From PJ’s Pen – May 2020

According to my measurements of the height of the river’s water level on the Island, we hit a second and final seasonal peak on 4  and 5 May. The Zambezi River Authority website put the volume of the second peak this season at 4,532 m3/s on 4 May. For some perspective,

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We are Ready – COVID 19

We care about the health and safety of every guest and staff member who enters our doors. Your wellbeing is our top priority and we are fully committed to your protection, without compromising on the quality of your experience when staying with us. We wish to reassure you that we

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From PJ’s Pen – April 2020

After two weeks off I drove from Bulawayo back to Victoria Falls on 24th March. As it turned out, I was just in time to avoid being stuck in Bulawayo for the lock-down, which was initially put in place to finish on 20th April.  I came back to an Island unrecognisable

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Stingless Bees

On March 27th a huge Waterberry tree (Syzygium Guineense) collapsed over the island jetty. We were very sad to see it fall because it provided beautiful and plentiful midday shade for the platform where our guests arrive by boat. The maintenance team came across to chop it away, and in

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PJ’s ZAMBEZI RIVER REPORT: APRIL 2020

There has been a great deal of chatter on social media about the status of the Zambezi this year. There is some wild talk about the projected high-water mark in 2020 potentially exceeding the legendary “once in a thousand years” flood of 1958. It is interesting to note that this

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Things I wish I knew before visiting Zimbabwe

An insider’s look into Africa, and their top tips for making your trip as smooth as can be:  “Travelling, it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller” IBN Battuta Battuta put it best when describing the lifetime effects of travel, and we couldn’t agree more that some things

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From PJ’s Pen – March 2020

In the years to come March 2020 will be remembered as the month of the Coronavirus, and how it spread its enormous economic, social, and political impact around the world. When you live on a tiny island in the middle of the Zambezi River, it’s very hard to grasp the

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From PJ’s Pen – February 2020

February is an interesting month here;  it is typically the season during which we should receive the highest rainfall of the whole year and it is, correspondingly, the month of the year with the lowest guest occupancy. It is also the month when our staff can use up their untaken

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Indulge in a romantic getaway to Victoria Falls

You would be forgiven if, while enjoying the magical views on the mighty Zambezi River with your significant other, you wished for time to stand still. As far as romantic getaways go, Victoria Falls River Lodge – set within the natural surroundings of one of Africa’s premier getaway destinations –

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From PJ’s Pen January 2020

The Zambezi here at the Falls is rising quickly; flows at Victoria Falls increased to 457m3/s on 14th January 2020. Last year on the same date, the flow was 416m3/s, an increase of 21%. Most of the rain in an average season should fall in January, February and March, so

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From PJ’s Pen December 2019

As 2019 draws to its close, and we look forward to the beginning of 2020, I thought it would be interesting to examine some little-known facts about this wonderful river that we call home. Decent rains in Western Zambia and Eastern Angola have caused the Zambezi to rise quickly, after

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From PJ’s Pen November 2019

On November 2 the first rain since 11 April finally fell on the Island, and what a blessed relief it was too. The ambient temperature dropped immediately, after nearly a month of extreme heat which has made us all feel somewhat weary.  The effects were almost instantaneous; within a day

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The Big Apple stands up for Zimbabwe’s Big Elephants

You may recall our blog about the fundraising event taking place in Central Park, New York, to raise awareness of the elephant poaching crisis in Africa.  Victoria Falls River Lodge supported this transatlantic fundraiser by sponsoring a prize –  you can read about it HERE Below is an update from

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Nothing ‘Dry’ About The Dry Season

THE so-called “Dry Season” is a rather deceptive term for a truly beautiful time to visit Victoria Falls River Lodge. “Dry Seasons” offers the perfect time to visit if you want to have a safari that gets up close and personal with some incredible wildlife in Africa, and also viewing

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From PJ’s Pen October 2019

As I begin writing the blog on 29th October we are still staring up at the brassy blue sky, and we are still without a drop of rain here. As expected, temperatures continue to climb and no rains are forecast at least until 5th November when the forecast ends. When

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From PJ’s Pen September 2019

As September draws to its close, the sunsets in the park just get better and better. There are lots of bush fires in Zambia upstream of us, some set deliberately to get rid of ticks, and others to prepare lands for planting before the rains begin. The smoke and the

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Stand up for elephants with ZEF in Central Park

IT is estimated that there are only between 350 000 to 400 000 elephants left living in Africa. Due to widespread continued poaching, between 10 000 to 15 000 elephants are killed every year. To raise awareness of the elephant poaching crisis in Africa, American sisters Laura and Sarah Robertson

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Come on a taste adventure at Victoria Falls River Lodge

LIKE the location, the meals at Victoria Falls River Lodge are exotic, sophisticated and adventurous – everything you would expect from a luxury lodge in Africa… and more. Exceeding visitors’ fine dining expectations is what the passionate staff strive for – with a total of nine chefs working at Victoria

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Meet the Team – Msizi Mlalazi

