If you are researching visiting the magnificent Victoria Falls – and we do hope you are – you may come across many names that you may be unfamiliar with. Read on to discover the rich history and imagery behind them here:
Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls waterfall was discovered by Dr .David Livingstone in November 1855, and as he was British, he named it after his Queen, Victoria.
David Livingstone
Mosi-oa-Tunya
This is the local name for the Victoria Falls in the Tonga language – it is translated as “the smoke that thunders”.
Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world
Chongwe/Seongo
This name has been cited in historical records as also used for the Victoria Falls and means “The Place of the Rainbow”.
Rainbow over the Victoria Falls
Devil’s Cataract
The Devil’s cataract is the first and lowest of the five Falls. It is named after the island next to it, which is called Cataract Island or Baoruka Island. Baoruka is the Tonga word for “divider of waters”. There is also speculation that the when the falls were originally discovered, the missionaries saw the local tribes performing rituals on the island and called them “devilish”.
The Devil’s Cataract, located on the westerly section of Victoria Falls
Ra-Ikane River Cruises
Fashioned after David Livingstone’s exploration boat, the Ma-Robert, the Ra-Ikane boats are named after the instrumental guide, Lazarus Ra-Ikane, who accompanied and assisted Livingstone in his monumental discovery of the natural wonder, Victoria Falls.
A historical boat from David Livingstone’s time
Ilala Lodge Hotel
‘Ilala’ is also the Ndebele word for ‘lie down’. Read more about the history of Ilala Lodge Hotel here.
Twin room at Ilala Lodge Hotel
Zambezi River
The Zambezi (meaning “Great River” in the language of the Tonga people). In 1498 Vasco da Gama became the first European to see the Zambezi River. He called the Zambezi the “River of Good Omens” (Rio dos Bons Sinais).
Zambezi River view from Ilala Lodge Hotel
Zimbabwe
The name “Zimbabwe”, broken down to Dzimba dzamabwe in Shona (one of the two major languages in the country), means “houses of stone”.
Visiting Victoria Falls is one of life’s most captivating and enchanting experiences. It resembles a small piece of heaven, reflected in a curtain of water that cascades 108 meters down a steep gorge between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Situated on the Zimbabwean side, Ilala Lodge Hotel is the closest hotel to Victoria Falls – a mere eight minutes away.
Most visitors to this World Wonder experience the fall’s magnificence through guided tours, or self-led walks through the flora and fauna of a luscious rainforest surrounding the waterfall. As Ilala Lodge Hotel is just 936 steps from the falls, we’ve discovered a little secret to guarantee the most memorable experience of viewing this World Wonder.
A crucial factor to making the most of your experience, is selecting the best time of day to view the falls. While the majority of visitors typically visit around Midday, we’d advise otherwise! Instead, to capture the quietest and most undisturbed viewing of Victoria Falls – we suggest you get there before the sun rises.
View from Ilala Lodge Hotel of the mist rising from the falls
Timing is key!
The sun rises at various times throughout the year, which means it is essential to check exact timings before you visit. Likewise, it is important to note that during warmer Summer months – September to May – the Victoria Falls Rainforest is open to visitors from 6.00am and in Winter – May and July – it opens from 6.30am.
As the waterfall is situated within the Victoria Falls National Park, we suggest arriving early a few minutes earlier to pay. Entrance fees for international visitors is US$30.00 per person, SADC visitors is US$20.00 per person and for local Zimbabweans it is US$7.00 per person. Don’t forget to take your ID or passport, your preferred method of payment, credit card or cash are accepted, and a Ziploc or plastic bag to keep your valuables secure and dry.
Don’t forget…
The spray from the falls can be quite heavy at viewpoints closest to the waterfall so we highly recommend taking an umbrella or raincoat with you to avoid getting too wet! You can pick up umbrellas from the Ilala Lodge Hotel reception or hire raincoats from the curio market opposite the National Park entrance. While the hotel is only a short distance away from the falls, comfortable walking shoes or trainers are essential.
Prepare to be amazed!
A short walk down a cobbled pathway will take you from the entrance of the National Park through the luscious-green rainforest, to the first viewpoint and David Livingstone’s statue. Here, you’ll see the morning sky transform as the sun begins its dawn over the mighty waterfall.
Victoria Falls from viewpoint 1
Around the corner are viewpoints three to seven which reveal the widest possible view of the 1,708-metre-wide waterfall. Between these points is where you’ll witness the very best view of the morning sun as it breaks over the horizon, rising boldly over Victoria Falls.
