Wild Horizons shells out US$8m to build lodge

LEISURE and hospitality firm Wild Horizons is injecting US$8 million to construct a 60-room lodge in the resort destination of Victoria Falls as it seeks to expand its business portfolio, the Zimbabwe Independent can report.

This development comes at a time the company has mounted a fresh bid to buy a commercial property it has leased for over three years from the Victoria Falls City Council (VFCC).

Archer added that the new investment will create additional employment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s foremost tourism destination. chief executive officer Gary Archer told the Independent that construction of the three star Waterfalls Lodge had already started and would open its doors to clients in 2025.

“We are currently building a new 60-roomed hotel in Victoria Falls. The project will cost US$8 million. It is scheduled to open on the  July 20 2025,” he said.

“The project is well underway; we are continually mobilising capital. The theme of the lodge will revolve around Waterfalls, from the entrance and carried through to the pool, landscaped gardens.”

Archer added that the new investment will create additional employment opportunities in Zimbabwe’s foremost tourism destination.

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He said: “Wild Horizons currently employs around 700 staff and once the hotel is open, we will employ in the region of 800 workers.”

A promotional brochure of the new property suggests that it will be set up within the vicinity of the falls, which draw millions of visitors  to Zimbabwe annually.

“Introducing Waterfalls Lodge by Wild Horizons, a tranquil enclave in the vibrant city of Victoria Falls. Commanding an enviable spot on the doorstep to Africa’s adventure capital, the 60-bedroom lodge is a fifteen-minute stroll to town and a ten-minute drive to the rainforest,” excerpts from the brochure read.

“Opening its doors in July 20 2025, Waterfalls beckons you to a world where tranquillity meets adventure, offering facilities such as a spa, swimming pool and conference centres.

Wild Horizons, which offers a range of other recreational services in Victoria Falls, also runs  a  number  of  assets in the resort destination including the Elephant Camp, Old Drift Lodge and Wallow Lodge.

It also hosts weddings in Victoria Falls.

In 2019, Wild Horizons announced that its investment portfolio in Zimbabwe exceeded US$25 million.

It also has other operations in the region in countries such as South Africa, Zambia and Botswana.