African Sun shuts down Victoria Falls Kingdom Hotel

 African Sun Limited has announced it is shutting down its Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls January next year after failing to agree on lease terms with First Capital Bank, owners of the property.

The hotelier said the parties had failed to reach common ground on the length of the lease with the property owner firm on a two-year lease while ASL wanted 10 years, sufficient to recoup its investment.

In a 24 November memo to trading partners, African Sun Limited chief executive Peter Saungweme said the Kingdom hotel would close for business with effect from January 5, 2023.

"Further to the formal announcement which African Sun Limited (African Sun) released to the market on 4 July 2022, we would like to inform you that the Kingdom at Victoria Falls Hotel ("the Hotel") shall be closing for business with effect from 5 January 2023.

"We would like to thank you for your past business and support over the years and look forward to continuing working with you at our other ten hotels, which include the Victoria Falls Hotel and Elephant Hills Resort and Conference Centre which are also situated in the city of Victoria Falls," he said.

In an interview, African Sun Limited chairman Emmanuel Fundira said it was unfortunate that the two parties did not reach an agreement.

"We said two years does not work for us. For us to recoup the investment of over US$6 million on the hotel, it will require us at least a minimum period of 10 years to operate.

"So, two years will not work for us. That's where the departure began. We negotiated and negotiated and they refused.

"We see that there was really another hand into this," he said.

Africa Sun Limited has been operating the 294-roomed Kingdom Hotel since 1997.

Source: African Sun shuts down Victoria Falls Kingdom Hotel (30/11/22)

Six Senses Stilted Eco-Lodges on the Zambezi

 November 17, 2022 - Here’s one for wildlife lovers. Six Senses enters its first sub-Saharan project with a riverside game reserve and wellness resort within Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park. Hippos are very much included.

Raised and concealed among the trees, the lodges at Six Senses Victoria Falls will front Princess Elizabeth Island on the approach to the largest waterfall in the world. The resort will offer uncompromising and sumptuous hospitality within a UNESCO-protected area while blending into the verdant nature all around.

Green and gorgeous

The modular scheme of Six Senses Victoria Falls consists of a series of lodges and villas connected by raised walkways and bridges. This balances stringent environmental standards, a weightless aesthetic, and mighty engineering. After all, the stilts need to withstand a heavy knock from a passing elephant!

Everything has been designed around what’s most important: giving you a bird’s eye platform and authentic connection with the natural flora and fauna, which in Zimbabwe come in size XXL. Elephants, pods of hippos, buffalo, big cats, and primates roam the banks of the Zambezi.

Guest services

From the main welcome pavilion, you’ll transfer to the lounge lobby, where amenities will include a raised restaurant and lounge, specialty dining and braai bar, and sunset look-out bar. The Six Senses Spa and wellness facilities will include four treatment rooms, a gym, a yoga deck, outdoor hot pools, a panoramic sauna, and an integrated retail and concept store. The jungle gym is literal, and you’re therefore accompanied by a ranger. 

Along with on-site signature experiences such as the Earth Lab, Alchemy Bar, and Grow With Six Senses children’s activities, Six Senses Victoria Falls couldn’t be better placed for access to the river on the Six Senses cruiser, the falls, the game reserves, and paying homage to Zimbabwe’s heritage and artisan culture.

Accommodations

In addition to the 22 lodges with private terraces, there will be 15 deluxe lodges with suspended pools. Some of these lodges can be inter-connected. Plans are also afoot for 17 individual pool villas, nine of which offer multi-bedroom accommodation. The design brief is to capture Zimbabwe’s  eclectic and authentic spirit, with timber floors and natural finishes serving as a canvas to showcase ceremonial and bespoke furnishings and artwork. The aim is to achieve timeless sophistication and comfort overlayed with colors, textures, and craftsmanship.

The seamless blurring of the interior and exterior design evokes reconnection to nature and moments of mindfulness to breathe in the savannah breezes and river mists to the rhythm of a chirruping cicada. 

Six Senses Victoria Falls is slated to open in 2025. 

Source: Stilted Eco-Lodges on the Zambezi (17/11/2022)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (March 2019) $500m investment for Victoria Falls... International hotel chain to set up exclusive leisure centre.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (February 2021) Zambezi River Scenes Which Inspired Livingstone Under Threat.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (November 2021) Latest 5-star hotel to change face of Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (December 2021) Glow Petroleum opens US$1,5m facility in Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (May 2022) Prevalence of wild animals worries Vic Falls residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (20th October 2022) IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection hotel in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th November 2022) Six Senses Stilted Eco-Lodges on the Zambezi.

