As 2025 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the year that’s been with full hearts. Over the span of twelve months, our hotel has hosted wonderful people, who bring their warmth and stories to our corner of the world – leaving us with as much energy as we hope we give to them! Our team has also bee involved in and shaped by various community outreach initiatives, personal goals and the quiet moments in between that make up a year.
We see this most clearly when we look at our year in review – from heartfelt farewells and renovation projects, to culinary milestones, cultural storytelling, and seasonal inspiration, each month brought a new chapter to life at Ilala Lodge Hotel.
Here’s a snapshot of the stories we shared throughout the year!
From The Very Beginning
We began the year by honouring one of the people who shaped Ilala Lodge Hotel from the very beginning. In January, we bid farewell to Peter Msindo, who retired after 33 years of service. From opening day in March 1991, Peter’s presence as front porter and later as a senior member of our team became a constant for both colleagues and guests.
His story reminded us that hospitality is not built overnight, but over decades.
We miss you every day, Peter!
Behind Each Plate
Throughout the year, food emerged as a thread connecting sustainability, collaboration, and guest experience at Ilala Lodge Hotel. In February, we shared the story of our garden-to-table partnership with our sister property, The Palm River Hotel, where fresh produce grown on-site supplies both their restaurant and our own award-winning Cassia Restaurant.
This commitment to responsible sourcing continued in March, with the unveiling of Cassia Restaurant’s refreshed space. The redesign preserved the warmth and authenticity guests know, while introducing a renewed sense of understated luxury.
We’ve been loving the new space ever since, and we hope you have too!
The Larger Community
Giving back to Victoria Falls is an integral part of who we are as a hospitality brand, and 2025 offered meaningful opportunities to do just that. In June, our Ilala Cares initiative focused on Easter outreach, providing comfort and dignity through carefully considered donations to those in our community who need it most.
This spirit of upliftment continued in July with the restoration of Ndlovu Secondary School, undertaken as part of the Palm Hospitality Group’s broader CSR efforts. These projects reflect our belief that hospitality extends far beyond our hotel grounds.
The Spirit of Adventure
Victoria Falls is a destination that invites activity, and in May we turned our attention to one of its most iconic events: the Victoria Falls Marathon. Taking place in July, the marathon offers runners a rare opportunity to experience one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World on foot – whether chasing a personal best or simply soaking up the scenery.
It was a celebration of adventure, endurance, and the vibrant energy that defines our town.
Nature Victorious
Nature featured strongly in our storytelling this year. In August, we traced the journey of the Zambezi River, from its quiet source to its dramatic plunge into the gorge at Victoria Falls. More than a geographical feature, the river is a lifeline, shaping cultures, ecosystems, and generations of stories along its course.
September built on this sense of place, highlighting the best spring activities in Victoria Falls. With warmer days, fresh landscapes, and ideal water levels, spring emerged as one of the most rewarding seasons to explore, with Ilala Lodge Hotel perfectly positioned as a base.
October continued the theme, turning our gaze skyward and treetop-high with a birding guide to five standout species found in and around Victoria Falls. From Fish Eagles to Paradise Flycatchers, it was a reminder that nature’s spectacles are to be found right outside your room.
Seasonal Celebrations
As the year drew to a close, November’s blog looked ahead to the festive season. For those staying with us over Christmas, the Festive Days will be relaxed, elegant and memorable, from themed breakfasts and festive dinners to a Christmas Day Lunch at Cassia Restaurant overlooking the gardens and the mist of the Falls.
For more details, click here.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on our stories over the year, we’re gratified to see that they paint a coherent picture of what we stand for at Ilala Lodge Hotel: A respect for people and place. A commitment to community. And a belief that the most meaningful travel experiences are built on authenticity and heart.
As we look ahead, we carry these themes with us, ready to tell new stories in the year to come. We hope you will be a part of those stories!
For bookings and enquiries, feel free to get in touch with our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com.
Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.
We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls in 2026!
