By Godknows Homwe
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe – May 19, 2023 – The renowned Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is getting a fresh new look, with new furniture, soft furnishings and décor across its 72 rooms and central area, which includes the Buffalo Bar and MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant.
The refurbishment, which should be completed by the end of June, is part of the hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT)’s continual reinvestment in its properties and products to ensure its offerings remained world class.
AAT chief executive Ross Kennedy said the refurbishment exercise came just six months after they opened Victoria Falls Safari Spa, the destination’s largest and first purpose-built spa.
“In a very competitive destination in an equally competitive market and region, it is important to listen to your trade partners and your guests, and keep the offerings and products fresh, alive and vibrant,” he said.
“At the same time, we watch and listen to trends and tastes and always seek to not only keep pace with, but ahead of our competition. Innovation, review, upgrades and new products such as our Victoria Falls Safari Spa, all support these plans for growth.”
The refurbishment comes at a time when Victoria Falls is experiencing a surge in tourist arrivals, making it one of the most popular destinations in the country. According to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Victoria Falls recorded a 21% increase in tourist arrivals in 2023 compared to 2022.
He added that their April 2023 occupancy of 74.6% compared with the peak years of 2017 to 2019. “Vic Falls is back!” he exclaimed.
To minimise disruption to guests, much of the “messy” work in central areas, such as painting, was done at night, so guests would wake up to new colours, pictures and baskets on walls, and new chairs in MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant over the coming weeks, he said.
Interior designer Belinda Jones said she wanted to do justice to the key elements of this iconic thatched structure which soars seven levels, such as the rough textures, grass, gum poles, timber, woven basketry and leather.
“The main theme has always been Ndebele. We will be reintroducing those vibrant colours and traditional elements,” she said. “Large canvases will pick out elements of the Ndebele art and traditions.”
She drew her inspiration for Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s new palette from the changing colours of the sky, which, along with the wilds of the Zambezi National Park, including a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, and a variety of other game, made up its spectacular panoramic vista.
“The hotel is westward facing with views of the bush and the vast sky stretching into the horizon. We can celebrate all of the hues of the sky from the deep morning blues to the extraordinary sunset colours,” she said.
“With views over the waterhole, and small game on the property, we are spoilt with so many animals around. They too will be celebrated in the hotel, photographically and in the
artifacts,” she added.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s new look will also feature furniture and fixtures in rich and
contrasting pale timbers with repurposed woven details and vibrant fabrics, while
decorations and lighting would be traditional utilitarian basketry and objects, she said.
About Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is AAT’s flagship accommodation offering, while the hospitality
group’s portfolio also includes Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula
Lodges and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
The lodge has received rave reviews from past guests who have praised its views, facilities, food and staff. On TripAdvisor, it has a 4.5 out of 5 rating based on 2,765 reviews and has been awarded the Travelers’ Choice award for 2023. One guest from Germany wrote: “Absolutely stunning hotel! Amazing views, you can book activities at the lodge. We even saw 2 elephants from our balcony at the waterhole! Highly recommended this hotel everything was perfect!”
The lodge is also recognized for its sustainability efforts and has been awarded the Travel Sustainable award for 2023 by Booking.com. The award honors properties that have taken significant steps to make their stay more sustainable. On Booking.com, it has an 8.7 out of 10 rating based on 62 reviews. One guest from France wrote: “Wonderful place with gorgeous views over the National Park. Excellent and very friendly staff. Beautiful accommodation. The suites with 2 bedrooms and two bathrooms were absolutely perfect for our group. Highly recommended!”