Viewpoints 3 – 7 offer the widest views of the waterfall
An exceptional transformation of colours takes place in the sky – we assure you this will be one of the most spectacular sights you will witness! Gradually, as the night fades away and the blue sky starts to lighten, the skyline above the horizon glows with orange, pink and purple as the sunrise draws closer. When the sun breaks through, a radiant glow emerges above the horizon. In this moment time stands still. A fiery sphere takes shape, ascending through the misty-spray of the falls, to commence a new African day.
Mid-sunrise above Victoria Falls
Magnificent and breath-taking views can be seen at all 16 viewpoints along the rainforest walk.
Once the sun is high in the morning sky and your camera is filled with perfect photographs to make this memorable moment last forever, make your way back to Ilala Lodge Hotel for a delicious breakfast feast at The Palm Restaurant – recently awarded a Certificate of Excellent on TripAdvisor.
Livingstone Island viewpoint at sunrise
Waking up a little earlier is a small price to pay to experience this spectacular sunrise, and we can guarantee that this will be one of the most exceptional and unforgettable ways you’ll ever begin your day.
As we welcome guests to our newest Deluxe Wing this month, we feel the need to reminisce and recount our humble journey from a 14-room boutique hotel to a luxury hotel with 73 rooms, in less than three decades.
Our strong family values and vision have not changed from when the doors first opened in 1991. We pride ourselves on being a family run hotel and having a tight-knit team of which there are seven people who have been with us for over 20 years – an amazing feat in itself.
We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world to share this little piece of paradise and to show them the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, located only 936 steps away from the hotel.
One of the Natural Wonders of the World at sunrise. Photo credit: Shaun McMinn Photography
The history of Ilala Lodge Hotel is an interesting one and we would like to take you back to the very beginning.
The Victoria Falls- just a short walk from the Hotel. As you can see- the newest addition to the Hotel on the far left of image. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
The Birth of Ilala Lodge Hotel
It all began when Strath Brown, a well-known entrepreneur in Zimbabwe, decided he wanted to build a bar and restaurant with business partner, Rob Gee. The plan quickly evolved however, when Dr. Bernard Chidzero, the minister of Finance at the time, passed a document stating that anyone who wanted to promote tourism would be offered a 100% initial allowance as a tax incentive for hotel construction.
Their accountant at the time, John Knight, managed to persuade Strath and Rob that this was an opportunity they could not turn down and with that, a dream to sell beer for 40 cents, turned into creating a legacy of a hotel that will be passed down for generations.
The name of the hotel came about when Thelma Newmarch, their interior decorator, suggested Ilala Lodge, after the ilala palms that grow in the area, in addition to the word llala which translates from the Ndebele name for “lie down.”
Ilala Palms that grow in the Victoria Falls area and along the Zambezi River. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
The Hotel Construction
It was quickly agreed that a 14-room hotel was to be built and in October 1989 they struck ground. Strath and Rob’s trusted architect, Richard Beattie, and interior designer, Thelma Newmarch, worked tirelessly with the builder Biffen, to create an inviting atmosphere that was the foundation for the success that the hotel still enjoys today. The rooms leading onto the sprawling lush lawns, the outside dining area with a view of the spray from the Falls, and the fan-shaped dining room were all intentionally added to the plans as they were favourite features from the hotels Beryl, Strath’s wife, had visited around Zimbabwe.
Strath and his son Keith, being invested financially and emotionally in the project got stuck into the actual building of the hotel, even thatching the roof themselves, with grass they brought up from their family farm in Darwendale.
Diners still enjoy meals Al Fresco at The Palm Restaurant under the “Golden Tree”. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
Beryl was an avid and talented gardener, and established the appealing and attractive gardens that surrounds the hotel today. The unique Indian Laburnums, also known as the ‘Golden Tree’, are a part of Beryl’s contribution, and when in bloom, they light up the whole front of the hotel.
The Official Opening
In 1991, the official opening ceremony was a resounding success and the local Chief, a highly respected member of the community of Victoria Falls, presided over the event. The Minister of Tourism, Herbert Murewa and other dignitaries were also in attendance. As tradition allows, the Chief blessed the hotel, signifying what was to be a great start.
Some of our friendly staff have been welcoming guests to Ilala Lodge Hotel for over 20 years! Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
The Vice-President at the time, Joshua Nkomo, had been invited as the guest of honour to attend the ceremony but unfortunately had to cancel at the last minute. A few months later however, Beryl found herself seated next to Joshua Nkomo, on an aircraft flying from Harare to Victoria Falls, where she confidently introduced herself and invited him to visit the hotel during his trip. A day later, as Beryl was tending to the front gardens of the hotel, the Vice-President appeared and greeted her by saying “You are my mother. I have come to see you.” He accepted her invitation for a tour of the hotel and they enjoyed a relaxing tea on the front lawn together!
