Category: IlalaCares

Restoring Ndlovu Secondary School

At Ilala Lodge Hotel, giving back to our community is an integral part of what we stand for. As part of the Palm Hospitality Group’s (PHG) broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, our recent partnership with Ndlovu Secondary School stands as a proud example of how sustainable development can change lives.

Let’s take a closer look…

A Community In Need

Our partnership with Ndlovu Secondary School began in August 2024 with one clear goal: To help the school recover from major storm damage and become safe to reopen. The previous year, strong winds and heavy rains had torn off large sections of the roof, leaving the school in disrepair. During our visit, it quickly became clear that the most urgent needs were access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

To ensure the success of the initiative, we partnered with Corinthians, a local NGO focused on sports development and youth upliftment. We also engaged closely with the local leadership, including the Chief, headman, councillor, and school development committee, securing community support every step of the way.

Water: A Basic Right, A First Priority

Our first mission was clear: Restore access to clean water.

The school’s solar-powered borehole had long been out of commission, and both teachers and learners were relying on pit latrines due to non-functional water systems and a damaged soakaway. Even the children’s toilet block was roofless, exposing them further to unhygienic conditions.

In January 2025, our dedicated PHG maintenance team got to work. The worn-out 200-metre cable was replaced, the solar borehole system rehabilitated, and the solar panels were serviced – restoring water access not only to the school, but also to the teachers’ cottages and the wider community.

Recognising that sustainable water access also requires adequate storage, we installed four 2 500-litre water tanks and constructed a tank stand for a 5 000-litre reservoir.

With a total storage capacity of 15 000 litres, Ndlovu Secondary School is now better equipped to expand its agricultural projects and maintain good hygiene practices.

Beyond water and sanitation, our team also turned attention to the school’s administration block, which had suffered major damage during the same storm. With the help of a local construction company, some classrooms had already been re-roofed. We stepped in to repair leaking ceilings, repaint the offices, reception area, and computer room, and give the entire block a much-needed facelift.

What was once a tired-looking space plagued by water damage now looks fresh, clean, and welcoming!

Celebrating Progress

In a heartwarming handover ceremony, eight members from PHG (made up of both Ilala Lodge and Palm River Hotel) and three representatives from Corinthians travelled to Ndlovu to officially mark the completion of the project’s first phase. Our Human Resources Manager, Phillip, led the team, and we were honoured by the presence of local leaders, including the councillor, headman, and representatives from the school development committee, National Parks, and Breeze FM.

The event was a celebration in every sense. In a generous and unexpected gesture, the councillor donated a cow to feed everyone in attendance. Watching the children enjoy a hearty meal of sadza, rice, meat, and cold drinks reminded us why we do this work: Real change creates real joy!

VIEW VIDEO HERE.

World Environment Day Schools Debate

On the same day as the handover celebration, Ndlovu Secondary School also hosted the 2025 World Environment Day Schools Debate, proudly sponsored by Palm Hospitality Group. Eight schools participated (three rural and five urban) with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The day began with a community clean-up, followed by the debate, which focused on wetland conservation and other Sustainable Development Goals. Urban schools showed strong performances, highlighting the need for better resources in rural areas like Ndlovu. It was a powerful day of awareness, learning, and community connection.

Watch a clip of this happy day here.

Our Broader Mission

As we reflect on this journey, we’re reminded of the power of partnership, perseverance, and purpose. We remain deeply committed to providing meaningful differences within our local community of Victoria Falls. At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we believe that hospitality goes beyond comfort and service; it’s also about compassion. We are proud to be part of a hospitality group that sees community development not as a side project, but as a responsibility.

The project has been completed through the Palm Hospitality Group Foundation, which is supported by the dedication of our hospitality teams at Ilala and Palm River Hotel, alongside the generous donations made by guests visiting our establishments. We are grateful for their ongoing support and are proud to share with the world, the tangible differences we are actively involved in. For more details on our other Foundation efforts, please view our recent endeavours here.

