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Batoka readies to open refurbished Zambezi Sands River Lodge
BY OWN CORRESPONDENT
Batoka Hospitality, a luxury ecotourism and community development group, is preparing to open the doors of its magical Zambezi Sands River Lodge, offering visitors five-star luxury in the heart of Zimbabwe’s rich natural landscape.
Just one hour from the magnificent Victoria Falls, the newly renovated resort is nestled in the stunning western end of Zambezi National Park and offers guests unrivalled luxury in one of the world’s most breathtaking natural settings.
As the first black female-owned Safari Lodge in Africa, Batoka Hospitality is reinventing the way the world views African hospitality.
“We are empowering the African dream of success through ecotourism and hospitality,” said Vimbai Masiyiwa, executive director of Batoka Hospitality.
“At Batoka, people come first: whether it is our staff, our guests or the community surrounding us.
“As much as we enrich the lives of our guests through a truly authentic African experience, we want to create self-sustaining villages and economic growth for the communities around us.”
The opening of the property will coincide with the launch of Tesse Fund.
The fund will be financed by 10 percent of the revenue made from each guest stay.
The purpose of the fund is for staff members within the Batoka Hospitality family to come up with projects that benefit their local community.
The destination’s 10 beautiful tented suites have been redesigned by renowned South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien, known for creations which are understated, personal and quietly refined.
Each of the suites has a private plunge pool and spectacular views of the Zambezi River.
For GCC travellers, a two-bedroom suite, complete with private swimming pool, lounge and dining room and deck will be available for those desiring more privacy and an opulent home away from home experience.
The natural materials and tones O’Brien and her team have brought to the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge blend seamlessly into the Victoria Falls landscape, where breathtaking vistas greet guests from every suite.
Bedrooms are styled as large African style tents offering exceptional views from the huge veranda to the soundtrack of the area’s magical wildlife.
The boardwalks that interlink each tent with the main dining area and bar offer protection from wandering hippos who often spend at least part of the night feeding in and around the camp.
The lodge’s elegant bar, lounge and dining area sit above the river, the stilted structure surrounded by the area’s lush wild landscapes.
Decorated with stylish teak furniture, wooden flooring, pewter ornaments and leather chairs and sofas, it is quintessential African meets luxury.
Outside, an expansive deck has dining tables and a sunken fire pit where pre dinner drinks are the order of the day.
More than just a safari destination, Zambezi Sands River Lodge offers guests an array of activities without even leaving the estate.
In addition to the resort’s spa and fitness centre, guests can enjoy a wide range of activities which include game drives along the river and inland, game walks with an experienced professional guide and day or sunset river boat cruises.
In 2020 Batoka Hospitality acquired 100 percent ownership of the former Zambezi Sands River Camp and its sister attraction, the Gorges Lodge.
Sustainability and local employment are at the heart of the resort’s mission, enabling guests to experience true African culture and hospitality with as little harm to the environment as is possible.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Residents of Mkhosana in Victoria Falls are living in fear as a large herd of buffaloes continues to invade their communities, destroying vegetable gardens and posing a threat to human life.
https://x.com/Vic_Falls_Live/status/1853724332553314445/video/1
According to eyewitnesses, the buffaloes, estimated to be around 30-40, have been encroaching into the communities since June, with some residents reporting that they have been vandalizing their gardens as early as 8 PM.
David Mpofu
David Mpofu, a resident of Mkhosana, expressed his concern, saying, “We are living in fear because these buffaloes come every day, destroying our vegetable gardens. We want the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority rangers to take action and chase them away.”
Trymore Ndolo
The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association member, Trymore Ndolo, who was also at the scene on Monday night close to the CBZ houses, expressed frustration, stating that the buffaloes are becoming a menace and encroaching into high-density residential areas.
The issue of human-wildlife conflict is escalating due to the ongoing drought, with elephants also encroaching into communities in search of water and food.
Residents are crying foul as their source of food is being destroyed.
Last week, a large herd of buffaloes even invaded the Victoria Falls City Council water works premises, taking security guards by surprise and forcing them to hide.
In Mkhosana, the buffaloes refused to budge until Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority officials arrived and chased them away.
Residents are calling for urgent action to address the situation and ensure their safety and security.
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Schools in Tsholotsho destroyed by heavy rains, learners left conducting lessons under the trees
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Last week’s heavy rains have left a trail of destruction in Tsholotsho, with two schools severely affected.
Nembe Primary School and Nembe Secondary School suffered significant infrastructure damage, displacing learners and prompting calls for urgent assistance.
According to Ward 22 Councillor Nkululeko Ndebele, the rains destroyed wall blocks, scattered blanks everywhere, and damaged walls at Nembe Primary School.
“The wall block of grade three and four was destroyed, and the office of the staff, administration block, and solar panels were also damaged,” he said.
At Nembe Secondary School, the block used by Form One and Two students was destroyed, leaving learners without classrooms.
“Currently, the children are learning under the trees because no action has been taken,” Councillor Ndebele lamented.
The District Schools Inspector visited the site on Monday to assess the damage, and a further visit is scheduled for today to determine the extent of the destruction.
Councillor Ndebele appealed for international assistance, citing the economic situation and drought ravaging the communities.
“Parents cannot afford to rebuild the schools, and we need help from anyone willing to assist,” he said.
Ndebele says the schools, built in the 1950s, have never been maintained, and their age has contributed to the extent of the damage.
“We are getting into the rain season, and we urgently need help to rebuild and restore these schools,” Councillor Ndebele emphasized.
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