Since Botswana President, Seretse Ian Khama, opened Ngoma in May 2011 occupancy rates have averaged 42% and are climbing steadily with a cosmopolitan mix of international guests, headed by the Italians and Americans.

“It’s been an exceptional first year,” said Ross Kennedy, group Chief Executive of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), whose flagship is the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL) that links so easily with Ngoma as a sublime multi-destination safari experience. “Our occupancy at Ngoma is very satisfying for a new build,” said Kennedy, “and the rest of 2012 shows more than 60% on the books and growing with an average stay of two nights.

“The Italians top our numbers and just love it; they are inspired by the experience, but we have also welcomed guests from USA, United Kingdom, Spain, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Portugal, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway as our primary markets.”

So many glowing testimonials, on neutral platforms such as TripAdvisor and in the Ngoma guest book, are founded on several truly unique eco-elements, the mood captured by international travel writer Dave Pelin under his beguiling Blog www.davestravelcorner.com. “One has difficulty conceptualizing luxury this far out in the bush,” he wrote after a visit this year. “The atmosphere is exclusive yet relaxed…it is a bit disconcerting to see a giant elephant wandering across the path between the suites!”

He explains this eco-consideration thus: “The lodge was built near existing elephant trails and the eight suites were strategically placed away from the trails so as not to block access for the animals. Regardless of the time of year the wildlife here is absolutely prolific…you will not be disappointed.”

Apart from its eco-pedigree Ngoma’s appeal is multi-faceted and includes:

• The perfect link to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, just 135km away on good roads.
• A two-country safari that combines iconic global destinations – Natural Wonder of the World and Africa’s Adventure capital, Victoria Falls, and Chobe National Park, Botswana, at 11,700 sq km a third of the size of Belgium, containing one of the largest concentrations of game in Africa and the world’s largest and most spectacular elephant herds, estimated at 50,000.
• More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the Chobe Park for an astonishing experience rarely matched anywhere. There are also 112 species of mammals, including huge buffalo and zebra herds on the grassy floodplains. Many crocodiles and hippo are seen and there are several large prides of lions.
• The water and large floodplains add a stunningly unique dimension for panoramic game viewing of big herds and fishing – there are 20 edible species, including the fighting tiger fish.
• At the Kazangula border post near Chobe is the only spot on earth where four countries meet at one spot – Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia (the finger-like Caprivi Strip). It is perfectly feasible to visit all four countries in a single day..and get the stamps in your passport!
• Ngoma Safari Lodge is owned and managed by acclaimed tourism group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), whose Victoria Falls Safari Lodge was recently featured by Conde Nast Traveler magazine (USA) in Africa’s “Hot List 2011” of the top safari lodges – the only Zimbabwe lodge featured.
• Ngoma has a dramatically beautiful setting and location. It is perched high on a ridge overlooking the game-rich floodplains and Chobe River below.
• Each of the eight suites at Ngoma is an African-style “rondavel” – travel writer Dave observed: “If you look up at the lodge from the plains below you see rondavels (rounded hut-like structures with thatched roofing) and you begin to worry about the accommodations. Don’t sweat, these are definitely not your normal rondavels. Each suite is spacious, well-appointed and comes with own bath, outdoor and indoor showers and plush bed…and all eight have beautiful views.”
• Ngoma is an eco-landmark project that benefits both the environment and the local community in tangible ways. Ngoma lies within the Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust (CECT), bordered by the Chobe Park, and the local community has an active hand in decision-making and are formal partners in the lodge project.

AAT’s Ross Kennedy states: “The local community has responded superbly to the strategy of wildlife conservation and the benefits they derive from it. We have a programme that encourages in-village interaction between the community and our international guests in harmony with our own group Green Steps initiative. Of the lodge’s 21 employees 18 are from the community.”

And as the prime season from May through October now gets underway, and the lodge goes into its second year, Ngoma has just completed an upgrade that firmly establishes it as the superior property in all of the Chobe area.

The viewing deck has been enlarged, a fire-pit installed, just above a larger and now floodlit waterhole and the outside areas of each suite now have quality outdoor showers, new bathroom tiling and extra superior fittings, such as bedside lamps.

