Crocodile slips into Victoria Falls hotel

STAFF at Victoria Falls’ A’Zambezi River Lodge were jolted out of the calm of the early morning hours on Saturday by an extraordinary and wholly unexpected visitor when a Nile crocodile was discovered calmly occupying part of the hotel precincts. In a destination famed for its closeness to nature, the encounter was nonetheless startling, unfolding just as the day was beginning to stir.

The reptile, believed to have quietly made its way from the mighty Zambezi River nearby, was first spotted by alert hotel employees, whose swift response ensured the situation did not escalate. The alarm was raised immediately, setting in motion a carefully coordinated response designed to protect both people and wildlife.

The Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) moved swiftly to the scene, acting decisively to neutralise any risk while handling the animal with care and professionalism befitting the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Zimparks spokesperson Mr Luckmore Safuli confirmed the incident, providing reassurance about both the outcome and the process involved.

“The animal, identified as a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) originating from the Zambezi River system, was safely immobilised and translocated by trained authority personnel.

The crocodile was subsequently released back into the river. No human injuries or property damage were recorded.”
According to Mr Safuli, while the sight may have startled lodge staff and guests alike, the crocodile’s appearance was not as unusual as it might seem within such a natural setting.

“The authority notes that the incident occurred within the species’ natural range and habitat. The lodge is situated in a riverine environment along the Zambezi River, which supports established crocodile populations. Terrestrial movement by crocodiles is normal behaviour and is commonly associated with basking, nesting, dispersal, or territorial activity.”

Mrs Pride Khumbula, RTG corporate affairs and quality manager, confirmed that the reptile had ventured into one of the lodge’s water features, seamlessly blending into an environment shaped to mirror the natural world around it.

“A’Zambezi River Lodge can confirm that a crocodile was sighted on the property on Friday 17 April 2026. The situation was promptly managed in close coordination with Zimparks, who responded swiftly, safely apprehended the animal from the hotel’s water feature where it had made its way into, and relocated it back into its natural habitat.”

Mrs Khumbula emphasised that the lodge’s proximity to wildlife is not accidental but intrinsic to its identity, set within a protected landscape that celebrates coexistence rather than separation.

“The hotel is uniquely located within the Zambezi National Park, where we proudly coexist with wildlife as part of a protected natural ecosystem. We are fully cognisant of our position within a designated wildlife corridor and actively support biodiversity by allowing animals to move freely within their natural habitat.

“The property regularly experiences sightings of animals such as hippos, elephants, warthogs, and monkeys both within the grounds and along the riverbanks. This is part of what makes A’Zambezi River Lodge a distinctive and sought-after destination. During this recent incident, some of our international guests expressed excitement at witnessing such a rare occurrence,” said Mrs Khumbula.

She was quick to re assure the public that, while the experience was memorable, the safety of both guests and staff remains non negotiable and carefully managed.

“The safety of our guests and staff remains our highest priority. Importantly, this is not the first time wildlife has entered the vicinity, and our experienced team is well-trained to respond appropriately and effectively in such situations,” she said.

Mrs Khumbula added that such moments, while unexpected, speak to the very heart of Zimbabwe’s tourism offering — one rooted in authenticity and an intimate connection with the natural world — reinforcing Victoria Falls and the country’s standing as a world class destination where nature is not merely observed, but lived alongside, in all its untamed beauty.

_Chronicle_