Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Celebrates 30 Years of Hospitality Excellence

As Victoria Falls Safari Lodge marks its 30th anniversary on 14 December 2024, the occasion is not just a celebration of three decades of hospitality excellence but a reflection on a remarkable journey of vision, perseverance, and dedication. Since its inception, the lodge has become a cornerstone of the tourism landscape in Zimbabwe, famed for its stunning views, exceptional service, and unwavering commitment to conservation.

The Visionary Foundation
The story of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge began with a bold vision from its founders Dave Glynn and Ross Kennedy, who sought to create a destination that would not only offer an unforgettable experience to visitors but also play a crucial role in preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings.

From the very beginning, the lodge was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural environment, offering guests not just a place to stay but an immersive experience that connected them with the beauty of Africa. This commitment to sustainable tourism has been a hallmark of the lodge’s operations, influencing every decision from construction to daily management practices.

A Legacy of Hospitality Excellence
Over the years, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has built a solid reputation for providing world class hospitality. The lodge’s success is rooted in its dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, a commitment that has been upheld by its incredible staff. Each team member, whether on the frontlines or behind the scenes, contributes to the lodge’s legacy of excellence.

Built on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park and a wildlife-rich waterhole, the sunset-facing lodge offers stunning views of the bushveld and provides guests with opportunities to witness wildlife from the comfort of their balconies or the lodge’s viewing deck, creating cherished memories.

In its thirty years, the lodge has received numerous accolades, cementing its status as a leader in the Zimbabwean hospitality industry. Notably, the lodge has been awarded the Best Resort Hotel award by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents for 25 consecutive years. This speaks volumes about the lodge’s commitment to excellence and its recognition by peers in a competitive and innovative industry. In addition, both its restaurants, MaKuwa-Kuwa and The Boma Dinner & Drum Show, have a proud record of national awards as Zimbabwe’s top dining venues.

Commitment to Conservation and Sustainability From its inception, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has been deeply committed to conservation and sustainability. The lodge’s founders recognised the importance of protecting the natural environment that makes Victoria Falls such a unique destination.

In its construction, the lodge was the first tourism project in the country to work with an environmental architect, ensuring minimal impact on the lodge’s surroundings. No mature trees were destroyed during the construction process, and 6000 young trees were replanted on the estate.

These efforts were recognised in 2000 when the lodge received the international Green Globe Distinction Award for outstanding environmental practices in its construction. Over the years, the lodge’s commitment to conservation has manifested in various initiatives, including the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit and the Wildlife Conservation Coalition, the Victoria Falls Recycling project and the Vulture Culture Experience, which are aimed at preserving wildlife, reducing the lodge’s carbon footprint, and supporting local communities.

The lodge’s conservation efforts have not only helped to safeguard the environment but have also set a standard for responsible tourism in the region. By leading by example, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has shown that tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand.

The Heart of the Lodge: Its Staff

At the heart of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s success is its people. The lodge’s staff, fourteen of whom have been with the lodge since it opened, are the backbone of its operations. Their dedication, expertise, and passion have been key to the lodge’s continued success.

Kennedy highlights the integral role the staff play in the lodge’s achievements, saying “Our success and standing in the marketplace are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our remarkable staff. Their commitment to excellence and their deep-rooted connection to our vision have been instrumental in driving our growth and shaping our identity over the past three decades. From the front desk to the kitchen and estate groundsmen, every member of the team plays a fundamental role in the group’s growth and success”.

Managing director Nigel Frost emphasises the importance of this team effort, adding, “Our 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of milestones achieved, but it is also a testament to the resilience, dedication, and passion of everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, we have emerged stronger and more determined than ever to continue our mission of being a catalyst for positive change in the region and a trailblazer in the tourism landscape.”

Looking Ahead to the Future
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge looks to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and determination, as it continues to set new standards in the hospitality industry.

With its visionary leadership, exceptional team, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is poised to remain a leader in the hospitality industry in Zimbabwe for many years to come. The lodge’s 30th anniversary is not just a reflection of its past achievements, but a celebration of the bright future that lies ahead.

From: Destination ZW 12