Click on the News Items below, they will open in a new page, you can then rate and add YOUR opinion ...
Elephants Cause Traffic Jam
Recently a herd of totally mature Elephants bulls moved into Victoria Falls Town. They wander through the suburbs doing what they do, which is eat…. a ...
If by Monday Zimbabwe and Zambia have not sent a comprehensive ...
Stanley and Livingstone voted Zim's Best Hotel
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THE Stanley & Livingstone resort was again this year voted Zimbabwe’s leading hotel for 2010 by World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean.
The five ...
Human Skeletons Unearthed in Victoria Falls
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TWO Iron Age skeletons believed to have been buried between 9-1100AD and now between 600-700 years old have been discovered in the resort town of Victoria ...
Victoria Falls Marathon Attracts Thousands
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VICTORIA FALLS - The Victoria Falls Marathon, which combines athletics with tourism, entertainment, and charitable causes, has continued to gain popularity ...
Cricket Test Ground at Victoria Falls
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Zimbabwe Cricket has announced the construction of a major new cricket ground close to the iconic Victoria Falls, widely considered to be one of the seven ...
Victoria Falls Benefiting from World Cup
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HOTEL occupancy in Zimbabwe’s premier tourist resort, Victoria Falls, has shot up to 80 percent ahead of the Fifa World Cup soccer showcase to be held ...
Victoria Falls Mountain Bike Event
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Victoria Falls is further positioning itself as an adventure hotspot with the recent introduction of a three-day mountain biking event that will be run ...
Albida Tourism in $12m expansion drive
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AFRICA Albida Tourism (AAT) which owns the world famous Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is investing up to US$16 million in a robust expansion drive as the ...
Air Zimbabwe launches Jo’burg to Vic Falls Flight
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AIR Zimbabwe says it is re-launching the Johannesburg-Victoria Falls route and company executives have also urged locals and non-resident Zimbabweans to ...
11th Nov 2009
BACKPACKERS BAZAAR
NEWSLETTER
A
very warm welcome, warm being the operative word, from the Backpackers
Bazaar Team. Its hot, humid and wet as the rainy season is now upon us! Our
spring has seen the trees and grass getting greener, the lovely flamboyant’s
blooming and the frangipanis flowering! A really pretty time of year for Vic
Falls and surrounding areas!
The Festive silly season is
approaching and things are very booked up all over town accommodation and
activity wise, so just to remind everyone to try send through pre-bookings
to avoid disappointment!
On this day in 1871 journalist-explorer Henry M.
Stanley found Scottish missionary David Livingstone, who had not been
heard from for years, near Lake Tanganyika in central Africa.
19th October 2009
Operation protect the rhino babies
Shearwater Adventures is
happy to report that the rhinos on the reserve are doing very well and sighting
of the calves and their mothers are now more frequent. All rhinos appear more
relaxed and Shungu, the daddy rhino, is still a little protective of his
daughters but fortunately his bark is worse than his bite.
The two rhino calves are
now almost four months old and although healthy there is unfortunately another
threat to them, wild lions. The reserve has five wild lions, an adult male and
lioness with three half grown cubs who are stalking the rhino babies. Since the
rhinos are state property we have been given permission to capture and relocate
these wild lions to the Matetsi wildlife area. We are currently in the process
of baiting them to facilitate the immobilizing of lions. Unfortunately the lions
are currently residing in an area that includes our lion walk activity. So with
immediate effect we will be temporarily suspending our lion walk activity until
further notice. We are sure you will understand not only the potential risks to
our precious baby rhinos, but also to your clients on the Walk.
All existing and new
bookings will be channelled through to another supplier. We will update you
accordingly as soon as the operation is over.
Please support us during
this “Operation protect the rhino babies”
Kind Regards
Management
Victoria Falls Private
Game Reserve
19th October 2009
Change to Visa Requirement Into Zimbabwe
PLEASE NOTE – Historically, any person holding a single entry
visa who may have left Zimbabwe (E.G. a day-visit to nearby Chobe National Park
or a day-visit to the Zambia side of the Victoria Falls) but intended retuning
to Zimbabwe to overnight was not requested to reapply for an additional visa
upon return.