 

Read more on this controversial proposal on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

Hilton Group keen to operate in Zimbabwe

 The American multinational hospitality company, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc is interested in setting up in Zimbabwe. This was revealed by the national tourism promotion body, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), this week.

Posting on its website, the ZTA indicated that the global hospitality group had told its (ZTA’s) Chief Executive Officer, Winnie Muchanyuka of its intention to operate in Zimbabwe during the Hotel Investment Forum held from 2 to 4 November 2022 at Fairmount Taghazout Bay Agadir in Morocco.

“While at the conference, ZTA Chief Executive Officer, Winnie Muchanyuka and her team met with various stakeholders and potential investors. An engagement with world acclaimed Hilton Group was among the most fruitful as the team met with Samantha Muna, Hilton Development Director for East Africa, who confirmed the group’s commitment to operate in Zimbabwe saying they’re already on the ground and are looking forward to ZTA’s facilitation to connect to project promoters and partner,” read part of the post.

This is not the first time that the Hilton Group has been reported to be interested in setting up in Zimbabwe.

A report by the South African-based CAJ News in July this year highlighted that the Hilton Group had entered into a US$50 million deal with the City of Victoria Falls and Lamcent Capital to build a 120-room hotel in the resort city. Under the deal, the City of Victoria Falls would provide land, which is located next to the four-star Palm River Hotel that was opened in December 2021.

In Southern Africa, the Hilton Group already operates in Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. According to hotelmanagement.net, in 2018 Hilton’s portfolio had approximately 90 hotels operating and under construction across five brands in Africa. At the time the continent had about 39 Hilton-branded hotels, five of which were in South Africa.

Source: Hilton Group keen to operate in Zimbabwe (9/11/2022)

High Court seemingly reluctant to stop threats facing Victoria Falls

 More than five months have passed now since the High Court was approached to stop a substantial riverside restaurant development near the Victoria Falls and the commercialisation of Cataract Island in the tourism city.

Earlier this year information emerged that two private companies were about to undertake commercial operations in the vicinity of the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site.

Adage Success P/L apparently had permission from the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority (ZNPWA) to undertake commercial activities on Cataract Island including a natural plunge pool experience on the immediate edge of the Main Falls.

This was subsequently advertised by Zambezi Crescent, Mr Mark Bosch’s company.

On May 30 this year, Larry Norton, an artist based in Victoria Falls filed a case at the High Court in the capital Harare, along with other residents, to stop these developments. The court application was filed on an urgent basis.

But it has been more than five months now and the matter is yet to be heard.

The controversial developments are, however, taking place at one of the seven wonders of the world.

In an open letter aimed at updating the world about the ongoing court case, Norton articulated that the judiciary was yet to hear their matter. He added that they have been writing letters to authorities to act but nothing has yet materialised.

“Despite an urgent application submitted on 30th May 2022, the case has yet to be heard. 149 days have passed with no ruling from the judge on the Urgent Application to stop these activities.

“Three letters to the high court questioning this extraordinary and unheard of delay have been sent. The last letter was acknowledged by the Registrar,” Norton wrote.

He further stated that he was threatened by unnamed government officials who wanted to stop him from challenging the matter.

“At the outset of this process I received a phone call from a government official. I was asked who I represented, ordered to stop enquiries, desist from talking to people about these issues and advised that I was going against the government.

“After the court process had begun another government official approached a number of individuals who had written supporting applications for the case to attempt to persuade them to abandon their applications. He was unsuccessful. I question his interest in two proposed commercial enterprises,” Norton added.

Around 2016 a Victoria Falls tourism company was offered Cataract Island and turned the lease down due to a public outcry. Two other local operators then applied for the same lease. Both offered substantial lease fees. Both were turned down by ZNPWA for environmental reasons.

A lease was later surreptitiously awarded to Adage of Success for US$5,000 per year (as per court papers submitted). This amount is payable in RTGS.

Norton said the restaurant is sited 40 metres from the Rainforest fence, on the water’s edge approaching Devil’s Cataract. The developers have cleared large sections of riverine bush . They are currently concreting foundations.

He added: “These actions, in such a sensitive site, to me, demonstrate a callous disregard for this fragile environment and wild space in exchange for personal profit.”

He appealed to the World Heritage Site monitors to urgently investigate both the proposed riverside restaurant development and the Cataract Island commercial operation on the Zimbabwe side.

Source: High Court seemingly reluctant to stop threats facing Victoria Falls (7/11/22)

Victoria Falls Town Clerk Refuses To Resign Over Corruption Allegations

 Victoria Falls City Council town clerk Ronnie Dube says he will not resign over corruption allegations levelled against the local authority’s management and councillors.