Africa Albida Tourism will be at Indaba (Durban, 12-15 May) in the ODWA outside area (between ICC & DEC halls) where Ross Kennedy, Wendy Bourne and Nommy Vuma will enthuse you with a stream of news, including progress on the building of the exclusive US$2,7m Victoria Falls Safari Club new 20-room wing, opening in August this year.

Click on this link to view the first few photos of a mock-up Standard Room and Bathroom and you’ll see the style! This wing will be just perfect and exclusive for high-level incentive groups, VIP conference delegates or for our most discerning international guests.

https://plus.google.com/photos/114625266408992415679/albums/5742360166736718305?banner=pwa

If you’re at Indaba in Durban at the moment then head for the outside ODWA Area between the ICC and DEC Halls and get full details of this and other emerging AAT products from Chief Executive Ross Kennedy and his team including Nommy Vuma, Wendy Bourne and Henry Kartagener from the USA. NEWS!! $300,000 re-fashioning of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge public areas…enchanting and significant upgrades to the eight-suite high-end luxury Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe…intriguing possibilities about our dazzling Santonga Village, a major project that will transform Victoria Falls….and more!

Design has had to adapt to many gracious trees and work around them; many other trees have been translocated into a nursery and will be replanted; building contractors have been virtually “fenced in” to prevent them trampling haphazardly over the fragile and precious environment.

This is not new to AAT, whose distinctive group logo is not the usual safari lodge icon of a roaring lion, an elephant or a cheetah. It is a single indigenous Acacia Albida (or apple-ring) tree. Green Steps is a real and profound policy that as far back as 2000 earned the VFSL resort one of four global environmental Oscars that year from Green Globe.

Even from the earliest days, when the VFSL resort opened in 1993, a strong eco-policy was crafted, enthusiastically spearheaded by group chairman Dave Glynn, and that ethos has been rigidly followed ever since.

“These world-class best-practice values form our group’s compass points,” said Glynn. “We strive to inspire a proud reputation for surpassing guest experiences; respect for the environment and fostering a spirit of partnership with host communities. We hold a huge responsibility in our hands to sustainably utilize the natural resources.”

AAT established the benchmark for eco-friendly tourism development in 1991 when constructing VFSL. More than 6,000 trees were translocated into a nursery and replanted when construction ended.  All mature trees were fenced to protect them during the construction period.

“We took the preservation of the environment very seriously,” said Mr Glynn. “We wanted to keep the contractors to very confined working spaces.” He recalled that VFSL was the first Zimbabwe tourism company to use an environmental architect.

“We were going to lose just one mature tree during construction, so the instruction from me was to design around the tree…they take 10 years to grow and then we cut them down!  We will not do that.”

One tree in the swimming pool area was translocated to the lodge arrivals’ turning circle island, a mature Mopani that continues to flourish today near a baobab that was translocated from an open-cast mine in Hwange 180km away. Before building commenced all the natural grasses, stones and rocks were collected and re-introduced later.

This is but a snapshot of the Green Steps that AAT continues to make in the eco-paradise of Victoria Falls: World Heritage Site and Natural Wonder of the World.

“We held long and careful planning sessions with the builders to agree their work-flow schedules would impact minimally on the guest experience,” he said. “And that’s been the reality in 16 weeks of construction so far.

“They’ve worked quietly and discreetly in the timeframes where we know guests are awakening, having breakfast or lunch and in other slots we know to be optimal chill-time. The prime work then occurs when most guests are on activities and so far we have not had any complaints at all.”

In any event, the new wing is entirely separate to the current lodge (200 metres away from the public areas) and well hidden from sight of any guest enjoying a meal, swim, drink at the Buffalo Bar or just relaxing on their room balconies.