June 26, 2025
The Conscientious Traveller’s Guide To Victoria Falls

Experiencing new cultures is one of life’s great joys! Let’s explore responsible ways to enjoy Victoria Falls so that you can get the most out of your trip.

What does it mean to be a conscientious traveller in today’s terms? We are fortunate to live in a time when travelling from one side of the globe to the other is relatively easy, all things considered, but with this incredible privilege comes equal responsibility.

In our books, being a conscientious traveller comes down to one fundamental principle: Consideration. Consider the place you are visiting as a whole. Victoria Falls is more than a tourist destination; it is also a home to many, an environment deserving of protection and a socio-economic structure with its own rules and rhythms. A conscientious visitor’s place is to learn, participate and enjoy the many gifts of travel in Victoria Falls, while employing a few considerate habits.

Let’s explore where and when they will apply together!

Victoria Falls Guide: Getting Around Town

Ilala Lodge Hotel is nestled right in the heart of Victoria Falls, a stone’s throw away from Victoria Falls National Park and all the other exciting attractions of town.

While our grounds are private and secluded, vibrant shops and eateries await you just outside the gates. Vic Falls locals are incredibly proud of our beautiful town, and you will discover this during your explorations. It’s perfectly safe to walk around town, with warm smiles and greetings awaiting you everywhere you go.

When visiting one of the many stores or markets nearby, being a conscientious traveller means respecting local customs and practices. While haggling might be common in the open air or craft markets, it is not always appropriate in the more formal store set-ups where prices are fixed. Cash remains king in Victoria Falls, with the U.S. dollar being the preferred currency for transactions. Ensure you carry small denominations, as change might be limited. Adhering to these guidelines helps foster positive interactions and supports the local economy.

Where safety is concerned, Victoria Falls takes pride in its status as a tourism destination and is invested in keeping its reputation as a safe, friendly town intact. As with all places, you should take care of your personal belongings, but you shouldn’t be afraid to tackle the town on foot. In fact, it’s encouraged! Inside Victoria Falls National Park itself, there are additional tourism safety guards stationed for your peace of mind. (And to ensure appropriate behaviour inside the park – like not walking too close to the edge of the gorge.)

Ethical Wildlife Encounters

Apart from the mighty Falls, Victoria Falls is a hub for day trips to the surrounding wildlife areas. In many of the parks, both in Zimbabwe and nearby Zambia, you will have the incredible opportunity to see many large African mammals like lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, wild dogs and more!

We do, however, like to draw our visitors’ attention to the difference between a well-run game reserve and exploitative animal encounters that put profit above the well-being of wild animals.

When in doubt as to whether a wildlife experience is ethical or not, consider these two rules of thumb:

1. Sometimes, the pricey experience is preferable to the money-saver. Why? You get what you pay for, and this applies to the quality of your game driver and tracker and the principles they adhere to in the park to keep you and the animals safe.

2. Avoid experiences that allow exploitative touching of a wild animal – the animal must always have a choice! Overall we’d encourage you to avoid any personal encounters with wild animals, but there are rare exceptions where the experience is well-run and to the benefit of the species’ rehabilitation. Do your research and make use of reputable operators.

Travel Tip: Our Ra-Ikane River Cruises are a wonderful way to take in the wildlife along the banks of the Zambezi River in a safe and stunning setting that respects both the environment and the animals.

What About Us?

Now that we’ve given you a few pointers on exploring Victoria Falls in an ethical way, it’s only fair that we put our cards on the table, too.

Here at Ilala Lodge Hotel, we care deeply about our context, our town and our community.

Through the Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation, our dedicated team is deeply committed to giving back to the Victoria Falls community. Formed in 2022, the Foundation supports a range of initiatives, from environmental preservation and recycling to wildlife protection and local fundraisers. We proudly back the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit and engage in community clean-ups and sustainable waste management. By collaborating with schools, hospitals and NGOs, we strive to protect and enrich our beautiful town.

Read more about our extensive contributions here.

