Category: Blog

  • The Highs and Lows of Victoria Falls

    The Highs and Lows of Victoria Falls

    During the month of November, there is always much speculation over how much water is flowing over the Victoria Falls – especially so this year, after a particularly long dry season. In this post, we try and answer some of these questions on the highs and lows of Victoria Falls.

    How is the Water Flow over the Falls Measured?

    The Zambezi River Authority was established in 1987 and is the body that monitors water flow along the Zambezi River to Kariba, through its hydrometric network. There are thirteen stations along the river where water levels are monitored daily – one being the Victoria Falls/ Big Tree station.

    What are the Annual Variations of Water Flow?

    In Victoria Falls, there is the high water season from March to May when the Falls is at the highest and the low water season from September to December when the Falls are at their lowest. How much water is flowing over the Victoria Falls is due to the rainfall in the catchment areas further upstream in Zambia, Angola and Botswana.

    If you take a look at our sunrise series videos from 2019, you can tell the difference in water flow during high and low water season. Here is a comparison between April and November 2019.

    April Sunrise 2019

    November  Sunrise 2019

     

    What do the Historical Records say?

    The maximum flow recorded at Victoria Falls was during the early construction phase of Kariba Dam in March 1958 at 10,000 cubic metres per second.  The lowest flows recorded to date at Victoria Falls were during the 1995/96 season which had an annual mean flow of 390 cubic metres per second, whereas the Long Term Mean Annual flow at Victoria Falls is 1,100 cubic metres per second.

    vic-falls_34

     

    This year has been one of the driest on record, but not the lowest as the water flow was an estimated 3cm higher than the lowest level recorded back in 1995.  As you can see from the table below, the water level has started to rise with the first rains, and this trend should continue for the rest of the season.

    Big Tree Station Victoria Falls

  • Ilala Cares – October 2019

    Ilala Cares – October 2019

    Ilala Lodge Hotel have once again been supporting the good work and enthusiasm of organisations and people trying to raise funds for worthy causes.

    Watch a Video and Win a Prize!

    Ilala Lodge Hotel has teamed up with Pangolin Photo Safaris in their bid to conserve Pangolins. Pangolin.Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the survival of the most highly trafficked wildlife species on the continent – the African Pangolin.

    They have a three-pronged approach of Publicity, Participation and Protection and work with partners in the tourism, conservation and corporate fields to increase education and awareness around all four African pangolin species; contribute towards much-needed research; and implement protection and rehabilitation projects on the ground. Pangolin Africa have created a short film, and simply by watching it you could win a prize of a 10-day safari in Africa to Victoria Falls and stay with Ilala Lodge Hotel, the Chobe River and Okavango Delta . Take a watch the 45 minute Eye of the Pangolin film below and then follow the link to take the short quiz and enter the competition.

    Walking for Those with Cancer

    The Chili Pepper Marketing Team in Bulawayo hold an annual fundraising walk in conjunction with SPAR Bonsa to raise funds for Island Hospice and their palliative care, and we donated an accommodation prize for their raffle. This won by Mr Dudley Keefer, who was blown away by the fact that he won such an incredible prize. On winning, Dudley said he had never won a raffle prize, and was going to treat his wife to a second honeymoon – we can’t wait to have them with us!

    School Fundraiser

    The Victoria Falls Primary School held a golf day to raise funds for their school, and we were happy to help out with refreshing drinks for all the golfers!

     

  • Zambezi International Regatta 2019

    Zambezi International Regatta 2019

    Ilala Lodge Hotel were delighted to be a sponsor of the 5th Zambezi International Regatta held in September 2019, as part of the Livingstone Sports Festival in Zambia.

    This year, the main teams were The Oxford, Cambridge and South African alumni teams – many of whom it was their first time to Africa. They spent a few days before the event rigging up three 30feet long boats, which had been specially brought up from South Africa, as well as eying out some new obstacles for their rowing race – that of hippos, crocodiles and swimming elephants!

    The regatta course used in 2019 was actually used over a hundred years ago in 1910 as Africa’s first ever world championship venue to host the World Professional Sculling Championships. In more recent history, previous regattas have been held 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2010 and attracted alumni fields from around the globe.

    His Majesty Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II raised the flag on the regatta on Saturday 14th September. The Litunga of  Zambia is the king or paramount chief of the Lozi people. The Litunga resides near the Zambezi River at the town of Mongu oon the floodplain during the dry season, and on higher ground at Limulunga on the edge of the floodplain in the wet season. There is a ceremony done to mark the moving between homes, which is called the Kuomboka ceremony. However this year due to the low water levels, there has been no need to move residency and as such, no ceremony will be conducted. Instead a Kupuwana ceremony was held which was last performed in 1947.

    This year’s Kupuwana ceremony was a riot of colours and movement, as the warrior-powered boat was paddled with speed, agility and chanting along the river. They disembarked at the River Club to wild clapping of the crowds – a memorable moment for everyone.