However, with immediate effect, Zimbabwe will be charging for re-entry visas for
anybody who has left the country on a day trip. This information received today
(Monday October 18, 2009) seems to have been in place for a few days already.
Any passengers leaving Zimbabwe on a day trip MUST purchase a multiple entry
visa for Zimbabwe on arrival at first entry.
The same rule applies in the opposite direction, if you arrive into the
Victoria Falls International Airport, you will need to purchase a visa to enter
Zimbabwe merely to take an overland transfer to Botswana.
1st October 2009
Subject: CASH MACHINES IN VIC FALLS
Hi All,
Just a quick update.Barclays Bank in Victoria Falls has activated their cash
machine and you can now get cash USD.They are only accepting VISA cards at the
moment and will advice in the next couple of weeks when they have activated
their MASTERCARD network.
We still advice people to bring with them cash as this is still in the early
stages as a back up.
Maximum withdrawal per day is USD400.
Will send another update on what the charges are as we are still awaiting the
bank to let us know.
Hope everyone is well and take care.
The Backpackers Bazaar Team!!!!
25th August 2009
ZRP's Pasipamire wins Econet - Vic
Falls marathon
The 2009 Econet Victoria Falls marathon which was held over the weekend was
dominated by locals with unheralded Zimbabwe Republic Police long distance
runner Cephas Pasipamire ruling the roost.
THE Forestry Commission has started accrediting curio carvers and vendors in
Victoria Falls, a move aimed at controlling the harvesting of timber in the
forestry area.
Wild
Horizons
would like to inform all valued agents and clients that our commercial White
Water Rafting trips will enter LOW WATER LEVEL on the
3rd of August 2009.
This means that
from now until High Water level (approx. mid January) the swirling waters of the
Zambezi below the Victoria Falls are offering one of the finest One-Day-White
Water Rafting experiences to be had anywhere in the world.
Wild Horizons
offer Full & Half Day Trips as well as fantastic Multiday trip options for
those wishing to savour this amazing outdoor experience. “Rapids negotiated
on the full day rafting trip include "Stairway to Heaven”
“Devils Toilet
Bowl”
“Overland
Engine Eater”
“The Wrestling
Hole”
Rafting on the
Zambezi is a ONCE IN A LIFETIME EXPERIENCE.
It is the
WILDEST ONE DAY RUN IN THE WORLD beneath one of
the Seven Wonders of the World.” enthuses Clive Bradford from Wild Horizons.
20th June 2009
Vic Falls Heritage Status Threatened
VICTORIA Falls’ World Heritage status is under threat
after two hoteliers at the prime resort town petitioned the World
Heritage Commission against noise pollution in the town.
The
hoteliers, The Victoria Falls Hotel and the Kingdom, separately wrote to
the World Heritage Commission saying noise generated by frequent flights
over the Falls and through gorges and the number of licences given to
helicopter operators were a cause for concern.
They warned that if left unchecked they “pose the single biggest threat
to our status”.
According to letters seen by the Zimbabwe Independent this week, the
hotel groups say the flights over the hotel were depriving their guests
“of a quiet and relaxing environment”.
“On behalf of the Victoria Falls Hotel, I would like to register a
complaint against the helicopters and the noise they produce which has a
negative impact on the environment and likewise destroys the atmosphere
in our hotel and grounds,” reads the letter.
“Daily we have to endure the noise and constant irritation from these
aircraft which fly directly over and above the Victoria Falls Hotel,”
the report said.
Said the letter: “If one considers that current hotel occupancies are
running at approximately 20% of capacity surely when normal higher
occupancies return the environment cannot sustain the impact of the
increased flights, increased operators and increased frequency of the
helicopters.”
At present there are two operators flying: Zambian United Air Charters
with two helicopters, Batoka Skies (three helicopters) and Zambezi
Helicopters with two helicopters.
The Independent understands that plans are at an advanced stage to
license up to eight more operators.
BY NQOBILE BHEBHE
19th June 2009
Noise fear for Zimbabwe elephants
Noise pollution from
helicopter flights over
Victoria Falls could badly affect important elephant herds in Zimbabwe,
environmentalists have warned.
