SATIB 20/20 Invitational 11 Cricket Tournament 2009
The annual pre-Indaba Cricket Tournament between Durban and Victoria Falls held at Crusaders Sports Club in Durban North on Friday afternoon 08 May 2009 was won by the Vic Falls team. The final score of 131 runs for 9 wickets only just pipped the Durban team who ended the match at 130 runs all out. Man of the match was Karl Snater from The Victoria Falls hotel, with a deserved 30 runs not out and taking 2 important wickets.
This years cricket tournament raised funds in aid of the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit. Safari & Tourism Insurance Brokers (SATIB) handed over a cheque for R12, 000 to Charles Brightman of the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit at the SATIB Indaba party at Joe Cools Night Club on Monday night while the cricket match floating trophy was handed over to the Vic Falls team captain, Robin Brown of Cansaf.
Guests attending the SATIB party were invited to join SATIB in supporting this worthy conservation initiative and the response was overwhelming. By the end of the evening The Anti Poaching Unit had received pledges and cash donations to the value of R29, 000, which brought the total to an impressive R41, 000.
The SATIB 20/20 Invitational 11 Cricket Tournament started in 2007, its main objective was to raise awareness of the GotoVictoriaFalls.com campaign as well as funds for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit. Players from Victoria Falls and SATIB Durban converged onto the pitch at the Crusaders Sports Club in Durban North to play for the all important trophy
Falls operators return upbeat from Indaba
A warm welcome back to the GoToVictoriaFalls.com Update, after an Indaba ‘break’ which necessitated a temporary suspension of the Update as all attention was diverted to preps for this all-important African travel showcase.
Feedback we have received indicates that Zimbabwe is definitely making a comeback, and confirms that the demand for the natural world wonder of Victoria Falls is in suppressible and will lead to the re-opening of the rest of Zimbabwe’s superb tourist attractions.
Bryony Acutt, GoToVicFalls representative at Indaba said, “There was genuine, heart warming interest in the destination, and much support and concern for Zimbabwe as a country.”
She continued: “Hopefully all this will translate to real business in the near future, and that next year will be a totally different Indaba for Zimbabwe as we will have firmly re-established ourselves on the world travel map”.
COMESA Summit brings new life to the Falls
Elephant Hills Hotel is a hive of activity this week with 19 Eastern and Southern African Heads of State amongst the many delegates that have arrived in Victoria Falls for a summit of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). The town itself has enjoyed the added benefit of holding the summit by way of a face-lift to some public areas and some resurfacing to main roads. Despite numbers being down over the recent difficult period, the tourism operators in the region have remained upbeat and kept standards of all facilities at a high level – so holding the COMESA summit is a breeze for the town!
Comments GTVF Falls-based co-ordinator Fiona Dhana, “With COMESA currently taking place, the Falls is looking fabulous. The roads have been re-tarred, potholes filled in, street lights replaced and working – to name a few positives. The work done is most welcome and well overdue. I understand the border post has been cleaned up too and is looking great!”
Larry Norton launches studio at The Victoria Falls Hotel
Larry Norton is one of Southern Africa’s finest artists, with an amazing body of work spanning wildlife, landscapes and still-life. Some of it can now be seen on display in the main lounge of The Victoria Falls Hotel, and a more detailed review can be found in his official home studio – now situated at the Hotel. The launch of the gallery and studio took the form of a stylish evening event on the meticulous front lawns of The Victoria Falls Hotel with Karl Snater, recently appointed GM of Victoria Falls Hotel, welcoming Larry and his stunning work to the hotel. Also in attendance was well known adventurer and expeditionary Paul Connolly who spoke at the occasion.
White Water Rafting Opens – Rapids 15 to 25
The rafting companies in the Falls have opened the season this week with a shortened run between rapids 15 and 25. This is an extraordinary time to raft with amazing aquatic power down in the gorge. Hold on tight you “adrenalin seekers” and enjoy the ride!
Elephant strolling through Vic Falls town
A small herd of nonchalant young elephant bulls have decided that this is the time of year to taste some of the more exotic trees available only in the suburbia of Victoria Falls! So it’s not unusual to walk out of the bank having completed your errands and get delayed by one of these bulls reaching for a tree branch overhanging your car!
New food court widens budget dining options
The recent opening of a new food court in central Victoria Falls presents a great new dining option for tourists on a low budget. The food court offers pizza, chicken and bakery outlets and customers can choose to take out or sit-down.
High-level support for Marathon
The Victoria Falls Marathon billed for 21 – 24 August 2009 has received the full support of Zimbabwe’s sports minister Sen. David Coltart. He has called for the full backing of all government departments, participation of neighbouring countries and has saluted organizers and sponsors whose commitment would make the marathon “an exceptional regional event on the world stage”.
Falls Marathon promises BIG fun…
Victoria Falls Marathon co-ordinator John Addison reports that following enthusiastic interest at Indaba, organizers are working to make the world wonder destination the place to be in Africa over the weekend of the event (21 – 24 August 2009).
So many non-runners/spouses/spectators have shown interest in just coming up for the fun and games that organizers envisage a thrill-filled break. From Friday 21 August when the athletes arrive and register at The Kingdom hotel, Victoria Falls will be abuzz. On Saturday, a social golf day is planned at Elephant Hills, for runners and spectators alike. Sunday is race day and spectators are urged to be up early to watch the start of the race and cheer the runners along the race course. The official marathon cruise on the Zambezi takes place that evening. After this, the after-party at the Boat Club is becoming legendary, dance the night away to some great Rock’n Roll on the banks of the Zambezi, till late. On Monday, head off home, or stay on for more adventure activities.
SA tour operator crosses the river
SA tour operator Jenman Safaris will, from January 2010, be running most of its tours out of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, instead of Livingstone.
In its newsletter, the company says: “This change allows us to avoid long border crossings with the Kazungula Ferry which has been taking up to 3 hours on our past tours. Staying in Victoria Falls will give you (clients) another cultural experience and you’ll be able to walk to restaurants and craft markets all from your accommodation!
An additional plus is that for most nationalities, visa fees are much cheaper for Zimbabwe, making travel here even more affordable.
