The most romantic day of the year is just days away and if you are looking for a special place to celebrate, be sure to check out our most luxurious offering, the Strathearn Suite. And if you are looking for things to do in Victoria Falls, we have 5 ideas that will appeal to the romantic in you, whenever you visit Victoria Falls!
Category: Events
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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.
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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 School, Chamabondo Church Of Christ; Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Baobab Primary School, Jacaranda 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.
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How the Victoria Falls community works together to protect our wildlife
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 -
Zambezi Cycle Challenge
Ilala Lodge recently contributed towards the inaugural Zambezi Cycle Challenge, which took place in Victoria Falls between 3 and 5 July, 2015. Not only did the lodge co-sponsor the riding shirts, but co-owner Jim Brown also personally embarked upon, and finished, the three-day ride. (more…)