MSIZI MLALAZI, VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE SENIOR SOUS CHEF Msizi is one of Victoria Falls River Lodge’s Top Chefs. He grew up in Tsholotsho village, North of Matebeland, Zimbabwe, with eight other siblings in his family. Msizi has been a Chef for 12 years and has worked in various parts

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From PJ’s Pen August 2019

On the of 4th August, unexpectedly and unannounced, Summer marched straight into North-Western Zimbabwe and kicked Winter out. It felt like Spring here lasted about twelve hours. Daily highs went up to 33 Centigrade (92 Fahrenheit for our American friends), and lows climbed to 16 Centigrade (60 degrees Fahrenheit). By

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Take a Walk on the Wild Side

EXPERIENCING the African bush on foot is a feast for the senses.  With every step, visitors become an active part of the landscape. Walking Safaris are extremely popular amongst guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge, particularly those staying for three nights or more. On Walking Safaris, our trained Guides not only assure the

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From PJ’s Pen – July 2019

Last month I talked about the beautiful gecko that I had found, whilst unpacking a box of wine, on the Island. Thanks to the curiosity and connections of Karen Taylor (who is our Operations Manager in Port Elizabeth) the little fellow has been positively identified as Pachydactylus Oshaughnessyi – O’Shaughnessy’s

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From PJ’s Pen – June 2019

It’s the end of June and we are experiencing typical winter weather here.  This really only lasts for the months of June and July. At night the temperature is getting down to around 9 degrees Celsius, but by lunchtime, it’s back to 25 or 26.  The skies are almost cloudless

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Celeb Couple spotted at Victoria Falls River Lodge

UK Celebrity couple Summer Harl and Craig Gordon visited Victoria Falls River Lodge early in June this year. Harl, a TV-presenter, lifestyle/fashion blogger and social media influencer, is married to the goalkeeper of Scotland’s Celtic Football Club, Craig Gordon. It was the couple’s first visit to Zimbabwe, and they fell

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From PJ’s Pen – May 2019

It is hard to believe that we are in the month of June already.  The year is passing by so quickly. The temperatures in May were warmer than usual and it feels like autumn is a long time coming, or that summer is a long time ending.  I am yet

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American girls open their hearts to Zambezi Crescent Preschool

VISITING VICTORIA FALLS OVER CHRISTMAS WITH THEIR PARENTS, CHANGED THE HEARTS OF FOUR YOUNG AMERICAN GIRLS.  The Sheth and Anetsberger girls, who visited Victoria Falls River Lodge with their families from 24 to 26 December 2018, were so touched by the socio-economic conditions many children grow up in, in Africa;

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Meet the Team – Lisa Talocchino

LISA TALOCCHINO, ZAMBEZI CRESCENT RESERVATIONS MANAGER Lisa has been working for Zambezi Crescent for over six years, starting out as a reservationist in 2013. She loves traveling but prefers off-the-beaten-track destinations, preferably with hiking trails or adventure options. A news junkie, keen fisherwoman and camping enthusiast, Lisa’s dream holiday destination

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From PJ’s Pen – April 2019

AS April draws to a balmy close, the Zambezi is slowly rising here on the island. The Zambezi River Authority tells us that on 23 April the volume had increased to 1,035 cubic meters/second, still only 26% of its volume of 3,954 this time last year. One of the measuring

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Guest Highlights: Ramzan Miah

London Fashion Week Model spends time at Victoria Falls River Lodge Ramzan Miah THE first male British Bangladeshi model to appear at the London Fashion Week, recently stayed at Victoria Falls River Lodge. Ramzan Miah from Luton, Bedfordshire, has been modelling since the age of 17. He also works as

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From PJ’s Pen – March 2019

AS we approach the end of the rainy season, it is becoming increasingly likely that there will be no late reprieve this year. The forecasts are for a continuation of the current conditions – highs of 36-38 degrees every day and no rainfall expected. We have been without a drop

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From PJ’s Pen – February 2019

THE Victoria Falls Region is in dire need of rain, as I write. By the end of February last year, we had received 645mm (25”) of rain, with the whole of March still to follow. Our annual average for Victoria Falls is only 600mm (24”), and we ended up well

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Experience the luxury of Africa at our Toa Spa

WHETHER indulging in a full body massage with Marula oil or finding your Zen again after a tension-releasing African Head Massage, the Africology affiliated Toa Spa at Victoria Falls River Lodge offers a premier spa experience with a uniquely African flavour. Stimulated by the natural environment surrounding the spa itself,

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Walking Safaris

EXPERIENCING the African bush on foot is a sensory experience – with every step, visitors become an active part of the landscape. Take a Walk on the Wild Side Walking Safaris are extremely popular among guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge, particularly those staying for three nights or more. On

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Guest Highlights: Jaco Rademeyer

CALLING all Southern African tourists – have you ever considered travelling your own continent? Experiencing the magic of a neighbouring country; a familiar, yet completely different African journey, especially when combined with seeing one of the natural wonders of the world, is a must-do for every African adventurer serious about travelling.

