Ilala Lodge Backend

Tag: ilala cares

  • Restoring Ndlovu Secondary School

    Restoring Ndlovu Secondary School

    At Ilala Lodge Hotel, giving back to our community is an integral part of what we stand for. As part of the Palm Hospitality Group’s (PHG) broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, our recent partnership with Ndlovu Secondary School stands as a proud example of how sustainable development can change lives.

    Let’s take a closer look…

    A Community In Need

    Our partnership with Ndlovu Secondary School began in August 2024 with one clear goal: To help the school recover from major storm damage and become safe to reopen. The previous year, strong winds and heavy rains had torn off large sections of the roof, leaving the school in disrepair. During our visit, it quickly became clear that the most urgent needs were access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities.

    To ensure the success of the initiative, we partnered with Corinthians, a local NGO focused on sports development and youth upliftment. We also engaged closely with the local leadership, including the Chief, headman, councillor, and school development committee, securing community support every step of the way.

     

    Water: A Basic Right, A First Priority

    Our first mission was clear: Restore access to clean water.

    The school’s solar-powered borehole had long been out of commission, and both teachers and learners were relying on pit latrines due to non-functional water systems and a damaged soakaway. Even the children’s toilet block was roofless, exposing them further to unhygienic conditions.

    In January 2025, our dedicated PHG maintenance team got to work. The worn-out 200-metre cable was replaced, the solar borehole system rehabilitated, and the solar panels were serviced – restoring water access not only to the school, but also to the teachers’ cottages and the wider community.

    Recognising that sustainable water access also requires adequate storage, we installed four 2 500-litre water tanks and constructed a tank stand for a 5 000-litre reservoir.

    With a total storage capacity of 15 000 litres, Ndlovu Secondary School is now better equipped to expand its agricultural projects and maintain good hygiene practices.

    Beyond water and sanitation, our team also turned attention to the school’s administration block, which had suffered major damage during the same storm. With the help of a local construction company, some classrooms had already been re-roofed. We stepped in to repair leaking ceilings, repaint the offices, reception area, and computer room, and give the entire block a much-needed facelift.

    What was once a tired-looking space plagued by water damage now looks fresh, clean, and welcoming!

    Celebrating Progress

    In a heartwarming handover ceremony, eight members from PHG (made up of both Ilala Lodge and Palm River Hotel) and three representatives from Corinthians travelled to Ndlovu to officially mark the completion of the project’s first phase. Our Human Resources Manager, Phillip, led the team, and we were honoured by the presence of local leaders, including the councillor, headman, and representatives from the school development committee, National Parks, and Breeze FM.

    The event was a celebration in every sense. In a generous and unexpected gesture, the councillor donated a cow to feed everyone in attendance. Watching the children enjoy a hearty meal of sadza, rice, meat, and cold drinks reminded us why we do this work: Real change creates real joy!

    VIEW VIDEO HERE.

    World Environment Day Schools Debate

    On the same day as the handover celebration, Ndlovu Secondary School also hosted the 2025 World Environment Day Schools Debate, proudly sponsored by Palm Hospitality Group. Eight schools participated (three rural and five urban) with the theme “Ending Plastic Pollution.” The day began with a community clean-up, followed by the debate, which focused on wetland conservation and other Sustainable Development Goals. Urban schools showed strong performances, highlighting the need for better resources in rural areas like Ndlovu. It was a powerful day of awareness, learning, and community connection.

    Watch a clip of this happy day here.

    Our Broader Mission

    As we reflect on this journey, we’re reminded of the power of partnership, perseverance, and purpose. We remain deeply committed to providing meaningful differences within our local community of Victoria Falls. At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we believe that hospitality goes beyond comfort and service; it’s also about compassion. We are proud to be part of a hospitality group that sees community development not as a side project, but as a responsibility.

    The project has been completed through the Palm Hospitality Group Foundation, which is supported by the dedication of our hospitality teams at Ilala and Palm River Hotel, alongside the generous donations made by guests visiting our establishments. We are grateful for their ongoing support and are proud to share with the world, the tangible differences we are actively involved in. For more details on our other Foundation efforts, please view our recent endeavours here.

  • Sharing Easter Warmth & Comfort With Our Community

    Sharing Easter Warmth & Comfort With Our Community

    “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

    At Ilala Lodge Hotel, we believe in the power of community and the impact of small acts of kindness. Through our Ilala Cares initiative, we are proud to support and uplift the people who make up the Victoria Falls community; those who have lived their lives in our beautiful town and in turn, have made it such a special place to call home.

    This past Easter, we embraced the spirit of giving with thoughtful donations, bringing comfort and dignity to those in our community who need it most.

    Comfort For Our Elders

    The heart of any community lies in its elders, and this Easter we were honoured to bring a little extra comfort to the residents of the Old People’s Home. With a donation of 20 bedsheets, 20 towels and 50 pillowcases, our goal was to brighten their living spaces and remind them that they are seen, loved, and respected.