The First Guests
In April 1991, Ilala Lodge welcomed its first guests to stay who were family friends of the Brown’s from Darwendale. It didn’t take long for word to spread and in those days, there were no cell phones or Google searches. Soon enough Ilala Lodge Hotel was on every tour operator and agents bucket list. As Strath writes in his autobiography: “All agreed that it would be worth sending their clients to Ilala”.
The Palm Restaurant in the 1990’s- we have made some upgrades since then! Photo Credit: Hide & Seek Travel
Keeping it in the Family
Family ownership and management of the hotel, has provided the continuity needed to ensure that the developments have kept the original charm and appeal, keeping guests coming back again and again.
Rooms leading out to the lush green lawns. Photo credit: Victoria Falls DirectTwin rooms with the most modern amenities of the time. Photo credit: Hotel FotosPhoto credit: Gondwana Tours & Safaris
A decade later, in 2001, Strath’s daughter, Laura Brown who was the General Manager at the time, oversaw the addition of a further 16 rooms which doubled the capacity of the hotel, bringing it to a total of 32 rooms.
After the 2001 renovations. Photo credit: Ilala Lodge Hotel
Further Expansions
In 2015, after almost another decade of success and growth in Victoria Falls, it was time to to build again. Another round of renovations took place which expanded the hotel to 56 rooms which included a section of Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Executive Suites. The renovations were overseen by Strath’s sons: Andrew and Jim and their wives Deidre and Gerry Brown. Andrew and Jim were involved in the building aspect while the ladies were involved in the décor and landscaping, following the original founders’ interests all those years ago.
The Hotel grows again in 2015. Photo credit: Ilala Lodge Hotel
Inside the new wing- fresh Deluxe rooms. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
Latest Expansion: The New Deluxe Wing
The latest addition to the hotel has been in the pipeline for a few years now, but due caution was necessary as tourism had declined over the past few years with the eco-political situation of the country. However, Jim, as his father had all those years ago, took a leap of faith and bought land in stages over the last eight years as he firmly believes in the future of the country. This faith has certainly paid off and according report, Victoria Falls has seen a 25% increase in tourism revenue since November 2017 and is projected to grow further.
Construction gets started in 2017 on the expanded Deluxe Wing. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler PhotographyA view from above of the extension. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
Thanks to the enduring sunshine and an excellent construction and management team, the latest expansion of the Deluxe Wing of another sixteen luxurious rooms all facing the famous Victoria Falls, ran smoothly and right on schedule. Ilala Lodge Hotel officially welcomed guests on the 15th June 2018 to the new wing.
One of the 16 stunning new Deluxe rooms. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler PhotographyThe bathroom with the latest stylish amenities. Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
This latest room expansion takes the hotel to a total of 73 rooms, 124 friendly staff and 27 years of being a family-run hotel in Victoria Falls. To accommodate more guests, Ilala Lodge Hotel has also added on an all-new plunge pool as well as a new, modern poolside lounge which opened in 2019.
We could not be more pleased and we look forward to welcoming you to our very special hotel.
The Zambezi River flows through six countries to make its notable descent over the mighty Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a World Heritage site.
This impressive body of water is the fourth largest river in Africa, has a catchment covering 1,390,000 km², a length of approximately 2700km and flows from its source in north-western Zambia right through to the Indian Ocean.
With those impressive dimensions, it no surprise that the water levels vary year-round and have knock-on effects on the area.
It must be said that at any time of the year Victoria Falls has so much to offer and is a year-round destination thanks to its mild winters, hot summers, and enviable location between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls themselves, needless to say, are always an incredible sight, no matter the season or the reason. There is so much to learn and discover and here are some interesting facts about the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls water levels we bet you didn’t know.
1. Some parts of The Victoria Falls dry up each year
Water levels of the Zambezi rise and drop so dramatically throughout the year that at its lowest water level in October, November and early December, some sections of the Falls dry up and the spray is at its least, if any. Contrary to some speculation, the Falls will never dry up, so you are guaranteed to always witness this world wonder, no matter the time of year.
Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
The lowest recorded water flows recorded until today were during the 1995/96 season which clocked an annual mean flow of 390 cubic metres per second. In contrast, the Victoria Falls are currently flowing at 4,700 cubic meters per second!