    The actual regatta event consisted of eleven races, four of which included Zambian teams. Of the 12 South Africans rowing, 8 were former Olympians so unsurprisingly they won every race they entered into, except the rafting challenge which was proudly won by the Zambian team. It was a fantastic day, watching and enjoyed by crowds of people and intrigued wildlife, more used to the sedate meanderings of the Ra-ikane and other boats!

    The regatta ended with a prizing giving presented by His Majesty Litunga Lubosi Imwiko II – a very special occasion as this was only his third time to be in the town of Livingstone. Ilala Lodge Hotel were proud to be part of this fantastic day.

     

     

  • Five Reasons to Visit Victoria Falls

    Five Reasons to Visit Victoria Falls

    Here are five reasons to visit Victoria Falls by guest blogger, Roxanne Reid. Victoria Falls, on the boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia, has long conjured an element of old-world Out of Africa romance. To visit the falls is a bucket-list expedition into the heart of Africa to see one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, and here are 5 great reasons to visit:

    1. UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Victoria Falls and the ‘rainforest’ that surrounds it are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That means that they have been recognized to have outstanding universal value. One reason for this is that the main falls form the highest, widest sheet of continually falling water in the world – twice as high as Niagara Falls and around 500m/1,640ft wider. The volume of water is impressive too: it is said that the whole annual consumption of New York City goes over the falls in just three-and-a-half days during peak flood season in March and April. The force of the water as it thunders into the gorge drives spray into the air and covers everything in mist. For this reason, the locals call Victoria Falls ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’, meaning the smoke that thunders. You can see this ‘smoke’ up to 50km/31mi away.

    If you visit during March to May, when there’s enough spray, you may see a lunar rainbow during the full moon. Just like a normal rainbow, the moonbow appears when water particles in the air refract light. Victoria Falls opens at full moon for three nights. For the best effect, try to be there in the first hour or so after the moon appears.

    2. Zambezi River

    The Zambezi is one of Africa’s major rivers. It forms the boundary between Zimbabwe on one side of Victoria Falls and Zambia on the other and is the lifeblood of the area. Blood-red sunrises and sunsets along the river are dazzling in their beauty. Don’t miss a Ra-Ikane sunset boat cruise on the river to see hippos, elephants, crocs and birds, as well as to toast the setting sun.

    3. Adrenaline Activities

    If spiking your adrenaline is something that turns you on, you’ll be spoilt for choice at Victoria Falls. Most famous of the many adrenaline activities is probably the 111m/364ft bungee jump from the bridge above the falls into the gorge. White-water rafting is also popular. If you want to do this, make sure you visit at the right time of year. White-water rafting is only available from around the end of August to December when water levels are lower and therefore safer.

    Another thrilling activity during the low-water months is to cross the old iron bridge to the Zambian side of the Falls for a swim in Devil’s Pool. You might call this the world’s most spectacular infinity pool. The experience will have you floating right to the very edge of the pool where the water plummets into the gorge below. A guide will come with you to keep you safe.

    With a gorge swing, flying fox and zipline over Batoka Gorge as well, it’s no wonder this is known as Zimbabwe’s adrenaline capital.

    The Canopy Tour - Victoria Falls Activities

    4. Wildlife

    Victoria Falls National Park and Zambezi National Park, both in Zimbabwe, and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia are all in easy reach of the falls. They provide a wealth of wildlife-watching opportunities, from elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard to a host of antelope species like sable, eland, kudu and impala.

    If you’re really keen on wildlife and safari experiences, ask about a day trip to Hwange National Park. Zimbabwe’s biggest national park, it’s only an hour’s drive away from the Falls. Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana, is 80 minutes away, and is known for its huge elephant and buffalo herds. Each park delivers some of the best wildlife viewing in southern Africa.

    Terry Feuerborn - Vic Falls Wildlife

    5. A Different Perspective

    Once you’ve seen Victoria Falls from close up on the ground, take to the air in a helicopter or a microlight. You’ll get aerial views that will have you marveling at the sheer scale of the Falls. If you choose the heli-flip, the chopper will make a few passes over the falls so everyone gets to photograph them, no matter where you’re sitting. If you choose the microlight, hang onto your camera or phone. Even better, attach it to your body with a cable so you don’t lose it if you drop it.

     

     

  • Ilala Cares Community Football Event

    Ilala Cares Community Football Event

    Over the years, we have had the pleasure of hosting many famous people at Ilala Lodge Hotel, and this month we welcomed  Celtic FC Goalkeeper, Craig Gordon and his girlfriend Summer Harl.  This was Craig’s very first time to Africa and Zimbabwe, and he was blown away by the beauty of our country, and of course, the smiles and hospitality of Zimbabweans.