Dube told VicFallsLive that he will not quit over unproven corruption allegations.

This comes after Victoria Falls mayor Somvelo Dhlamini was arrested early this month on allegations of fraud.

Dhlamini was arrested after war veterans from Matabeleland North and Victoria Falls residents raided the town clerk’s office and force-marched him out demanding that he (Dube) step aside to allow for investigations into allegations of corruption levelled against him to be concluded first.

Residents allege that councillors and Dube sold a piece of land which had been set aside for a water, hygiene and sanitation project, for only US$4 million instead of the US$14 million which was agreed to by a full council meeting.

They further claimed that councillors and Dube shared US$400 000 that was paid as a bribe by the lowest bidder.

But Dube insists he is not going anywhere and will only speak about the allegations after ongoing investigations by various agencies are completed. He said:

I have nothing really to say, but I will not be forced to resign because people have said things and judged me for corruption.

All I can say for now is I am watching the space because all these allegations have prompted various legal instruments to be put in by the central government, the police, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and a ministry of Local Government investigation team.

So let it be, let them come and let’s watch the space.

For all those allegations I will only be able to fully comment after all the investigations have been completed, but on the calibre of councillors, that is not my call.

It is the same people who are complaining that voted for them and the good thing is that we are having elections next year.

So they should start choosing councillors that would stand for their calls.

In November 2021, Hwange magistrate Barbara Phiri dropped charges of criminal abuse of office against Dube after prosecutor Kudzai Mudzamiri made a verbal submission seeking to withdraw the charges before plea citing a lack of evidence.

Source: Victoria Falls Town Clerk Refuses To Resign Over Corruption Allegations (29/10/2022)

IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection hotel in Zimbabwe, Africa

 IHG® Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of a Management Agreement with HOC Hospitality Investments Ltd., for a new build Vignette hotel in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  The signing marks the brand’s foray into Middle East and Africa region, as the 10th Vignette hotel, coinciding with its first Anniversary.

Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied independent stay experiences. Where luxury meets purpose, Vignette Collection hotels weave responsibility, community, and locality together and exist to make a positive impact in every way.

House of Chinhara – Vignette Collection will open in January 2026 in the city of Victoria Falls and offer an urban resort hospitality option to over 250,000 annual tourist visitors.  The awe-inspiring waterfall, one of the largest in the world, and its Rainforest National Park and Elephant Trails attract leisure visitors seeking both serenity and adventure. However, following the recent designation of the town as a financial services Special Economic Zone and the creation of the Victoria Falls Stock Exchange, the area is expected to see a significant increase in corporate and MICE demand as well.

Based in the city centre, and just 20km from the airport, the House of Chinhara is made up of 99 keys and includes 2 F&B outlets, and 3 bars/cafes on site.  Guests can also make use of its health club and 800 sqm of spa/retail space.  Also catering to corporate demand, the hotel will include four meeting rooms comprising 620 sqm, with the largest room hosting up to 360 people in a theatre style layout.

The hotel will complement the Six Senses Victoria Falls, which is also being developed by HOC Hospitality Investments Ltd. as the brand’s first riverside game lodge resort in the Victoria Falls National Park buffer zone, a UNESCO Protected Area. The property will have 54 rooms and three food and beverage outlets including an all-day dining, a specialty dining, and a signature dining & sundowner bar, as well as a spa, integrated retail and concept store. 

Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “The signing of this 10th Vignette hotel is a key milestone, as the brand is fast gaining strength across the world and enabling the expansion of our Luxury and Lifestyle offering worldwide.  Following the pandemic, we expect that luxury guests will continue to make more considered travel choices and seek more customised experiences and personal enrichment with community engagement and sustainability at the heart. Luxury meets purpose at Vignette Collection hotels and an integral part of creating an authentic guest experience is the opportunity to engage with the local community in a positive way. Victoria Falls is a key destination for international travellers, across both tourism and business segments, and we’re pleased to partner with HOC Hospitality Investments to bring a new hotel to the region that allows our guests to experience the varied wonders of this magnificent destination.”

Aaron Chinhara, HOC Hospitality Investments Ltd. said: “We are pleased to partner with IHG on bringing both Six Senses and a Vignette collection brand to Zimbabwe creating a truly world class destination for international visitors, whilst creating positive impact on the surroundings and local communities. We trust IHG’s powerful enterprise, including their renewed IHG One Rewards loyalty program in driving more guests to experience Victoria Falls, from our gateway location between the entrance of the city and attractions such as Rainforest National Park and Elephant trails.”

