference centre as preparation for the assembly. There are also plans to upgrade the Victoria Falls airport. Both projects, together with a number of other upgrades in the area will go a long way in helping to accommodate the expected 3000 visitors from 176 countries.

The towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone are both sure to see a massive boost in tourism as a result of hosting this prestigious event.

BEAR GRYLLS: - ADVENTURE ICON IN THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL

Adventure icon Bear Grylls was recently spotted at Vic Falls and took “the leap of faith” by bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge.

He was quoted as saying “I had to come and test this out for myself since your widely publicised incident” and Victoria Falls Bungee were extremely excited to have the "Born Survivor" star giving them his stamp of approval. Of course he survived and described the jump as an “awesome experience” which is a great compliment from the ultimate adventurer.

Bear has been in Zambia for a little family relaxation and will be returning to his day job of extreme adventures shortly. It was fantastic having such an icon testing out the bungee, especially following the recent negative publicity.

The 111m bungee jump is world famous and was recently voted as one of the top 5 bungee jumps on the planet. Not surprising given the magnificent backdrop of our exquisite Victoria Falls - there can be very few settings that rival it.

VICTORIA FALLS BUNGEE TO RECOMMENCE TODAY

Go to Victoria Falls have received the following update from Victoria Falls Bungee:

Further to our previous releases on the incident involving an Australian tourist which occurred on the 31^st December 2011 and whereby the bungee cord she was jumping on broke, we now wish to update you as follows;

Firstly we would like to advise that the lady concerned has recovered very well and has now returned to Australia. We continue to wish her well now that she is back home.

Secondly we are pleased to announce that following a thorough investigation into the incident bungee jumping will recommence on the 2^nd February 2012.

Since the incident a full and thorough investigation into the cause of the bungee cord failure was conducted which amongst other things included;

• A detailed safety audit and inspection of the bungee jumping system at Victoria Falls.

• Subjecting the broken bungee cord to forensic analysis and testing.

During this process of investigation we chose to suspend bungee jumping operations so that the inspectors could carry out their work without interruption and to allow time for the forensic analysis to be carried out. Unfortunately this process took more time than we anticipated due to the availability of the experts..

The international qualified IRATA safety auditors who have audited and inspected our system and equipment, have advised that after inspecting all components of the bungee system they found our safety standards prior the incident to have complied with the international standard ( AS/NZS 5848:2000) for bungee jumping. We have been carrying out bungee jumping in accordance with this code from the Victoria Falls bridge for over 17 years where approximately 150,000 jumps have been done without there ever having been a cord failure. 

As safety is of the utmost concern to us, together with the safety auditors we have developed certain new procedures to improve safety standards. With particular regard to the management and handling of the bungee cords, a safety auditor expressed the opinion that the standards we now apply are unparalleled in the industry in all probability industry leading. We are of the opinion that they set a new standard in terms of safety internationally.

The inspection of the cord which broke was carried out by a team of experts  based in South Africa which was lead by two Professors  in Structural Engineering. In their investigations the team amongst other things, compared the rubber used to make the bungee cord that broke against the latest batch of rubbers we obtained directly from our normal supplier. Our understanding of the investigation findings is that the rubbers from the cord which broke were not as strong as they should have been and were weaker than the newer rubbers.  We will be taking this up with the rubber manufacturers. The newer rubbers which we will now use were found to be far stronger than the “Code of Practice for Bungee Jumping” requires.  To ensure as best as possible the strength and integrity of all rubbers we use, we are arranging to have samples from every future batch of rubber tested before being put into service.

In light of the investigations and the opinions of both the safety auditors and the forensic investigators we are satisfied that the cause of the broken cord has been established and that the new standards, testing and inspection methods we have introduced will prevent a recurrence of the incident.

We are therefore pleased to announce that commercial bungee jumping operations will recommence on the 2^nd February 2012.

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.

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.

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. 

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.