No-one was injured and no tourists were on board. The boat captain and two crew members were testing it when the accident occurred.
The police officer commanding Victoria Falls, Chief Superintendent Regis Munya-radzi, on Monday said, “We received a report and the concerned party has enlisted the services of our sub-aqua unit to retrieve the boat from the river.”
The boat is lodged in the gorges beneath the mighty Victoria Falls and people standing on the bridge can see it.
Sources said the boat was supposed to do a pre-run before tourists boarded it.
“The boat rode a wave and the engine just stopped. The boat filled with water and when it started sinking, the crew jumped into the river.
“They swam to the river bank,” said the source.
Late on Monday, the Police Sub-Aqua Unit was still trying to retrieve the boat.
Jet boat cruises are popular with tourists.
Source: Boat sinks in Zambezi River (26/10/10)
KEEP VICTORIA FALLS WILD
Save Victoria Falls from over-development - click to visit site - www.keepvictoriafallswild.com
Wednesday, 27 October 2010
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Vic Falls on the rebound
After several years of losing ground to Livingstone, Zambia, “Vic Falls” is once again popular and the town can still claim to be the adventure capital of Africa, given the steady supply of adventure activities.
And since the coming in of the inclusive Government, the resort town has witnessed an upsurge in arrivals.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has also indicated that the sector has grown by seven percent this year.
The rise has also been noted by travel magazines and publications of note such as Getaway travel magazine and the gotovictoriafalls.com which are part of stakeholders complementing Government’s efforts in marketing the country regionally and internationally.
According to Getaway magazine, “Vic Falls” is now the place to be as it is very accessible, has beautiful hotels and lodges among packages thus making the destination stand above other destinations.
“Getting there, SAA, BA Comair and Air Zimbabwe fly to Victoria Falls every day. You can also fly into Livingstone in Zambia, from where it is a short transfer across the border to Vic Falls.
“Citizens of South Africa and other Sadc countries don’t need visas to visit,” reads magazine.
According to the gotovictoriafalls.com, safety has never been an issue in the resort town and the country at large. “Friendliness is endemic — a major reality, not an empty word, 70 percent of the views of the Falls are from the Zimbabwean side, the infrastructure of properties and products is as pristine, even better than ever,” reads the publication.
Overland truck companies such as Kananga, Wild Touch, Drifters and Nomad that had relocated to Livingstone are now bringing in tourists straight into Victoria Falls.
Other companies that had also opened offices in Livingstone have also returned here.
Whether one is an adrenalin “junkie” or someone who would rather stroll through the rainforest or admire the sunset on a river cruise, Victoria Falls has something for everyone.
There are more than 50 activities to choose from which include air activities, land activities, water activities and scenic activities. On the other hand, Zambians are also coming here for shopping.
The opening of TM Supermarket brought about competition of the retail sector and prices of basic commodities are now affordable to the extent of attracting Zambians.
Source: Vic Falls on the rebound (13/10/10)
And since the coming in of the inclusive Government, the resort town has witnessed an upsurge in arrivals.
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has also indicated that the sector has grown by seven percent this year.
The rise has also been noted by travel magazines and publications of note such as Getaway travel magazine and the gotovictoriafalls.com which are part of stakeholders complementing Government’s efforts in marketing the country regionally and internationally.
According to Getaway magazine, “Vic Falls” is now the place to be as it is very accessible, has beautiful hotels and lodges among packages thus making the destination stand above other destinations.
“Getting there, SAA, BA Comair and Air Zimbabwe fly to Victoria Falls every day. You can also fly into Livingstone in Zambia, from where it is a short transfer across the border to Vic Falls.
“Citizens of South Africa and other Sadc countries don’t need visas to visit,” reads magazine.
According to the gotovictoriafalls.com, safety has never been an issue in the resort town and the country at large. “Friendliness is endemic — a major reality, not an empty word, 70 percent of the views of the Falls are from the Zimbabwean side, the infrastructure of properties and products is as pristine, even better than ever,” reads the publication.
Overland truck companies such as Kananga, Wild Touch, Drifters and Nomad that had relocated to Livingstone are now bringing in tourists straight into Victoria Falls.
Other companies that had also opened offices in Livingstone have also returned here.
Whether one is an adrenalin “junkie” or someone who would rather stroll through the rainforest or admire the sunset on a river cruise, Victoria Falls has something for everyone.
There are more than 50 activities to choose from which include air activities, land activities, water activities and scenic activities. On the other hand, Zambians are also coming here for shopping.
The opening of TM Supermarket brought about competition of the retail sector and prices of basic commodities are now affordable to the extent of attracting Zambians.