IHG’s Vignette Collection gives owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from a global scale and Luxury and Lifestyle expertise. Vignette Collection hotels are unique in their own right, with their own distinct outlook and story to tell, and this new signing is no exception.  It joins existing Vignette properties across countries including Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Australia, but House of Chinhara marks the brand’s first foray into the IMEA region.

The town of Victoria Falls is located in the northwest of Zimbabwe on the border with Zambia and has a population of 35,000, which increases up to 10-fold through tourist visitation annually. While the town is remote in relation to the rest of the country, it enjoys a central location in the region relative to South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Source: IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection hotel in Zimbabwe, Africa (28/10/2022)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (March 2019) $500m investment for Victoria Falls... International hotel chain to set up exclusive leisure centre.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (February 2021) Zambezi River Scenes Which Inspired Livingstone Under Threat.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (November 2021) Latest 5-star hotel to change face of Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (December 2021) Glow Petroleum opens US$1,5m facility in Vic Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (May 2022) Prevalence of wild animals worries Vic Falls residents.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (20th October 2022) IHG Hotels & Resorts signs first Vignette Collection hotel in Zimbabwe, Africa.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (18th November 2022) Six Senses Stilted Eco-Lodges on the Zambezi.

 Read more on this controversial proposal on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.

 

Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse plans halted by High Court, Zimbabwe

 The lease agreement between Hwange Rural District Council and Stelix Civils, which intended to build the Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse, for 500 hectares of land was declared null. The decision was made by Bulawayo’s High Court Justice Evangelista Kabasa.

The ruling was made after 100 villagers filed a lawsuit to stop the Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse development. They claimed it would force them from their ancestral land.

After hearing arguments from lawyers, Justice Kabasa said the manner in which they went about it was unlawful. This is despite Hwange RDC’s plans of developing the public land in question.

The verdict was delivered on September 20 but was not made public until recently.

Why the villagers filed a lawsuit against the development of Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse

The argument focused on the legality of a decision made by the local authorities on June 11, 2018. The decision granted Stelix a lease for 500 hectares of land. Stelix then fenced the area off.

The villagers of the communities of Chibode, Kachecheti, and Nemananga argued that the Hwange RDC had surpassed its authority. This was by attempting to grant a business lease to Stelix. The move violates Section 10 of the Communal Lands Act. It specifies that only the local government minister can set aside communal land for other developments. The villagers were represented by lawyer Josphat Tshuma of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights.

The first respondent, local government minister July Moyo, chose to follow the court’s findings and chose not to file any papers.

Why the judge declared the development invalid

The local government minister was not involved in all the procedures that led to the Hwange RDC’s decision granting a lease to Stelix. This was according to Justice Kabasa’s ruling. Similarly, the Minister, not Hwange RDC, is to undertake the procedures outlined in Section 10.

According to the Administrative Justice Act, the judge said that it was unnecessary to address additional concerns raised by the villagers on the lack of consultation and the unreasonableness of Hwange RDC’s actions. She said that the conduct itself was unlawful and permeated throughout the entire process. She also claimed that it was irrational.

The judge stated she found no reason to impose punishing costs against the local authorities. She also credited the Hwange RDC for being driven by a desire to develop the region.

The judge finally ruled that the leasing agreement between Hwange RDC and Stelix for the purpose of constructing a racecourse was invalid. Additionally, all actions and conduct undertaken by Hwange RDC following the issuing of the lease agreement to Stelix were declared invalid.

The villagers’ demand that Stelix takes down its fence within 48 hours of the ruling was dismissed by the judge in their proposed draft order.

Source: Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse plans halted by High Court, Zimbabwe (15/10/22)

See Also

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (9th May 2018) Investor keen to bring Grand Prix to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (2nd June 2018) Huge Boost for Vic Falls As UAE Investors to Build World Class Hospital, Motor Racing Course, Shopping Mall and a Hotel.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (30th July 2018) Vic Falls’ $1.2 bn project takes shape.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (27th September 2018) Construction of Grand Prix circuit in Vic Falls to go ahead.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (4th June 2019) Vic Falls Grand Prix arena to boost tourism.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (29th January 2020) New Vic Falls sporting facility a boom for sports tourism.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (7th July 2021) Victoria Falls F1 circuit construction reaches major milestone.

Victoria Falls Falls Bits and Blogs (13th October 2022) Why a Formula One racetrack in Zimbabwe is a pipe dream.

Victoria Falls Bits and Blogs (16th October 2022) Victoria Falls F1-grade racecourse plans halted by High Court.

Read more on the Keep Victoria Falls Wild website.