Tourists staying at a four-star hotel near Victoria Falls experienced an unexpected encounter with wildlife after a crocodile wandered into the premises, bringing the African wilderness quite literally to their doorstep.
The 13-foot reptile is believed to have entered the A’Zambezi River Lodge from the nearby Zambezi River before making its way towards the restaurant area, where it was seen approaching the buffet counter.
Upon finding the Amulonga Restaurant closed, the crocodile reportedly continued its search for food, wandering further into the kitchen area, much to the alarm of staff and guests.
The incident was confirmed by Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority spokesperson Luckmore Safuli, who said the situation was swiftly brought under control and assured the public that both guests and staff were safe throughout the encounter.
“The animal, identified as a Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) originating from the Zambezi River system, was safely immobilised and translocated by trained authority personnel,” said Safuli.
“The crocodile was subsequently released back into the river. No human injuries or property damage were recorded.”
According to Safuli, while the sight may have startled both lodge staff and guests, the crocodile’s appearance was not entirely unusual given the hotel’s proximity to such a natural environment.
“The authority notes that the incident occurred within the species’ natural range and habitat,” Safuli said.
“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.”
Pride Khumbula, corporate affairs and quality manager at RTG, confirmed that the reptile had ventured into one of the lodge’s water features, blending seamlessly into an environment designed to reflect the surrounding natural landscape.
“A’Zambezi River Lodge can confirm that a crocodile was sighted on the property on Friday, 17 April 2026,” said Khumbula.
“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.”
She stressed that the lodge’s proximity to wildlife is no accident, but an integral part of its identity, situated within a protected landscape that promotes 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,” said Khumbula.
“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.”
Khumbula revealed that this is not the first time wildlife has entered the vicinity of the lodge, adding that the experienced team is well trained to respond swiftly and effectively to such situations.
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