2. Depending on the water levels, you can swim on the edge of the Falls
From the months of September to December, when the Zambezi River is at a safe level, adrenalin daredevils can swim in a naturally formed pool at the edge of the Falls, appropriately named the “Devil’s Swimming Pool”. This pool is accessed from Livingstone Island – the island that David Livingston first saw the Falls from, hundreds of years ago.
From February to August when the water levels are beginning to rise, and the current is too strong, the Devil’s Pool closes as it would be dangerous to attempt to swim. However, the more invitingly named “Angels Pool” opens which offers a similar exhilarating experience. You can read more about an Angels Pool experience here – https://goo.gl/8P4ejN
Photo credit: Kimmie Conner – Travel & Festival Blog
3. The highest recorded flow was in 1958
If we think this year the water levels have been high, where our peak reached 4,700 cubic meters of water per second, try to imagine the levels nearly three times higher and more powerful. Truly incredible, right? The highest recorded water level in Victoria Falls was back in 1958 where it reached more than 11,600 cubic meters of water per second!
At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we can currently feel the power of the thunderous falls with their constant vibrations at the hotel, and the doors shake and rattle throughout the day. At the Ra-Ikane jetty site, we record and track of the water levels each year and it is amazing to see the change that can happen overnight.
Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
In recent times, the highest water levels were recorded in Victoria Falls in 2006 where even the local Boat Club was flooded and forced to close. The second highest levels were recorded in 2009 where the water in the gorge rose over 12 meters above its normal recorded level that year.
4. Animals do go over the Falls
Did you know that the power of the Zambezi River is strong enough to wash away even the largest land mammal in the world? In April 2013, during the high-water level, it was reported that four elephants who were swimming across the river channel, were sadly swept away by the ferocious currents and over the Falls.
Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
4. The Zambezi River and Falls are enshrined in local Folklore
Being such a prominent part of the lives of those who inhabit the area, the Zambezi River has a great deal of magic and mystery attached to it. The local inhabitants believe the Zambezi River has a “River-God “spirit, the famous Nyami-Nyami, who watches over the river. In the rainy season when the plain is in full flood, a ceremony known as the Ku-omboka Ceremony, takes place where the local people move onto higher ground to escape the Zambezi flood waters.
Photo credit: Facts Online
5. The best time to view Victoria Falls
Peak Water: March to May
Come the end of the rainy season in Southern Africa, the sheer volume of water cascading over the Falls is at its peak. This results in the spray from the Falls being so thick and dense that it literally “rains” down on you so be prepared to get drenched! This is an excellent time to view the Falls from above on a helicopter flight.
Photo credit: Lesanne Fowler Photography
Medium to High Water: January to February & June to August
This happy medium is one of the best time of year to view Victoria Falls. With an enjoyable amount of spray falling down on you and cooling you off, you can also view the falls in their enormity and peer down cliff faces, down into the gorge below.
Low Water: September to December
The low water season is a fantastic time to photograph Victoria Falls with the cliff face exposed and this spectacular geographical formation is in plain sight. The spray is less, the skies are sunny and blue and there are less visitors to the area too. If you are feeling daring, why not take a hike down the Gorge and view the Falls from a different perspective?
Current Water Levels:
The Zambezi River flow has been increasing steadily as is expected, and at the end of this week, it was at 4,604 cubic meters per second in comparison to 2,647m cubic meters per second on the same day last year. The river water levels will begin to drop from June until December.
Each season and water level offer tourists a new and exciting opportunity to view the majestic Victoria Falls and a variety of activities for any taste, interest or adventure-seeking level.
We would love to hear which season your favourite is and why?
Travel can be an exciting, enlightening and an eye-opening experience for children of all ages and what better way to educate your children about the big wide world than to let them see and experience it first hand? (more…)
We recently had a very busy start to the day when we discovered a female warthog that needed our urgent attention! As is the normal routine at Ilala Lodge Hotel, guests begin their day with a delicious breakfast and follow this up with a wander down to the walkway where they watch the daily feeding of the warthogs who frequent our luscious green front lawns.
Over the years, a family of warthog, a female and her young, meander through the scrub of the Zambezi National Park, appearing at 8am sharp, where they know a grounds man is waiting for them. And why would you not? With a rockery bird bath filled with clean fresh water and a delicious breakfast consisting of 2kg game cubes, there is no better way to begin your day in the wild.
Going back to our busy morning, whilst our guests were observing this particular family of warthog, a mother and her newly born litter devouring the game cubes, they noticed that the mother had a porcupine quill lodge on her snout. The guests quickly brought this to our attention and although the warthog did not look like she was experiencing too much discomfort or pain, you can see that it was in the way and bothersome to her. Nature is usually about survival of the fittest, and we do respect this. However, every now and again if the need to step in arises, we feel it is important to intervene and help an animal out, which is exactly what we did.
