Latest news with #VictoriaFalls
Travel Weekly
2 days ago
- General
- Travel Weekly
Three unforgettable stays in South Africa
Nadia "Sparkle" Henry At my agency, I specialize in crafting tailor-made itineraries that reflect each client's personality, lifestyle and vacation dreams. I don't just book trips, I create journeys that are immersive and memorable, often built around unique accommodations rich in culture and history. I always make it a point to travel to and immerse myself in these destinations and accommodations before recommending them; after all, nothing compares to firsthand experience. It enables me to share stories and insights directly with clients, enriching their journey before it even begins. In March, I traveled to South Africa to explore three accommodations that go far beyond just offering a place to sleep. My first stop was Rovos Rail, a family-owned luxury train company that is based in South Africa but operates routes through several countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia and Tanzania. I embarked on the three-night, four-day journey from Victoria Falls to Pretoria -- a trip that started at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel right outside the train station. The author in front of a Rovos Rail Luxury Train car in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. Photo Credit: Nadia "Sparkle" Henry Onboard, the cabins are comfortable and well appointed, with your choice of a king or two twin beds, a work desk and a private bathroom with a shower. The fare included accommodations, all meals and drinks, room service, laundry, excursions with guides, entrance fees and taxes. Basically, it's an all-inclusive experience, minus entertainment. That's the one area I felt could be enhanced, perhaps with local performances at some of the stops. One highlight was an early morning game drive in Hwange National Park, where we spotted lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas, baboons and wildebeests. Day three was a more relaxed pace as we took in breathtaking scenery from small villages to majestic mountains and crossed the Tropic of Capricorn, a moment that felt straight out of a movie. If you're looking to check a luxury train off your bucket list, or a client's list, Rovos Rail is a must. Related story: A personal quest to rediscover South Africa Next was the Shalati Resort, familiarly known as the "Train on the Bridge," which is suspended over the Sabi River in South Africa's Kruger National Park. The author's accommodations at Kruger Shalati Resort on the Selati Bridge over the Sabi River in Kruger National Park. Photo Credit: Nadia "Sparkle" Henry I've experienced few properties like this one. The resort offers two types of accommodations: 24 Carriage Suites onboard the train and seven Bridge House Suites located nearby in a lush garden setting. I stayed in both to get the full experience. The Carriage Suite was the standout. With large windows overlooking the river, I could watch animals roam from the comfort of my bed or enjoy the view while soaking in a deep bathtub. The train also features a bar and a pool perched on the bridge. Sipping a drink while swimming above the Sabi River was truly magical. Staying at Shalati includes all meals, house drinks and two daily game drives, one in the early morning and the other in the evening. They offered a different lens on wildlife behavior and were equally memorable. My final stop was Sanctuary Mandela, a boutique hotel in Johannesburg's Houghton suburb. Formerly the residence of Nelson Mandela after he was released from Robben Island prison, this intimate hotel has only nine rooms, each designed to reflect a part of Mandela's life story. I stayed in Room 2, named Rolihlahla after his birth name. The energy and legacy of Mandela are felt in every corner of the hotel, which doubles as a living museum, with memorabilia and stories throughout. The on-site restaurant serves Mandela's favorite meals, prepared by his longtime personal chef, Xoliswa Ndoyiya, who still cooks at the hotel part-time. If you're seeking accommodations that leave a lasting impression, I highly recommend these three for their stories, authenticity and immersive experiences. You, and your clients, will not be disappointed.
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
IPPs spearhead over 16,000MW power projects in Zimbabwe
This comes as the country's power utility firm, Zesa Holdings, has capital requirements of US$2 billion, which is limiting its ability to provide steady power. Independent power producers (IPPs), primarily from the mining and industrial sectors, are investing in solar, coal and hydroelectric projects to secure consistent power amid persistent blackouts and rising tariffs. The IEUG represents Zimbabwe's largest electricity consumers across the mining, manufacturing and agriculture sectors. The group champions sustainable energy solutions, particularly through IPPs, to reduce the reliance on the strained national grid and improve industrial competitiveness. 'We've accepted the challenge from President Emmerson Mnangagwa,' Cross said during last week's Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe's annual conference held in Victoria Falls. 'At this moment, we have around 16,000MW of new power production under development: 2,000MW (solar), 2,000MW (coal) and 12,000MW (hydro). If we can deliver this at competitive rates, we will solve our problems as the private sector.' Zimbabwe's peak electricity demand exceeds 2,000MW, yet generation remains unstable, fluctuating between 1,000MW and 1,400MW due to capacity limitations at the Kariba South Hydro and Hwange thermal power stations. These limitations have left most sectors of the economy vulnerable to loadshedding and erratic supply, despite the government's efforts to stabilise the sector. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
26-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zimbabwe's Kuvimba Mining seeks $950mln in financing