    One of the highlights of this visit was the joy experienced at seeing Mumba, a familiar face who regularly visits the home for fellowship. His warm reception from the residents touched all of us deeply and reminded us of why these moments matter so much.

    Chinotimba Clinic: Supporting Our Local Healthcare Heroes

    Healthcare workers are the unsung heroes of every community, and Chinotimba Clinic in Victoria Falls is no exception. Despite limited resources, this municipal facility remains a vital lifeline for thousands. (Especially mothers and newborns in the clinic’s busy maternity ward, which houses more than 20 beds.)

    This Easter, we delivered essential linen to the clinic to support the hardworking staff in their day-to-day care of patients. With no washing machine on site and ongoing structural challenges – like a damaged roof – every donation makes a difference. The gratitude and excitement from the team reminded us that helping healthcare heroes goes far beyond material support; it’s about standing in solidarity with those who care for others.

    Spreading Warmth Through ‘Donate a Blanket’

    As temperatures begin to dip heading into the cooler months, we teamed up with the Donate a Blanket Group to help provide comfort to the most vulnerable members of our community. This grassroots organisation focuses on assisting seniors and orphans in Ward 11 of Mfelandawonye, located in the Mkosana township.

    Ilala Lodge Hotel proudly contributed 40 pillowcases, 20 bed sheets, and 20 towels towards this initiative.

    Our Why

    Ilala Cares isn’t just a slogan – it’s a reflection of our values. As a proudly Zimbabwean, family-run hotel, we recognise the deep connections between hospitality, community, and humanity. By giving back, we ensure that our community continues to grow stronger, healthier, and more hopeful.

    Whether it’s fresh linens, a kind word, or simply showing up, we remain committed to being part of the change we want to see. Thank you to our staff, guests, and local partners who make these efforts possible.

    Stay With Us

    When you choose to stay at Ilala Lodge Hotel, you become part of a bigger story – one rooted in community and care.

    Browse our stunning suites and select a room that best suits your ideal Victoria Falls getaway. Secure your dates by reaching out to our reservation team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com or by using our online booking platform.

    Thank you for supporting a hotel that gives back – we can’t wait to share the heart of Victoria Falls with you!

     

  • From Garden to Table at Ilala Lodge Hotel

    From Garden to Table at Ilala Lodge Hotel

    Nestled in the heart of Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge Hotel is more than just a place to rest and enjoy after exploring one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We are also a hotel that prides itself on sustainability and providing our guests with fresh, locally-sourced food when they come and dine with us.

    While our property offers the luxury of close proximity to Victoria Falls, our sister property The Palm River Hotel (located a few kilometres upstream from the Falls on the banks of the Zambezi River) is where the magic of our group’s sustainable garden begins.

    The vegetables and fresh produce grown at The Palm River Hotel are essential not only to their on-site restaurant, but to our own award-winning Cassia Restaurant as well.

    Both hotels benefit from this green initiative, which brings the freshest produce directly to the tables of our Victoria Falls restaurants!

    The Palm River Hotel’s Vegetable Plantation

    The vegetable plantation at The Palm River Hotel is grown in fertile soil fed by the waters of the Zambezi River.

    This nutrient-rich environment offers an ideal setting to grow a wide range of vegetables, herbs, and even spices!

    Through innovative sustainable practices, we have created a robust garden that supports the kitchens of both The Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel. Compost is collected from both properties and used to nourish the soil, ensuring that all the produce is organically grown and free from synthetic fertilisers.

    The result? A consistent supply of high-quality ingredients that make their way into our kitchens, where they help to inspire delightful dishes for our guests.

    From Garden to Plate

    At The Palm River Hotel, our vegetable plantation spans both a large Potager Garden and a smaller Kitchen Potager, providing a wide variety of fresh produce.

    This includes everything from leafy greens like Cos Lettuce and Wild Rocket to fragrant herbs like Rosemary, Mint, and Basil, all of which find their way onto the plates of diners at The Cassia Restaurant. We also grow vibrant flowers, microgreens, and exciting varieties like heirloom tomatoes and dragon fruit, each adding unique flavours and textures to our menus.

    Whether it’s the crispness of freshly harvested lettuce, the zing of locally-grown lemongrass, or the fragrant rosemary used in our heartier dishes, our shared garden inspires our kitchen teams to keep dreaming up new flavour combinations to suit the season.

    Dedicated to Sustainable Hospitality

    Our group’s dedication to locally-sourced ingredients is central to our brand of hospitality, where sustainability and investing in the wider community takes centre stage.

    We also like to think that incorporating food grown on one of our premises makes a unique and personal touch for our guests! After all, what could be more personal than knowing the food you’re eating has been grown especially for you?

    To delve deeper into the ways our hotel group gives back to Victoria Falls as a whole, feel free to read all about Ilala Cares here.

    Stay With Us

    With our world-class amenities, personalised service and unbeatable location just minutes from the Falls, Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a truly unforgettable experience.