Source: Vic Falls on the rebound (13/10/10)
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Vic Falls Bridge Company introduces guided tours
The company recently took agents from tour and adventure companies in Victoria Falls on a familiarisation tour of the bridge that straddles the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In an interview at the bridge, the bridge company’s marketing manager, Mrs Sonja Clay, said a visit to the Victoria Falls area was not complete without a trip to Victoria Falls Bridge.
“It is for a good reason that the bridge is the area’s second most visited landmark. Built in 1905, it was at the time the highest railway bridge in the world.
“It is truly a wonder of Victorian engineering and provides striking views of the falls, Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River,” she said.
“Our bridge tour includes a special presentation on the history of the bridge and the men who built it, a guided tour of the bridge, visitor centre and a rare opportunity to walk on the catwalks used in the original construction of the bridge.” She said tours were conducted three times daily at 9.15am, 12.15pm and 3.15pm.
Victoria Falls Bridge was part of Cecil John Rhodes’ dream of a railway line linking the Cape to
Cairo, which was fuelled by investment and speculation about the potential of central Africa. This famous bridge was designed by GA Hobson, and the preliminary calculations were made by Ralph Freeman, who would rise to fame as the designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.
It was built by Cleveland Bridge Company, and cost 72 000 pounds at the time.
Source: Vic Falls Bridge Company introduces guided tours (12/10/10)
In an interview at the bridge, the bridge company’s marketing manager, Mrs Sonja Clay, said a visit to the Victoria Falls area was not complete without a trip to Victoria Falls Bridge.
“It is for a good reason that the bridge is the area’s second most visited landmark. Built in 1905, it was at the time the highest railway bridge in the world.
“It is truly a wonder of Victorian engineering and provides striking views of the falls, Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River,” she said.
“Our bridge tour includes a special presentation on the history of the bridge and the men who built it, a guided tour of the bridge, visitor centre and a rare opportunity to walk on the catwalks used in the original construction of the bridge.” She said tours were conducted three times daily at 9.15am, 12.15pm and 3.15pm.
Victoria Falls Bridge was part of Cecil John Rhodes’ dream of a railway line linking the Cape to
Cairo, which was fuelled by investment and speculation about the potential of central Africa. This famous bridge was designed by GA Hobson, and the preliminary calculations were made by Ralph Freeman, who would rise to fame as the designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932.
It was built by Cleveland Bridge Company, and cost 72 000 pounds at the time.
Source: Vic Falls Bridge Company introduces guided tours (12/10/10)
Monday, 26 July 2010
New tourism venture opened in Vic Falls
Harare – Tourism group Tourvest says its newest venture, a luxury tented camp in its concession in the Victoria Falls National Park costing “just over $1 million” to develop, has already been fully occupied on several days since its opening on July 6 this year.
Gary Elmes, the chief executive of Tourvest Products, said that although comparatively few tourists were going further into Zimbabwe at this stage, he was investigating opportunities for possible new developments in the country. Pointing out that Victoria Falls had been “like a separate enclave” from the rest of Zimbabwe as far as tourism was concerned, he said instability over the last decade had deterred many leisure travelers from going to other parts of the country.
However there has been a remarkable change over the last few months. Industry operators are reporting a 50 percent increase in the number of foreign tourists, mostly from Asia, the UK and US, visiting Victoria Falls in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. Elmes said high air fares to Victoria Falls from South Africa were a deterrent but added numbers could pick up with the recent introduction of a low-cost airline on the route.
The company’s new Elephant Camp, with a low ecological impact, is in a concession awarded to Wild Horizons Zimbabwe – a division of Tourvest Products – for 10 years. Wild Horizons wildlife sanctuary, established as a trust fund to benefit a number of conservation projects, had helped to translocate zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and impala on to the concession which, Elmes said, had been “heavily impacted by poachers”. He said other animals on the concession included buffalo, kudu, waterbuck and warthog.
Source: New tourism venture opened in Vic Falls (24/07/10)
Gary Elmes, the chief executive of Tourvest Products, said that although comparatively few tourists were going further into Zimbabwe at this stage, he was investigating opportunities for possible new developments in the country. Pointing out that Victoria Falls had been “like a separate enclave” from the rest of Zimbabwe as far as tourism was concerned, he said instability over the last decade had deterred many leisure travelers from going to other parts of the country.
However there has been a remarkable change over the last few months. Industry operators are reporting a 50 percent increase in the number of foreign tourists, mostly from Asia, the UK and US, visiting Victoria Falls in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year. Elmes said high air fares to Victoria Falls from South Africa were a deterrent but added numbers could pick up with the recent introduction of a low-cost airline on the route.
The company’s new Elephant Camp, with a low ecological impact, is in a concession awarded to Wild Horizons Zimbabwe – a division of Tourvest Products – for 10 years. Wild Horizons wildlife sanctuary, established as a trust fund to benefit a number of conservation projects, had helped to translocate zebra, giraffe, wildebeest and impala on to the concession which, Elmes said, had been “heavily impacted by poachers”. He said other animals on the concession included buffalo, kudu, waterbuck and warthog.