Zimbabwe's Kuvimba Mining House is seeking to raise $950 million to invest in raising its gold and lithium output, CEO Trevor Barnard said at a mining conference in Victoria Falls. 'First and foremost we need funding,' Barnard said. 'We require a significant amount of funding to make our businesses work.' Barnard didn't disclose the potential investors Kuvimba has engaged to raise the financing and how long the process will take. Kuvimba owns some of Zimbabwe's oldest gold mines, including Freda Rebecca and Shamva. It also mines lithium and has previously said its searching for financing to build a new platinum-group metals mine. Kuvimba's Bindura Nickel Corp was placed under administration last year after failing to raise financing to revive production following an underground equipment failure in September that halted mining operations. © Copyright The Zimbabwean. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Zimbabwe want to host England at Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe have not hosted England men's team for over two decades [Getty Images] England are in early discussions to tour Zimbabwe for the first time since 2004, with a new ground near Victoria Falls earmarked as the likely venue. They have not played in the country since four one-day internationals 21 years ago, after cricket ties were severed in 2008 for political reasons. Advertisement Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) officials have used this week's one-off Test at Trent Bridge to strengthen relations with their counterparts at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The possibility of a bilateral series on Zimbabwean soil in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) from 2027 to 2031 has been raised during talks between senior figures of the two boards. Discussions are at a very early stage and there is no indication as to the format, or the number of matches, but sources have told BBC Sport they are "very optimistic" an agreement can be reached. A bilateral white-ball series would appear the most likely option, but a one-off Test - potentially as a precursor to a longer Test tour of nearby South Africa - might hold more appeal to travelling England supporters. Advertisement The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has been present at Trent Bridge, where they have been actively promoting the country as a holiday destination. ZC is currently overseeing the construction of a new ground near Victoria Falls, named the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, which it hopes will be a draw to visiting fans because of its location close to the waterfalls and safari excursions. The 10,000-seater venue is being built with financial support from the International Cricket Council (ICC), at a cost between £4m and £8m, for the 2027 50-over World Cup which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with South Africa and Namibia. ECB chief executive Richard Gould was among the delegates at a recent ICC board meeting in Zimbabwe which included a visit to Victoria Falls. Advertisement It is possible England could play in Zimbabwe at the 2027 World Cup, with the ICC yet to determine the schedule. Political unrest in Zimbabwe under the regime of former president Robert Mugabe caused problems for England's men's team throughout the 2000s. England boycotted their fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare at the 2003 World Cup. England travelled to Zimbabwe for a one-day series in 2004 but were under pressure to cancel Zimbabwe's 2009 tour of England before the government intervened in June 2008 to sever cricketing ties. Zimbabwe withdrew from the 2009 T20 World Cup in England. England have played only three two-Test series against Zimbabwe, and the ECB is covering Zimbabwe's tour fee for the Trent Bridge Test.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Zimbabwe want to host England at Victoria Falls
England will be offered the chance of a winter tour to Zimbabwe before 2031, with a new ground near Victoria Falls earmarked as the likely venue. Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) officials have used this week's one-off Test at Trent Bridge to strengthen relations with their counterparts at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). The possibility of a bilateral series on Zimbabwean soil in the next cycle of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) from 2027 to 2031 has been raised during talks between senior figures of the two boards. England have not played in the country since four one-day internationals in 2004, after cricket ties were severed in 2008 for political reasons. Discussions are at a very early stage and there is no indication as to the format, or the number of matches, but sources have told BBC Sport they are "very optimistic" an agreement can be reached. A bilateral white-ball series would appear the most likely option, but a one-off Test - potentially as a precursor to a longer Test tour of nearby South Africa - might hold more appeal to travelling England supporters. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has been present at Trent Bridge, where they have been actively promoting the country as a holiday destination. ZC is currently overseeing the construction of a new ground near Victoria Falls, named the Fale Mosi-oa-Tunya International Cricket Stadium, which it hopes will be a draw to visiting fans because of its location close to the waterfalls and safari excursions. The 10,000-seater venue is being built with financial support from the International Cricket Council (ICC), at a cost between £4m and £8m, for the 2027 50-over World Cup which Zimbabwe is co-hosting with South Africa and Namibia. ECB chief executive Richard Gould was among the delegates at a recent ICC board meeting in Zimbabwe which included a visit to Victoria Falls. It is possible England could play in Zimbabwe at the 2027 World Cup, with the ICC yet to determine the schedule. Political unrest in Zimbabwe under the regime led of former president Robert Mugabe caused problems for England's men's team throughout the 2000s. England boycotted their fixture against Zimbabwe in Harare at the 2003 World Cup. England travelled to Zimbabwe for a one-day series in 2004, but were under pressure to cancel Zimbabwe's 2009 tour of England before the government intervened in June 2008 to sever cricketing ties. Zimbabwe withdrew from the 2009 T20 World Cup in England. England have played only three two-Test series against Zimbabwe, and the ECB is covering Zimbabwe's tour fee for the Trent Bridge Test. Get cricket news sent straight to your phone