    When we heard that he wanted to come and stay with us, we suggested that we put on a community football event for the schools, as it is not often that someone of Craig’s athletic ability visits Victoria Falls. We were delighted when Craig agreed to put on a small coaching session as one of the #IlalaCares initiatives. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, over 40 children gathered at a local school for some football tricks and inspiration from a world-class footballer – children came from Victoria Falls Primary SchoolChamabondo Church Of Christ; Victoria Falls, ZimbabweBaobab Primary SchoolJacaranda Montessori – Victoria Falls and Chinotimba Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

    The afternoon was a delight for both the children and Craig, and the highlight was a penalty shoot-out where the children, and the coaches, tried to get the ball past Craig. A few balls did manage to make it into the goal which resulted in the crowd erupting with cheers and giggles! Craig had donated some of his balls and kit, which were gratefully received by the children. Craig ended with an inspiring talk, asking the children to keep on practising and enjoying the game, and then there was a delicious football cake for all to enjoy!

    Watch the video of the afternoon here.

    Cake Community Cake

  • Linen Donation to Local Hospital

    Linen Donation to Local Hospital

    “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.”
    ― Desmond Tutu

    As a family run hotel, Ilala Lodge Hotel has the ability and heart to quickly respond to calls for help and assistance. This past week, we were contacted by Megan, from the wonderful and dynamic organisation, Mummy’s Angels Zimbabwe. With the help of Dr Michael Jeans, Mummy’s Angels Zimbabwe have undertaken to make some positive changes to the Maternity and Paediatric Art & Play therapy ward at Victoria Falls Hospital.  They are going to upgrade the bedding and hospital gowns,  and add new privacy dividers to the wards. We answered this call as best as we could, teaming up with Victoria Falls Rest Camp and donating a fully-laden truckload with our second-hand linen, curtains and mosquito nets to the hospital for their use.

    Helping Victoria Falls Hospital

  • Introducing The Green Team of Ilala

    Introducing The Green Team of Ilala

    Over the past few months, our green staff have been nurturing the seeds of environmental sustainability at Ilala Lodge Hotel and we are delighted that these efforts are starting to sprout and grow. At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we have formed a new Environmental Committee, a team of passionate employees whose mission is to step up and find innovative and creative ways to make our hotel a better place in our environment.

    The Committee

    Chairman: Tapiwa (Kitchen)
    Logistics: Mumba (Stores)
    Human Resources: Phil
    Committee Members: Prince (Restaurant) Zibonele (Bar) Amy (Management) Eddie (Management) Raymond (Maintenance) Nqobani (Garden) Charles C (Housekeeping)

    One of our first team efforts was to be involved in a clean-up of the Victoria Falls area – nothing like getting your hands dirty for a good cause!

    Ilala Lodge Clean Up

     

    Tapiwa Ilala Lodge HotelHere is a photo of our Chairman, Tapiwa who attended the first monthly Victoria Falls Waste Management Meeting on the 7th May 2019.  There was a big turnout from local entities such as Kingdom, Wilderness, AFRICA Travel, Shoestrings, the council and municipality as well as local enthusiasts to talk about the future of green development in Victoria Falls.  We were humbled that our efforts at Ilala Lodge Hotel were mentioned – great motivation to continue with more ideas!

     

    Recycling Practices

    Ilala Lodge Hotel has signed up to be a part of the Victoria Falls Recycling Project which has been the initiative of African Albida Tourism. The company will start making efforts to sort our waste following the three main principles of recycling:

    REDUCE – Where possible we will reduce the amounts of single-use plastic, water, plastic bottles and aluminium cans. We have installed a new Natura water machine installed that guests can fill up their own water bottles with still and sparkling water, or enjoy a break and a glass at our bar.

    REUSE – We encourage our members of staff to find innovative and creative ways to reuse our waste – this is a new project where we are trying to identify artists who can help craft from waste.

    RECYCLE – Plastics, aluminium, paper and glass are to be sorted into the correct waste bins and sent to Victoria Falls Recycling Project to be processed for re-use in their original form.

    If you want to learn more about sustainable tourism, here is one of the most exhaustive definitions of sustainable tourism in Africa.

    Ilala Lodge Hotel Green Team

  • What’s In A Name

    What’s In A Name

    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 Victoria Falls 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 The Smoke That ThundersVictoria 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 on Victoria FallsRainbow 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.

    Ra-Ikane RIver Boat HistoryA 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 Victoria FallsZambezi 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”.

    Great Zimbabwe / Dzimba DzemabweThe Great Zimbabwe Ruins

  • Victoria Falls at Sunrise

    Victoria Falls at Sunrise

    Sunrise over Victoria Falls

    A different perspective…

    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.

  • The History of Ilala Lodge Hotel

    The History of Ilala Lodge Hotel

    Introduction

    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 Direct
    Twin rooms with the most modern amenities of the time. Photo credit: Hotel Fotos
    Photo 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 Photography
    A 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 Photography
    The 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.

    Ilala Lodge Zimbabwe

    Sources:
    http://www.victoriafalls-direct.com/img/victoria-falls-ilala-lodge_8_L.jpg
    https://a.otcdn.com/imglib/hotelfotos/8/311/hotel-ilala-lodge-cataratas-victoria-003.jpg
    http://www.seekandtravel.com/images/13197-R-99196.jpg
    http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/179909/Zimbabwe-is-back-with-record-tourist-numbers/8