If you’re interested in supporting the PHG Foundation, we welcome a voluntary donation starting at just $5.00, which you can conveniently add to your bill at checkout.

Stay With Us

For a unique holiday stay filled with personal touches, convenient amenities, luxurious lodgings and all the wonder that comes with being so close to the mighty Victoria Falls, stay with us at Ilala Lodge Hotel. We can’t wait to share all that Zimbabwe has to offer with you – from world-class cuisine to friendly hospitality and unsurpassable natural beauty.

Browse our accommodation options here and get in touch with us via onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to secure your dates. Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.

August 20, 2024
The Palm Hospitality Group Paves the Way for Holiday Travels and Marches for Reforestation

The holiday season is a time for giving and sharing joy. This December, the Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation embraced this spirit through impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives that gave back to our community.

Paving the way for Holiday Travels

The most wonderful time of the year brings a welcome influx of visitors to Victoria Falls eager to experience our vibrant town. But after last year’s heavy rains wreaked havoc on local roads, we faced a different type of storm – how to make infrastructure repairs in time for the seasonal boom in tourism.

That’s when the Palm Hospitality Group rolled up their sleeves, grabbed their gravel and rocks, and got to work alongside the Ministry of Roads Department on priority repair operations. Our crew of 7 men worked away at the road before the Masuwe Bridge leading up to the airport route – rebuilding damaged mitre drains, clearing blocked culverts, and stabilizing eroded edges threatening the roadbeds.

12 additional helpers from the Ministry of Roads department arrived with a 7-tonne truck to assist! Six 20-tonne loads of gravel and 22 seven-tonne truckloads of rocks were used and strategically placed, to reinforce the most vulnerable stretches. The combined teams also added drainage features called “swales” to capture silt on steep inclines and slow down the speed of water drainage.

Alongside the Ministry of Roads Department, the Palm Hospitality Group Foundation continues to pave the way for holiday comforts and convenience in Victoria Falls.

Palm Hospitality Group Marches for Reforestation

While visitors flocked to Victoria Falls for the start of peak tourist season, our team laced up their boots on December 2nd for a very different type of adventure. The Palm Hospitality Group rallied our conservation-minded staff for the annual Friends of the Environment (FOTE) walkathon – a 10km march to raise awareness and support reforestation efforts across Zimbabwe.

As employees from local hotels and lodges kicked off from the town centre, crowds cheered seeing tourism operators shining a light on ecosystems. 90 participants donned matching t-shirts to emblemize a united front as environmental stewards.

Breathless but buzzing with inspiration, we finally reached St. Bakhita School to great fanfare. FOTE organizers then presented us shovels to commence officially planting over 100 saplings in honour of National Tree Planting Day. From managers to housekeepers, our team dug deep to root hope for the country’s 2026 goal of 500 million trees.

By getting sweaty for the cause, we grew community spirit while nurturing mother nature. Our efforts offered just a sprout of possibilities for restoring Zimbabwe’s delicate ecosystems. But days like the FOTE walkathon plant seeds of change in hearts and minds. As Palm Hospitality’s guests enjoy Victoria Falls holidays, they can rest easier knowing we march alongside advocates like Friends of the Environment. Because true hospitality means caring for both the people and the lands that welcome us.

The PHG Foundation

Formed in 2022, the PHG Foundation combines Ilala Lodge Hotel‘s community projects with the passionate staff of Palm River Hotel. Such community efforts are part of the PHG Foundation’s broader mission to aid the local Victoria Falls community.

Other PHG Foundation initiatives include monthly litter clean-ups throughout designated sections of the town centre, recycling programmes, wildlife protection, cultural heritage preservation, and local fundraisers.

The group is dedicated to sustainable tourism and minimising environmental impact. Their efforts endeavour to make Victoria Falls a better place to live and visit for all!

If you’d like to stay up to date with the latest news at Ilala Lodge Hotel, consider following us on Instagram or Facebook.

Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates directly to your inbox!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

December 19, 2023
New Baboon-Proof Bins in Victoria Falls

Tackling the Local Litter Issue

The Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation has unveiled a new community initiative to address an ongoing issue with baboons raiding and emptying public litter bins in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

The Problem: The Litter-Bin Raiders

Placed as it is within a wildlife national park, the community of Victoria Falls faces mild human and wildlife conflict, one of which includes the rummaging and overturning of litter bins throughout the town centre by baboon troops.

The baboons dig through the bins, emptying the contents and spreading them across the town centre. Not only does this create an unsightly mess, but more worryingly poses a threat to other wildlife who might stumble across the litter (much of which is plastic) and ingest it.

Previously, the PHG Foundation attempted to deter the primates by installing tall, narrow, metal bins with small deposit openings. Unfortunately, the mischievous baboons were able to tip these bins over and pry them open in search of food scraps.

A Clever Solution: Primate-Proof Litter Bins

To combat this, the PHG Foundation has introduced a new series of specialised baboon-proof bins throughout the Victoria Falls town centre. The 15 new bins are made of durable material and feature a closed deposit section with a rotating wheel that allows contents to fall in, but keeps baboons out. The bins are also significantly larger than previous bins and are weighty enough to prevent being tipped over easily.

This week the PHG Foundation handed over the specialised bins to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority at the entrance to the iconic Victoria Falls Rainforest. Guests are encouraged to dispose of their litter correctly in aid of preserving our Natural World Wonder. Other bins can be spotted throughout the Victoria Falls town centre for ease of access.

This initiative supports the efforts of the Pristine Victoria Falls Society, a local community organisation working towards making Victoria Falls a clean, green city in Africa by creating a litter-free and sustainable environment.

The PHG Foundation

Formed in 2022, the PHG Foundation combines the successful track record of Ilala Lodge Hotel‘s community projects with the passionate staff of Palm River Hotel. The baboon-proof bins are part of the PHG Foundation’s broader mission to aid the local Victoria Falls community.

Other PHG Foundation initiatives include monthly litter clean-ups throughout designated sections of the town centre, recycling programmes, wildlife protection, cultural heritage preservation, and local fundraisers.

The group is dedicated to sustainable tourism and minimising environmental impact. Their efforts endeavour to make Victoria Falls a better place to live and visit for all!

If you’d like to stay up to date with the latest news at Ilala Lodge Hotel, consider following us on Instagram or Facebook.

Alternatively, subscribe to our newsletter and receive updates directly to your inbox!

SUBSCRIBE HERE

November 27, 2023
Inspiring the Young Girls of Lupinyo Village

We recently had the privilege of hosting a group of young girls from Lupinyo Village for lunch and a tour of Ilala Lodge Hotel. The tour was arranged by the Managing Director of Africa Travel Tours, Leana as well as her husband Lovemore Machipisa. Together the pair are involved in selflessly helping transform the lives of underprivileged girls and orphans from Lupinyo Village in Victoria Falls.

The Girls of Lupinyo Village visit Victoria Falls with Travel Africa Tours

Ranging in age from 10 to 14 years old, the girls attend various different schools – Jabulani Primary School, Jabulani Secondary School as well as Mosi Oa Tunya High School. Their tour included a visit to the Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls as well as lunch and a visit of Ilala Lodge Hotel, as part of an inspiring, motivating, and engaging opportunity that most young individuals living in the town are never afforded. The group of girls visited the waterfall for the very first time. Needless to say they were blown away by what they saw and experienced.

Experiencing a World Wonder for the very first time!

Following the tour of the falls, the girls were treated to lunch at Ilala Lodge Hotel and arrived full of stories of what they had seen and done; their eyes were dancing with delight.

It was also their very first visit to a hotel and they couldn’t contain their excitement. They were astounded at just how luxurious Ilala is and it was so wonderful to witness the sheer joy on their faces as they did their walk around the hotel. For many, the bathrooms created much excitement, to see both a bath and a shower in one room, a sight they are not familiar with.