“The 4-suite, 16-room Victoria Falls Safari Club is on schedule to open in mid August this year and the response from the travel trade in all our source markets has been beyond expectation, with enquiries, requests for market specific packaging and actual bookings flowing in daily. In addition the Safari Club rooms are being requested by many in combo packages with Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe, our eight-suite boutique lodge in Botswana.“

Several international bookings have already been made using the new direct booking facility on the website www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com

In the last week of June this year another precise plan will unfold as the public areas of the current lodge are totally refashioned and refreshed in a seven-day turnaround that Ross Kennedy promises will impact minimally on guests as much of the work will be done late at night and into the dawn. “We want our guests to awaken and come to breakfast to be greeted by total overnight surprises that will delight them.”

Sunday 15 April was one those idyllic days made more special by the imminent retirement of the popular Paddy. Let her tell her own story:

“We have had the most amazing afternoon at the waterhole! At 1430 it was surrounded by kudu, impala, warthogs and baboons with several marabou storks preening themselves after sharing the feast at the vulture restaurant…all enjoying the warm sunshine and feeding or drinking at the water’s edge.

“Then at 1515 ten buffalo arrived and shared the waterhole with the Egyptian geese and the storks still hanging around. As the buffalo moved off to higher ground to graze two elephants wandered down at 1600 for an afternoon drink. They allowed about 30 buffalo join them for a while but then suddenly chased them away to join their mates on higher ground.

“The two elephants, satisfied with their chase, moved off only for us to see a small herd of 11 elephants arrive followed by even more buffalo. Suddenly the elephants rushed off; startled I am sure by a crocodile nipping at one of their trunks!”

“It’s now 1730 and the sun is sinking and yet another small herd of elephants has arrived – seven Mums and three small very precious babies. After enjoying a nice long drink they have moved on to the salt lick and enjoying a great feast. The blacksmith plovers have just announced their departure for the evening, leaving behind the hammerkop and our faithful grey heron. It’s a truly fabulous setting with the sun leaving an evening glow over the waterhole. How I am going to miss this wonderful setting!”

All in a day’s work for Paddy!

F&B manager Victor Saurombe (was chef’s assistant), reservations manager Herbert Muzure (was waiter), general manager Jonathan Hudson (was “big chef”), Lokuthula Lodges manager Daniel Mhlanga (was barman)

“Where’s my food waiter….hurry up!” “Call the duty manager this is not good enough service.” “We’ll leave a tip at reception.” “Can we share a bowl of ice cream between three?”

Everyday anecdotes from restaurants the world over. Except this was Independence Day (April 18) at the international award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL)…and the “guests” were general staff, from gardeners to maintenance men, being served by VFSL management to mark the auspicious occasion.

The setting for two hilarious hours was the staff canteen for lunch while management Chefs, lead by Les Roches Swiss-trained general manager Jonathan Hudson, cooked up a storm in the kitchen.

“We decided to treat the staff,” said Jonathan, “and a bucketful of laughs was had by all. A lot of sarky comments about the tipping process and overall a tremendous impact on staff morale. It was a delight to watch staff walk past and do a double-take when they saw us serving in the canteen.”

Prime mover of the event was VFSL food and beverage manager, Janice Krieke-Moyo, who says that the staff unanimously voted for deputy general manager Ronald Ngwenya was waiter and porter of the day….”he portrayed unquestionable customer care.” One hilarious moment came while Ronald was cleaning the tables and chasing the wild warthogs around the canteen.

We would! Since opening in 1994 the 72-room African-styled Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL) has won many accolades, most recently reaching the pinnacle of being voted by Conde Nast Traveler magazine readers in the Gold List for 2011 of Africa’s top 22 safari lodges (and the only one in Zimbabwe).

And yet for our guests it’s the little things that mean a lot and we have been rankling some by using shower curtains in the room showers. So we’ve called curtains on the curtains!

That’s why here we feature a photo of….our NEW shower doors! They have been fitted into every room and have been designed to the highest quality. Our loyal agents all over the world will be pleased to learn about this new feature that may seem trivial but will be important to them.  We even had a logo sandblasted onto them to show it was a personalised order!

So there you have it….the world’s first Blog on a shower door. A little thing that we know will mean a lot to our guests.