They say senior government ministers are backing plans for a four-fold increase
in tourist flights.
It is part of attempts to take advantage of an expected tourist boom when
neighbouring South Africa hosts next year's football World Cup.
Work has already begun on new helipads but without official permission.
Zimbabwean Environment Minister Francis Nehema says no environmental impact
assessment has been made - and without it the scheme cannot go ahead.
"It doesn't matter who you are. We want it done. It is a prerequisite," he said.
Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe says at present just five helicopters fly
over the falls at any one time.
That figure is set to grow to around 20, as tourists scramble to secure stunning
aerial views of one of the world's most spectacular sights, he says.
But environmentalists fear excessive noise pollution will have an adverse effect
on the behaviour patterns of the elephants.
And Deliwe Utete from non-governmental organisation Environment Africa says if
the elephants flee it could have worrying repercussions for the resort's entire
ecosystem, affecting thousands of wild animals and birds.
29th May 2009
Victoria Falls Anti Poaching unit
"The Victoria Falls Anti Poaching unit is committed to the conservation of
its wildlife."
The unit was established in January 1999, by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
and local safari operator Charles Brightman, see more about about Charles at
Discover Safaris.
If you were visiting Victoria Falls today and were hoping to start your
African adventure by seeing some wildlife, you wouldn't have had far travel.
This herd of five Bull African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana) ambled into town
early this morning.
The lunar
rainbow occurs for three days in each month from January to September. The lunar
happens when the water levels in the Zambezi River are high enough to cause
heavy spray to blend adequately with the moon rays.
A
domesticated Elephant released back into the wild……
Damiano is an
elephant that has been part of the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary for over ten
years. He started showing more and more inclination to interact with the
Wild bull elephant.
Victoria Falls Marathon is a high profile international marathon and half
marathon taking place on the 23rd August 2009. This event is said to be
one of the most thrilling races on the continent
Tourism should commit to sustainable use of
wildlife in run-up to 2010 World Cup
Victoria Falls Reporter
The tourism industry should commit itself to the sustainable use of wildlife and
animals in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup showcase, the managing director of
Shearwater Adventures, Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa, has said.
Speaking at the launch of the company's 'Go green' campaign in the
resort, she said:
“We are positioning ourselves for 2010 at the same time trying to bring back the
green in our game reserve. Some of the green had been taken away by our wild
animals and it's just good to plant more trees so that the reserve is always
attractive both to the tourists and the animals. It's all in the name of
reassuring the next generation of animals and humans of trees.”
More than 76 agents from tourism companies in Victoria Falls took part in the
launch with each planting a tree at Shearwater's Victoria Falls private game
reserve.
The campaign is aimed at advocating for the sustainable use of wildlife in
tourism and acknowledges its contribution to economic growth.
The launch comes in the wake of increased poaching of wood, sand and animals
resulting in soil erosion, formation of gulleys and extinction of wild animals.
Elephants that are a common sight to tourists doing game drives brought down
most of the trees in the reserve.
The reserve is home to an array of wild animals that include the rhino, buffalo,
lion and cheetah.
Victoria Falls News Updates 19th March 2009
Today’s
birthday celebrity in the famous Scottish explorer
David Livingstone (1813 – 1873)
He
spent years wandering around Africa searching for the source of the Nile which
sadly he didn’t find. He did however find the “Victoria Falls”, and was
found by Stanley who greeted him with the immortal words, “Doctor
Livingstone, I presume.” Well spotted, Stanley! I don’t think he got out a
lot!
Victoria Falls News Updates 16th March 2009
FIRE DANCING
& DRUMMING LESSONS
Tuesdays & Thursdays 17:00 – 18:30 at Shoestrings
Backpackers Lodge.
Teaching you is a group of very talented local artists
who will give very patient personal attention and coach you through all the
moves. Each person will be given a fantastic hand crafted African Djembe
Drum to play, and a set of Practice Fire Poi between every two or three
people to start.
U$5 per person. Price includes equipment hire & one
soft drink of your choice.