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Photographic Safari: What the Experts Say – Part 4

OF all the places he has photographed, Victoria Falls holds a special place. In fact, there is 2-meter-long, back-lit, picture of Victoria Falls in one of the most famous wildlife photographers in the world’s office in Germany. Benny Rebel shares why Zambezi Crescent’s magnificent lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, is

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Starry, Starry Night

CONSIDERED one of the best stargazing spots in Southern Africa, Victoria Falls is well-known for its magnificently lit up African night skies. Zimbabwe’s open skies and low light pollution provide the ideal backdrop for those wanting to sit back, relax and drink in the magnitude of the galaxy. While precious

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Photographic Safari: what the experts say – Part 3

GRAB your camera, backpack and tripod and go on the hunting adventure of a lifetime… In addition to the exhilaration of capturing a myriad of magnificent resident wildlife species, in the natural surroundings of the Zambezi National Park, guests on a photographic safari will discover sunsets, bird life and so

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Gym with the best view in Africa

WHAT if you could power through those lunges – as the sun came up on a crisp African morning? Lift some weights while you overlook the mighty Zambezi River? Keep your fitness levels up, while coming eye level with African wildlife? Zambezi Crescent’s Victoria Falls River Lodge is ideal for

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Photographic Safari: what the experts say – Part 2

VICTORIA Falls is fast becoming a popular destination for Photographic Safaris. With a myriad of resident wildlife species in their natural surroundings of the Zambezi National Park, guests on a photographic safari will discover sunsets, bird life and so much more to photograph during their stay at Zambezi Crescent Collection’s

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Photographic Safari: what the experts say

EAGER to get a great shot of an elephant? Yes, you read right, you can get your best shot – photographic shot that is – at Zambezi Crescent’s magnificent lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Grab your camera, backpack and tripod and go on the hunting adventure of a lifetime… In addition

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Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU)

The Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of local wildlife and natural resources. The VFAPU protects the wildlife and natural habitat from poacher pressure (subsistence and commercial), as well as rescue and rehabilitates animals injured by human interference. Zambezi Crescent Collection contributes towards

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Jafuta Foundation

The Jafuta Foundation is a non-profit organisation focused on helping humans and animals alike by creating and maintaining an equilibrium between community, wildlife and conservation, education and culture. Jafuta encourages community-based handcraft and artwork production and showcases these emerging African artists’ work at retail outlets that provide a market for their

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Zambezi Crescent Preschool

Zambezi Crescent Preschool The sounds of children counting out loud, singing nursery rhymes and bouts of excited laughter can be heard for miles in the lush African bush surrounding the newly established Zambezi Crescent Preschool in the Zambezi National Park. In January 2018 an ambitious plan to build a preschool

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Guest Interview – Carey Carpenter

Welcome to the Victoria Falls River Lodge Travel Chats where travelers share their experiences to help you prepare for better for your next trip. This week we speak to Carey Carpenter, an American southern bell at heart who according to her biography has been happily infected with an incurable case

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What Makes Africa A Special Travel Destination

Africa, True Value For Money All Round Travel Destination The majesty of the African continent is undeniable. Stretching a mammoth 30.4 million km2 the world’s second largest continent is home to an estimated 1.1 billion people. Here you’ll find roughly 54 countries and hear thousands of native languages being spoken.

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FLYAFRICA.COM links Harare, Victoria Falls and Johannesburg

Low-cost airline Flyafrica.com has recently introduced a new daily service into Zimbabwe linking Johannesburg and Harare. Earlier this year, the airline launched direct flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.  As of 1st December 2014, Flyafrica.com is set to launch a Harare-Victoria Falls service on

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Victoria Falls River Lodge – Winner in 2015 Safari Awards

The annual Safari Awards have been announced in London, UK. Finalists for the Safari Awards are judged by a panel of tourism experts, based on nominations from over a thousand luxury travel professionals, hundreds of readers of Conde Nast Traveller, Tatler, Brides and Travel Africa Magazine. In the Country Category

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Anti-poaching efforts save elephant

On the 5th October 2013 (at around 11h00) whilst transferring guests out of the Zambezi National Park, Pro Guide and Victoria Falls River Lodge Camp Manager, George van Wyk, spotted a young elephant bull in the Hippo River.  Nothing unusual, however, upon his return to the Lodge (about 13h00), this

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Wonderful Leopard Encounter

Of all Africa’s wildlife, few are as shrouded in secrecy, or so reputed for stealth as Panthera Pardus; the leopard. In north-western Zimbabwe, where leopards abound but are not generally habituated to human activity, this is especially so. To a certain impala ewe, one night in late May, a rosetted,

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Zimbabwe Adventure Activities

The Adventure Capital Of Southern Africa. Victoria Falls offers a wide variety of awe-inspiring things to do and the team at Victoria Falls River Lodge will go out of their way to organize all of your activities and to make your stay as fun-filled as possible. For the adrenalin junkie

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Saving Our Elephants

The Zambezi National Park in North Western Zimbabwe is renowned for its elephant populations. It has been amazing to watch how the elephants in the Park have become extremely relaxed around the Lodges that have been established in the area. On 27th March, a large group came wandering through Victoria

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