    To book your stay, get in touch with our friendly reservations team at reservations@ilalalodge.co.zw or use our easy-to-navigate online booking platform to secure your dates.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Ilala Lodge Hotel and sharing the fruits (and veggies!) of our labour with you.

     

  • The Conscientious Traveller’s Guide To Victoria Falls

    The Conscientious Traveller’s Guide To Victoria Falls

    Experiencing new cultures is one of life’s great joys! Let’s explore responsible ways to enjoy Victoria Falls so that you can get the most out of your trip.

    What does it mean to be a conscientious traveller in today’s terms? We are fortunate to live in a time when travelling from one side of the globe to the other is relatively easy, all things considered, but with this incredible privilege comes equal responsibility.

    In our books, being a conscientious traveller comes down to one fundamental principle: Consideration. Consider the place you are visiting as a whole. Victoria Falls is more than a tourist destination; it is also a home to many, an environment deserving of protection and a socio-economic structure with its own rules and rhythms. A conscientious visitor’s place is to learn, participate and enjoy the many gifts of travel in Victoria Falls, while employing a few considerate habits.

    Let’s explore where and when they will apply together!

    Victoria Falls Guide: Getting Around Town

    Ilala Lodge Hotel is nestled right in the heart of Victoria Falls, a stone’s throw away from Victoria Falls National Park and all the other exciting attractions of town.

    While our grounds are private and secluded, vibrant shops and eateries await you just outside the gates. Vic Falls locals are incredibly proud of our beautiful town, and you will discover this during your explorations. It’s perfectly safe to walk around town, with warm smiles and greetings awaiting you everywhere you go.

    When visiting one of the many stores or markets nearby, being a conscientious traveller means respecting local customs and practices. While haggling might be common in the open air or craft markets, it is not always appropriate in the more formal store set-ups where prices are fixed. Cash remains king in Victoria Falls, with the U.S. dollar being the preferred currency for transactions. Ensure you carry small denominations, as change might be limited. Adhering to these guidelines helps foster positive interactions and supports the local economy.

    Where safety is concerned, Victoria Falls takes pride in its status as a tourism destination and is invested in keeping its reputation as a safe, friendly town intact. As with all places, you should take care of your personal belongings, but you shouldn’t be afraid to tackle the town on foot. In fact, it’s encouraged! Inside Victoria Falls National Park itself, there are additional tourism safety guards stationed for your peace of mind. (And to ensure appropriate behaviour inside the park – like not walking too close to the edge of the gorge.)

    Ethical Wildlife Encounters

    Apart from the mighty Falls, Victoria Falls is a hub for day trips to the surrounding wildlife areas. In many of the parks, both in Zimbabwe and nearby Zambia, you will have the incredible opportunity to see many large African mammals like lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, wild dogs and more!

    We do, however, like to draw our visitors’ attention to the difference between a well-run game reserve and exploitative animal encounters that put profit above the well-being of wild animals.

    When in doubt as to whether a wildlife experience is ethical or not, consider these two rules of thumb:

    1. Sometimes, the pricey experience is preferable to the money-saver. Why? You get what you pay for, and this applies to the quality of your game driver and tracker and the principles they adhere to in the park to keep you and the animals safe.

    2. Avoid experiences that allow exploitative touching of a wild animal – the animal must always have a choice! Overall we’d encourage you to avoid any personal encounters with wild animals, but there are rare exceptions where the experience is well-run and to the benefit of the species’ rehabilitation. Do your research and make use of reputable operators.

    Travel Tip: Our Ra-Ikane River Cruises are a wonderful way to take in the wildlife along the banks of the Zambezi River in a safe and stunning setting that respects both the environment and the animals.

    What About Us?

    Now that we’ve given you a few pointers on exploring Victoria Falls in an ethical way, it’s only fair that we put our cards on the table, too.

    Here at Ilala Lodge Hotel, we care deeply about our context, our town and our community.

    Through the Palm Hospitality Group (PHG) Foundation, our dedicated team is deeply committed to giving back to the Victoria Falls community. Formed in 2022, the Foundation supports a range of initiatives, from environmental preservation and recycling to wildlife protection and local fundraisers. We proudly back the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit and engage in community clean-ups and sustainable waste management. By collaborating with schools, hospitals and NGOs, we strive to protect and enrich our beautiful town.

    Read more about our extensive contributions here.

    If you’re interested in supporting the PHG Foundation, we welcome a voluntary donation starting at just $5.00, which you can conveniently add to your bill at checkout.

    Stay With Us

    For a unique holiday stay filled with personal touches, convenient amenities, luxurious lodgings and all the wonder that comes with being so close to the mighty Victoria Falls, stay with us at Ilala Lodge Hotel. We can’t wait to share all that Zimbabwe has to offer with you – from world-class cuisine to friendly hospitality and unsurpassable natural beauty.

    Browse our accommodation options here and get in touch with us via onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to secure your dates. Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.