Tourism and Environment

Victoria Falls’ luxurious The Palm River Hotel opens

Published

3 years ago

November 24, 2021

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The US$24.6 million luxurious The Palm River Hotel in Victoria Falls has opened its doors to guests in a major boost for the resort city’s hospitality landscape.

The Palm River Hotel, which is owned by Old Mutual Zimbabwe, is part of the diversified financial services giant’s diversification to more resilient sectors of the economy such as mining, energy, agriculture and tourism as well as hospitality.

The four star hotel facility overlooks the mighty Zambezi River and is one of the biggest hospitality facilities built in Victoria Falls in the last 20 years.

It is a partnership between Old Mutual and Spencer Creek, a hotel operator that runs the luxurious Ilala Lodge in Victoria falls.

The Palm River Hotel boasts 73 rooms, including a large presidential suite, honeymoon suites and one private villa.

Its location from the falls upstream of the majestic Victoria Falls means that on a clear and quiet day, guests will be able to hear the thunder and see the spray from their rooms

Old Mutual Group chairman Kumbirai Katsande said the facility had created employment for locals and skilled people.

“The Palm River project offers an opportunity for solid returns and value preservation for our valued clients,” Katsande said.

“It has also opened doors of employment to highly-skilled and energetic people, who are passionate about the town and the hospitality industry”.

Dumisani Muhlwa, the chief finance officer for Old Mutual Rest of Africa, said Palm River Hotel would play a major role in the rejuvenation of Zimbabwe’s tourism industry.

“Zimbabwe is our biggest operation on the African continent outside of South Africa,” Muhlwa said.

“We as a group have been here for over 100 years and are firmly embedded in the fabric of the country.

“We have over those 100 years invested into some of the most iconic initiatives the country has seen and we will continue to do so for the good of our policyholders, shareholders and the country at large.

“Palm River Hotel is going to become an iconic landmark in this amazing wonder of the world and in the rejuvenation of the tourism industry of this amazing country and we are very excited to be involved in its development.

“We are proud to be playing our part in the development of the economy”

Old Mutual Investment Group MD Marjorie Mayida said the financial services giant was diversifying its portfolio from one largely made of buildings in major cities anchored on insurance to private infrastructure and equity investments.

“The organisation is now diversifying and venturing into private infrastructure and equity investments, specifically in the energy sector,” Mayida said.

“The group is also seeking to increase some of its exposure to the tourism and education sectors”.

Guests at The Palm River Hotel will enjoy its river frontage, allowing them to see wildlife drinking from the mighty Zambezi.

They can also canoe on the river and enjoy a wide variety of other adventure activities available in the Victoria Falls area.

Pia Theisen, The Palm River Hotel public relations officer, said 31 rooms were ready for occupation by guests while the rest would be completed in April next year.

Pictures: The Palm River Hotel

In the community

Crocodile attacks claim 9 lives, injure 11

Published

3 weeks ago

March 13, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A surge in crocodile attacks has left a trail of death and destruction in Zimbabwe, with 9 fatalities and 11 injuries reported in the last two months.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), 49 human-crocodile conflict cases were recorded during the same period, resulting in the loss of 44 cattle and 60 goats.

The Mid-Zambezi region, which includes Lake Kariba, Angwa River, and Hunyani River, was the hardest hit, with 19 cases reported. The Central region recorded 14 cases, while 16 cases were reported in other areas, including Matopo, Harare, North-West Matabeleland, and South-East Low-veld.

ZimParks has urged communities to exercise extreme caution, especially around water bodies, during the current rain season. The authority has advised communities to ensure that livestock and children are not left unattended near rivers or lakes, and to take precautions when engaging in water activities such as fishing, swimming, and domestic chores.

To mitigate the situation, ZimParks is working closely with local authorities and conservation partners to raise public awareness and promote safety practices. The authority has emphasized its commitment to finding a balance between ensuring public safety and conserving wildlife.

As the situation continues to unfold, ZimParks has appealed to the public to remain vigilant and to report any crocodile sightings or attacks to the authorities.

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Lion found poached in Victoria Falls

Published

4 weeks ago

March 7, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A disturbing poaching incident has shaken the conservation community in Victoria Falls, with a lion found brutally killed and mutilated.

According to a statement released by the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), a team from the Vic Falls Wildlife Trust was tracking a collared lion when they stumbled upon a gruesome scene.

The poached lion’s flesh had been removed, and its claws and head were missing. However, in a heartening turn of events, a second lion, an adult male, was found caught in a snare but still alive.

Thanks to the swift intervention of veterinary doctors, the second lion was successfully treated and rescued from the snare.

ZimParks has condemned the incident and vowed to work closely with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“We are worried about the increasing cases of lion poaching, and we will continue to work with the Police and other conservation partners to curb this challenge,” said Tinashe Farawo, ZimParks Spokesperson.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of wildlife in the area, with ZimParks rangers and anti-poaching units conducting snare-sweeping patrols to protect the animals.

As the investigation continues, conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are calling for increased efforts to combat poaching and protect Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife heritage.

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ZimParks sounds alarm over mining threat to Hwange National Park

Published

4 weeks ago

March 6, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has issued a stern warning against a proposed mining project in Hwange National Park, citing catastrophic consequences for the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

In a press statement released today, ZimParks urged the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development to cancel the application for exclusive prospecting of mining activities in the Sinamatella Black Rhino Intensive Protection Zone.

The zone is a critical habitat for the critically endangered black rhino, listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix 1.

“The proposed mining project poses a significant threat to the survival of our black rhino population,” said a ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo. “It will increase the risk of species extinction and negatively impact population recovery efforts.”

ZimParks also expressed concerns over the potential environmental degradation, including land, air, and noise pollution, which would disrupt wildlife movement and visitor experiences.

“Hwange National Park is home to Africa’s second-largest elephant population, and mining activities may interfere with groundwater flow, threatening vital water sources,” Farawo added.

The park is also home to the Bumbusi ruins, a historical and cultural site of significance to the Nambian-speaking communities.

Traditional leaders from the region visit the area annually to conduct cultural rituals and rain-making ceremonies.

ZimParks has vowed to continue advocating for the safeguarding of critical wildlife habitats and upholding its commitment to conservation for the benefit of all Zimbabweans and future generations.

The authority has called on the government to prioritize conservation efforts and reject the mining application, citing the long-term benefits of preserving the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.

As the fate of Hwange National Park hangs in the balance, conservationists, tourists, and local communities wait with bated breath for the government’s decision.