The Sunday Mail
Andrew Moyo
VICTORIA Falls is without doubt one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
But it also appear to be a bit pricey.
From accommodation to various activities, the cost of holidaying in the resort town are not so easy on the pocket, especially for locals.
However, there are some numerous establishments in the town, which accommodate tourists visiting on slim pockets.
One of these is Victoria Falls Rest Camp and Lodges. Located in the nerve centre of the town, just a three-minute drive to the majestic Mosi-oa-Tunya and a stone throw away from most of the major tour operators, Victoria Falls Rest Camp and Lodges is an ideal place to stay.
From solo travellers to those coming in groups, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to the self-catering accommodation options, which include lodges, chalets, dormitories, safari tents and a large well-maintained camp-site with an abundance of trees for shade.
The luxurious safari tents, which come with a double bed, an en-suite bathroom with a toilet, shower and hot water facilities – are unique in every way as they offer both privacy and comfort, paired with a view of the spray from the falls.
The Sunday Mail Society had a chat with Rest Camp General Manager Olga Mutamba, who described her place as a one-stop shop.
“Besides an array of accommodation options, we also have a restaurant, two bars, a volleyball court and a swimming pool,” said Mutamba.
She said the wide range of accommodation and affordability makes the place stand above the rest as was its convenient location situated in the centre of the town.
Mutamba said their clientele is diverse as they had the capacity to host all sorts of visitors.
“Our clients vary as we accommodate both international and local tourists, families on holidays, school groups, university student teams, sports people, church groups and business travellers coming for workshops, conventions and meetings.”
Offering spacious grounds, laden with trees and manicured lawns, Rest Camp offers much more than a place to sleep or relax.
“The environment we offer is ideal for families as kids can run around in our secure fenced off premises. We like to create memories so people can come back to Vic Falls and stay with us again.
“Our public bar, Invuvu has huge grounds, which can be used for events ranging from weddings to music shows and family fun days,” she said.
Mutamba said there had been a boom in domestic tourists. Domestic tourism, she said was contributing between 40 and 50 percent of the people who come to stay at the camp throughout the year.
“A lot of people shun holidays because they think it’s very expensive to travel as holidays are associated with expensive hotels and flight tickets. Local people need to realise that they can have a great holiday staying in affordable places like the Victoria Falls Rest Camp and travelling on the regular public bus. We work very well with local bus operators who come to Victoria Falls and we can help locals arrange holidays and travel in the most affordable way.
Locals intending to travel to Victoria Falls are encouraged to consider travelling between January and May or between November and the second week of December as rates are lower and negotiable during off peak season.