Source: New tourism venture opened in Vic Falls (24/07/10)
Friday, 2 July 2010
Zimbabwe to build Test ground at Victoria Falls
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 natural wonders of the world
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 natural wonders of the world.
The venue, which will have a capacity of up to 12,000, will be of Test standard, the first such major site outside Harare and Bulawayo, and will utilise the latest ecologically-friendly features. Approval has been obtained from the local authorities and ZC is now working with architects on the final design. The board hopes tenders will go out by the end of August.
"Victoria Falls is a wonderful location," ZC chief executive Ozias Bvute told Cricinfo."Its climatic conditions create the ideal environment for year-round cricket and its status as an international heritage site and one of the amazing wonders of the world will aid to the excitement of teams visiting it.
"Victoria Falls has always been a fascinating destination for visiting teams and they will undoubtedly revel at the prospect of playing between the mighty falls and surrounding wildlife".
"The ongoing 2010 World Cup means that the eyes of the world are focused on Africa as a sports tourism destination more than ever before and as one of the most loved sports in the world, it is only right that we play our part in making Zimbabwe a sporting destination of choice."
Source: Zimbabwe to build Test ground at Victoria Falls (01/07/10)
See Also
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd July 2010) Zimbabwe to build Test ground at Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd June 2011)
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (10th June 2011) Plans approved for Victoria Falls ground.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd October 2014) Vic Falls cricket stadium on course.
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd October 2014) Mugabe to officiate at ground-breaking for 10 000-seater
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (6th January 2016)
Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (24th October 2016) ZC shelves ambitious Vic Falls stadium plan.
The plans were resurrected in 2024 as part of the Masuwe Special Economic Zone development proposals. Construction started in May 2024. Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
No Threats of Victoria Falls Deregistration by UNESCO
ZAMBIA Tourism Board (ZTB) has reacted to earlier concerns about the state of the Victoria Falls being threatened for deregistration from UNESCO World Heritage list.
“Victoria Falls are not going to be deregistered from the World Heritage UNESCO list. We have in fact submitted the report on the state of the Victoria Falls to UNESCO. You can best be assured that there is no threat, there is no risk. We are even planning to push for more World Heritage Sites to be enlisted especially in the lower Zambezi which is rich in ecology.” ZTB’s Chief Timothy Mushibwe said
Mushibwe made the assurance while responding to a question from Gill Staden, publisher of the Livingstonian, a weekly publication. Gill Staden wanted to know the state of the Victoria Falls which was under threat of deregistration by UNESCO.
Mushibwe guaranteed tourists and the Zambia tour operators that the Victoria Falls was not under any threat of deregistration from the World Heritage list by UNESCO.
The deregistration concerns come following the continued attacks on tourists in Livingstone through muggings along the Mosi-oa-Tunya Road near the Falls.
Zimba-Livingstone road project for completion
Mushibwe has also assured the tourism players that government has stepped up efforts in ensuring that the Zimba-Livingstone road project is completed.
“There is commitment on the part of government that the infrastructure that supports linkages of feeders into the national parks and the Victoria Falls are addressed. There is focus to complete the route which we expect will ease movement, bring down costs of doing business in tourism and promote tourism in the country,” he said.
Source: No Threats of Victoria Falls Deregistration by UNESCO (14/06/10)
“Victoria Falls are not going to be deregistered from the World Heritage UNESCO list. We have in fact submitted the report on the state of the Victoria Falls to UNESCO. You can best be assured that there is no threat, there is no risk. We are even planning to push for more World Heritage Sites to be enlisted especially in the lower Zambezi which is rich in ecology.” ZTB’s Chief Timothy Mushibwe said
Mushibwe made the assurance while responding to a question from Gill Staden, publisher of the Livingstonian, a weekly publication. Gill Staden wanted to know the state of the Victoria Falls which was under threat of deregistration by UNESCO.
Mushibwe guaranteed tourists and the Zambia tour operators that the Victoria Falls was not under any threat of deregistration from the World Heritage list by UNESCO.
The deregistration concerns come following the continued attacks on tourists in Livingstone through muggings along the Mosi-oa-Tunya Road near the Falls.
Zimba-Livingstone road project for completion
Mushibwe has also assured the tourism players that government has stepped up efforts in ensuring that the Zimba-Livingstone road project is completed.
“There is commitment on the part of government that the infrastructure that supports linkages of feeders into the national parks and the Victoria Falls are addressed. There is focus to complete the route which we expect will ease movement, bring down costs of doing business in tourism and promote tourism in the country,” he said.