An inspiring tour of Ilala Lodge Hotel

It was a heart-warming experience to witness these intelligent and humble young girls on their tour around the hotel. Absolutely everything was a completely new experience for them, and each little element from the chocolates in the mini bar, to the patio to the number of towels turned into sheer delight. There was much laughter, shrieks of joy and lively chatter on seeing the different room types.

When they sat down for lunch at the Cassia Restaurant and had their lunch served to them, one could see that this too was an alien yet delightful concept for them. They dutifully bowed their heads to pray and give thanks before starting to eat.

A hearty lunch and refreshments enjoyed by the girls at Ilala Lodge Hotel’s Cassia Restaurant

These girls come from an array of different family backgrounds – each with their own challenges; however, under the guidance of Leana and Lovemore, they are being exposed to so much more of what life can really entail. Leana has instilled in them a burning desire to yearn for more, to excel in all areas of their lives (especially education) and to not necessarily have to settle for what traditionally is expected of young girls in Zimbabwe.

Leana feels very passionate about this as she too came from a rural village similar to Lupinyo yet she didn’t let that stand in her way and through hard work, sheer determination and incredible focus she has gone on to become the Managing Director of Africa Travel Tours.

Leana sets a great example and is a superb role model for such a great initiative as she personally knows exactly how hard it can be to be born a girl in Africa. She assists in providing school stationary for the girls, helps to provide sanitary ware and ensures they have ample clothing and education. We wish all these girls everything of the very best for their future and look forward to following their journey along the way.

If you would like to find out more about the work that Leana and Lovemore do for these young girls, or to support them. Please email info@africatravelvicfalls.com.

December 15, 2022
Ilala Cares – November 2021

Linen donations to Victoria Falls District Hospital’s Maternity Ward

On 2nd November 2021, Ilala Lodge Hotel received a request by the newly-established Hwange District Residents Association (HDRA) to assist with resources for the Victoria Falls District Hospital.

The hospital was in desperate need of linen donations which would be used to dress the beds of the Maternity Ward of Victoria Falls District Hospital. In swift response, Ilala Lodge Hotel sourced 120 pillowcases and 71 duvet covers and sheets that no longer met the hotel’s standards, though were still adequate for use.

120 pillowcases and 71 duvet covers and sheets were donated

Working alongside the Hwange District Residents Association the hotel delivered the donations to the hospital. Sister Patience Lagube received the linen on behalf of the District Medical Officer, Head Sister.

The linen will be used across the ward to dress the beds that are available to the high number of mothers who visit the hospital. New and expecting mothers present during the donation were also delighted to see the arrival of the linen, knowing this would make their stay, and many mothers to follow, more comfortable during their prenatal, delivery and antenatal care at the hospital.

The linen will be used to dress the beds of the Victoria Falls District Hospital Maternity Ward

The dedicated team of midwives at the Maternity Ward of Victoria Falls District Hospital work tirelessly to safely deliver over 100 babies per month. As part of our #IlalaCares initiative, we look forward to continuing to support the Victoria Falls Hospital and other worthy causes wherever we can.

November 16, 2021
Ilala Cares – November 2019

At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we like to try and do “our bit” of good where we can for our staff, community and environment.

VFAPU Pop-Up Dinner

For the last five years, Ilala Lodge Hotel has been part of the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit’s fundraising dinner. This is quite the event on the local calendar, as all the top chefs from all of the top restaurants in Victoria Falls team up together to do a combined dinner at different locations. This year, around 140 people who were taken to various secret locations around Victoria Falls, each reflecting travel and various countries e.g one location they were on a plane, then arrived in France which was hosted by Ilala Lodge Hotel, hen Mexico, then Afro Asia and finally Italy for dessert which was by The 3 Monkeys.

Tree Planting

As part of a Greenline Africa initiative, we have been busy planting mahogany trees around Victoria Falls this month.

November 28, 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!

October 30, 2019
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.

June 25, 2019
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.

May 20, 2019