And by the way, we have also invested US$2.7 million and are well into the construction of a new stand-alone 20-room block at VFSL to be named The Victoria Falls Safari Club.  These 16 rooms and 4 suites will be the epitome of luxury and style and will be THE address in our famous resort town. The exclusive Club will open in August…and will feature some of the finest shower doors anywhere on the planet!

Many are making use of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) Group’s websites’ newly embedded booking facility that allows for the convenience of direct bookings and credit card payments online in harmony with the latest global technology and trends.

This feature is powered by Paris-based FastBooking, one of the world’s leading online booking engines now with more than 6,000 hotel partner sites.

The system went live in February this year and has elicited paid bookings for all three properties – Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the luxury Ngoma Safari Lodge (Chobe, Botswana) and Lokuthula Lodges, the self-catering units at Victoria Falls. A further 18 bookings from April onwards have been confirmed and paid for, equating to 67 room nights.

“We’re getting an average of one booking every two days online,” says Ross Kennedy, Chief Executive of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT), the group whose flagship property is Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. “That’s very good going considering we’ve only had the facility online for two months and this includes a four-night booking for our new superior Safari Club suites for later in the year.

“We always try to respond to modern demands and keep up with technology by making it simple for our guests to book and pay on-line. We are not consumed with only competing with the hotels on our doorstep, but more so against other destinations and it’s the up-to-the-second technology that drives demand by placing our inventory online instead of only being brochure and allocation based.”

This online inventory includes the current 72 rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the 20 rooms of the sumptuous Safari Club that opens in August this year that is attracting a lot of interest.

“We’re investing US$2.7m in creating the most exclusive and pampered address in town and we want our guests to enjoy a world-class experience in every way, from the moment they book to the moment they depart.”

And another Africa Albida Tourism Group facility, the Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL), was a finalist in the hotly-contested Most Imaginative Menu category.

These series of awards, launched in 2005 by The Cheeseman, are open to restaurants and coffee shops throughout Zimbabwe and the latest awards presentation was held on Sunday 25 March at the Stapleford Winery Private Cellar near Harare.

To achieve fairness and objectivity a team of anonymous reviewers, drawn from the ordinary Zimbabwe dining public, evaluates the restaurants and awards marks for food, menu, service, decor, theme, cleanliness and ambience.

The 300-seat Boma Restaurant, on-property at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, continues to enchant and entertain visitors on a nightly basis and is one of the most unique “must do” experiences around Victoria Falls. It not only offers a tantalising variety of barbecue game dishes but also vibrant ethnic dance performances, interactive African drumming and traditional story-telling.

The Boma has won several other accolades in past years, including Best Ethnic Restaurant (2007 from Zimbabwe Tourism Authority).

On 19 March they cycled a gruelling 180km through the wildlife-infested area of Hwange to Victoria Falls and chose to stay for two nights, to rest weary limbs, at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the flagship property of the Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group. Whilst there they still found time to drive home a clarion call about their mission and went to two local schools to make presentations on the precious nature of water.

Their experiences and mission may be viewed on www.amanziawethu.org which Murray describes as being “as much a journey as an opportunity to explore and interact with Africa’s wealth of people, places and cultures, as well as a chance to draw sharp attention to one of Africa’s major problems – water! “

The duo set out from Johannesburg in early February and the route has seen them pass through Zimbabwe into Zambia as they proceed to Malawi, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.

“We will be travelling on highways and remote byways,” said Murray, “and our main interest will be the rivers, watercourses, boreholes and wells along the way to add impetus to our charity, The Water Project.”

The Water Project is an NGO which is installing water facilities in rural Africa in an attempt to alleviate the health, economic and developmental strains that an inadequate supply of water places on rural communities. En route they will visit existing wells that The Water Project has installed and also visit short-listed sites for further wells.

Said Murray, “Our aim is to illustrate what an adequate water supply can provide to communities, and facilitate a relationship between donors and those communities that will likely receive the benefits of donations.”

Murray and Alex will share their experiences during their trip through their blog, their website, Facebook and twitter.

Blog: http://amanziawethu.wordpress.com
Web: http://amanziawethu.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/amanziaweathu