Victoria Falls News Updates 12th March 2009
Parks releases 2009 Falls Lunar Rainbow Tour dates
A surreal and magical night experience awaits visitors who
plan their Victoria Falls trips to coincide with the full moon. For three nights
each month (one on either side of the actual full moon date), the Rainforest is
open for a dramatic lunar rainbow – a rare natural phenomenon (also known as a
moonbow or lunar bow or white rainbow) produced by the moon rather than the sun
(a solar rainbow).
Below are the dates on which the Victoria Falls National Park is open for lunar
rainbow tours, which are conducted by a guide. Entrance on these nights is USD30
per person.
ZIMBABWE PARKS AND WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY “In harmony with Nature” Lunar Rainbow Tours/Moonlight viewing days for the Rainforest 2009
Jan 10, 11, 12
Feb 8, 9, 10
Mar 10, 11, 12
Apr 8, 9, 10
May 8, 9, 10
June 6, 7, 8
July 6, 7, 8
Aug 5, 6, 7
Sep 3, 4, 5
Oct 3, 4, 5
Nov 1, 2 ,3
Dec a) 1, 2, 3 b) 30, 31 , and 01 Jan 2010
Victoria Falls News Updates 25 Feb 2009
About the Shearwater Lions
Shearwater started operating lion walks at Victoria Falls in September 2005. The well being of the lions in our care is a primary concern of the Shearwater team.
In recent times there has been considerable discussion and debate regarding the use of lions in the tourism industry and in particular relating to the canned hunting industry. In view of this Shearwater would like to make their position clear to our valued agents and clients.
A word of warning to those visiting Victoria Falls by car or motor home.
The Vic Falls Police has been issued with a speedometer and uses it with enthusiasm almost daily. In the four days we stayed at the Falls not only were we stopped ourselves (doing 74kph on the Hwange Road, just outside town, where apparently there is a 60kph speed limit), and fined Zim$200, we were told the same story by several other people including a taxi driver.
Vic Falls must be one of the few African towns where taxi drivers respect the 40kph city center speed limit and make you wear your seatbelt!
Victoria Falls News Updates 24 Feb 2009
Fuel for sale in Vic Falls
ZX Fuels has petrol and diesel for sale in Vic FallsPump Price - Petrol US$
1.15 and Diesel US$ 1.00
ZX FuelsPhone 263-13-41912 or in the Falls - 41912
Victoria Falls News Updates 22 Feb 2009
No Cholera in Victoria Falls
The cholera situation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, remains unchanged, with no cases reported to date.
The WHO Zimbabwe daily cholera update of 27 January 2009 indicates that while cases have been reported in Lupane and Binga, the Victoria Falls district remains clear so far. This status has given the Victoria Falls community the opportunity to heighten the district’s awareness and readiness to prevent and treat the disease should it occur.
In mid-January a team led by Dr Mutasa of the Victoria Falls Hospital undertook a round trip within the district, visiting 14 points and satellite health centers, with the aim of assessing the knowledge of clinic staff and building awareness capacity.Dr Mutasa described the trip as very productive and adds, “We generally noted a fair level of knowledge by all the clinics on cholera. By the end of our visit they were able to describe what cholera is, how it presents, how to prevent it and treat it”.At each of these stops, the team left educational materials for display and distribution, as well as intravenous fluids should they encounter a case.
Meanwhile, various Gotovictoriafalls Champions are weighing in to support the cause. The Africa Albida Tourism (AAT)Group, which runs the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma continues to contribute towards the purchase of water purification chemicals, and is providing accommodation for the medical officer leading the cholera efforts.
Other champions who have chipped in include tour operator A&K, Mapopoma Cruises and Wilderness Safaris.
From GoToVictoriaFalls
Victoria Falls News 22 January 2009
Fund raising for Hwange Conservation Society
World-renowned wildlife artist Larry Norton has teamed up with the Hwange Conservation Society to raise money for Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The park is desperately struggling as a result of the political and economic chaos in the country.
Between now and March 2009 Larry is offering prints and inviting bids on some original oil paintings. Ten percent of the proceeds from this appeal will go directly to the Society.
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