As a member of the “Ugly Five”, warthogs are neither graceful nor beautiful, and a quill on a snout is an unflattering accessory! So we acted quickly, calling up Dr. Chris Foggin, a revered game ranger from the Wild Horizons Wildlife Trust to come over to remove the quill.
Dr. Foggin is well-known for being the only veterinarian in the country attending to rhino veterinary requirements. In this work he had to perform 1400 field immobilizations of black and white rhino for routine management operations as well as for translocations and treatments of snares and other injuries. Dr. Foggin and his veterinary assistant, Clever Kapandura, quickly arrived and set to work on the warthog.
After a matter of minutes, the whole process was over. With due care, the warthog was successfully darted and whilst her babies hid in the safety of the national park bushveld, the porcupine quill was gently removed, the tranquilizer was reversed and the warthog trotted off like nothing had happened, quill-less and merry!
Zimbabwe is world-renowned for its beautiful landscapes and abundance of wildlife. With a total of 10 National Parks which have some of the best game viewing in Africa, two iconic rivers and of course the world’s most famous waterfall, Victoria Falls, there is a lot on offer for visitors. What Zimbabwe is also well-known for is its caring people who have a very strong community spirit. The evidence of this can be seen in how the Victoria Falls community works together to protect their wildlife and support anti-poaching efforts in the area.
Sadly, poaching in Zimbabwe is on the increase and privately funded anti-poaching projects work hand in hand with local national park wildlife offices which are entirely reliant on revenue brought in by tourists. The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) is one of these non-profit organizations in Zimbabwe that is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and natural resources in Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Safari lodge in conjunction with Charles Brightman, a conservationist and professional guide set up the VFAPU in January 1999 to fight and protect against poaching in the area. Working closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, VFAPU has removed over 22 000 wire snares and rescued approximately 200 injured animals.
VFAPU began with only three scouts which have since grown to a team of 17, who actively patrol an area of approximately fifty square kilometres surrounding Victoria Falls. Operating seven days a week, both day and night, VFAPU works tirelessly to combat poaching by patrolling the area, looking for signs of poaching and other illegal activity.
As a family-run hotel, Ilala Lodge holds strong values. We support our community and have committed to protecting the environment. In addition, we regularly take part in fundraising projects to support the rangers each month.
Most recently, the community came together to host two successful fundraising events to raise awareness and revenue for anti-poaching in Victoria Falls.
A pop-up dinner was hosted in Victoria Falls on the 7th October where guests were transferred to a secret bush location for welcome cocktails. The patrons were then further surprised when they were taken to a second location for a ‘battle of the chefs’ over a 5-course dinner with carefully selected wines. Ilala Lodge sponsored the event and the first course for 120 diners. All funds and donations raised on the night went to VFAPU. Over $12,000.
On another occasion at an annual golf tournament held in Harare on the 22nd September, hosted by the hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism, Ilala Lodge Hotel sponsored two vouchers for two nights for two people sharing. These vouchers were put into a raffle. Together with the proceeds from the golf day and the raffle, we raised an incredible $24,972 for VFAPU.
How can you help?
• Add Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe to your safari itinerary
• Support VFAPU by spreading the word on social media
• Support VFAPU through ‘Pack for a Purpose’
• Adopt a VFAPU Scout and sponsor their salary for a year for US$307
As a holiday destination, Victoria Falls is simply the ultimate all-round experience. From the impressive scenery to the abundant wildlife, the world-famous adrenaline activities and strong local culture, there is so much on offer in Africa’s adventure capital. (more…)
A well-known saying by Lao Tzu is that “a journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step”. Using that as our inspiration, we have come up with our own new saying… “A view of 550 million litres of pouring water takes only 936 steps!” Yes, we know it’s slightly less catchy than the former, but we were pretty happy to discover that the mighty Victoria Falls is only 936 steps from Ilala Lodge Hotel. (more…)
Zimbabwe is a classic dry-season safari destination, home to astounding natural wonders, teeming wildlife and some of the finest safari camps on the continent. (more…)
David Livingstone
Victoria Falls, one of the seven wonders of the world
Rainbow over the Victoria Falls
The Devil’s Cataract, located on the westerly section of Victoria Falls
A historical boat from David Livingstone’s time
Twin room at Ilala Lodge Hotel
Zambezi River view from Ilala Lodge Hotel
The Great Zimbabwe Ruins