Source: No Threats of Victoria Falls Deregistration by UNESCO (14/06/10)
Monday, 1 March 2010
Victoria Falls World Heritage status under threat
The governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe are in a mad scramble to complete a document to be given to UNESCO on the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site. The report was first requested by UNESCO in 2002 and then again in 2006. Various deadlines have been passed and extensions given. The latest deadline of February 1, 2010 has again passed, and UNESCO has received no document.
In 2007, the joint Zambia/Zimbabwe team requested for financial assistance in the amount of US$30,000 to help them to undertake the report. UNESCO gave them this assistance but still has no report.
The private sectors on both sides of the border are very alarmed at their governments’ inability to produce this document. Not only is the report important for the continued luxury of having the Victoria Falls as a World Heritage Site, but it is also important in its content.
UNESCO required the governments to form a Joint Management Team and an Integrated Management Plan for the site. It also requested that certain issues were addressed. The main issue in 2006 was Zambia’s worrying commitment to further development within the site; development which UNESCO felt compromised its beauty and integrity. Other concerns were on invasive species such as lantana and water hyacinth; pollution in the river; the water extraction by Zambia for hydro-electricity generation; and the continued licensing of helicopters, microlights, and other tourism services.
To be fair to both governments, some measures have been undertaken to protect the World Heritage Site. A balloon operation, which started its life in Zimbabwe and then moved over to Zambia, was discontinued. The lantana on the Zambian side is being eradicated with private sector assistance; in the meantime, though, the lantana has become a forest on the Zimbabwe side. Again, on the Zambian side, the water hyacinth problem is being tackled. The development of a hotel on the Zambian side was stopped because of concerns from the private sector but still rumbles on in the background.
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site was proclaimed in 1989. It covers the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. A buffer zone surrounds the site, which extends to a 30 kilometer radius around the Victoria Falls. When both governments signed the agreement with UNESCO in 1989, they committed themselves to work together for the protection of the Victoria Falls and its surrounding area. It seems that their half-hearted attempts at protection will avail them nothing if they cannot produce one report and work together.
There is a small window for Zambia and Zimbabwe to submit the report before the 2010 session of the World Heritage Committee; all documents have to reach UNESCO by March 15. The scramble to complete the document is to try to meet that date. In the meantime, a large delegation from Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism starts a three-week tour of Europe, visiting London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid, to promote tourism. As Victoria Falls is Zambia’s main tourist attraction, one can only wonder how this team will explain to the world how Zambia’s main tourist attraction has been downgraded, while they were on a tour to promote it.
Source: Victoria Falls World Heritage status under threat (28/02/10)
In 2007, the joint Zambia/Zimbabwe team requested for financial assistance in the amount of US$30,000 to help them to undertake the report. UNESCO gave them this assistance but still has no report.
The private sectors on both sides of the border are very alarmed at their governments’ inability to produce this document. Not only is the report important for the continued luxury of having the Victoria Falls as a World Heritage Site, but it is also important in its content.
UNESCO required the governments to form a Joint Management Team and an Integrated Management Plan for the site. It also requested that certain issues were addressed. The main issue in 2006 was Zambia’s worrying commitment to further development within the site; development which UNESCO felt compromised its beauty and integrity. Other concerns were on invasive species such as lantana and water hyacinth; pollution in the river; the water extraction by Zambia for hydro-electricity generation; and the continued licensing of helicopters, microlights, and other tourism services.
To be fair to both governments, some measures have been undertaken to protect the World Heritage Site. A balloon operation, which started its life in Zimbabwe and then moved over to Zambia, was discontinued. The lantana on the Zambian side is being eradicated with private sector assistance; in the meantime, though, the lantana has become a forest on the Zimbabwe side. Again, on the Zambian side, the water hyacinth problem is being tackled. The development of a hotel on the Zambian side was stopped because of concerns from the private sector but still rumbles on in the background.
The Victoria Falls World Heritage Site was proclaimed in 1989. It covers the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and the Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. A buffer zone surrounds the site, which extends to a 30 kilometer radius around the Victoria Falls. When both governments signed the agreement with UNESCO in 1989, they committed themselves to work together for the protection of the Victoria Falls and its surrounding area. It seems that their half-hearted attempts at protection will avail them nothing if they cannot produce one report and work together.
There is a small window for Zambia and Zimbabwe to submit the report before the 2010 session of the World Heritage Committee; all documents have to reach UNESCO by March 15. The scramble to complete the document is to try to meet that date. In the meantime, a large delegation from Zambia’s Ministry of Tourism starts a three-week tour of Europe, visiting London, Paris, Berlin, and Madrid, to promote tourism. As Victoria Falls is Zambia’s main tourist attraction, one can only wonder how this team will explain to the world how Zambia’s main tourist attraction has been downgraded, while they were on a tour to promote it.
Source: Victoria Falls World Heritage status under threat (28/02/10)
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