A Year Along the River: Reflecting on 2025

You’re relaxing on the banks of the Zambezi River and before you know it, an entire year has flowed past.

Luckily, we can easily reflect on the moments that populated the fabulous year that was 2025 by taking a look through our old blog posts, which conveniently demarcate the big milestones in our hotel’s story. Thank you to each of our guests for weaving their own tales into the fabric of ours – we cherish each and every one of you and hope to welcome you back to Victoria Falls in the near future.

Looking back, these stories naturally gather into themes that speak to what the Palm River Hotel is all about. Enjoy taking this trip down memory lane with us.

We began the year by leaning into one of life’s most joyful chapters: The honeymoon! In January, we explored why Victoria Falls is such a desirable destination for newlyweds, and why Palm River Hotel offers a particularly magical setting to begin married life.

With the Zambezi flowing past, mist rising in the distance, and days shaped by relaxation, privacy and adventure in equal measure, the message was simple: Romance feels different when nature is this close.

Victoria Falls is known as Africa’s Adventure Capital, and in February we turned our attention to one of its most celebrated annual events, the Victoria Falls Marathon. As preparations for the July race gathered momentum, we shared the excitement of hosting runners from across the globe, including Palm Hospitality Group’s own passionate team members.

The marathon captured the spirit of challenge and shared experience that defines our town and its people. Not to mention the warm support shown along the way!

Life along the Zambezi comes with daily reminders that wildlife is only a peek around the curtain away. In April, we spotlighted one of the river’s most ancient residents: the Nile crocodile. From sunbathing habits to surprising facts, this blog offered guests a deeper appreciation of the creatures that call the river home.

It was a reminder that even moments of stillness here are part of a much bigger, wilder story.

Food and setting came together beautifully throughout the year. In May, we invited readers to imagine dinner as an occasion as they dine beside the Zambezi. Many of our dining experiences, set beside the river, blend refined cuisine with unhurried conversation and an ever-changing natural backdrop.

That connection to place deepened in June with the unveiling of our brand-new riverside deck. Designed to bring guests closer to the water, it’s become a space for long lunches, sunset drinks, and quiet moments under vast African skies.

We’ve loved making the most of this new space and feature, and hope our guests have too!

Mid-year storytelling turned to one of the region’s most iconic landmarks. In July we explored the history of the Victoria Falls Bridge, a structure that quite literally connects countries, eras, and experiences.

From its colonial origins to its role in modern adventure travel, the bridge stands as a symbol of connection, courage, and continuity in the heart of Victoria Falls.

September brought a deeper, more introspective tone. In Folk Tales That Shaped the Falls, we explored the spiritual and cultural narratives woven into the Zambezi and Mosi-oa-Tunya. Long before maps and guidebooks, these waters carried stories passed down through generations, shaping how people understand this powerful place.

The same month, we celebrated spring through birdwatching, highlighting five special species that can be spotted around Palm River Hotel. With lawns sweeping down to the river’s edge, its no wonder our location also makes us a prime bird-watching destination.

In November, Palm River Hotel was honoured as part of Condé Nast Traveler’s recognition of Victoria Falls as one of the top places to visit in 2026. A special mention of our Riverside Dining Experience reaffirmed what our guests have long known – there is something uniquely special about experiencing the Zambezi from this vantage point.

The year closed on a festive note, with our 2025 Festive Programme inviting guests to celebrate Christmas and New Year beside the river. From themed breakfasts to a four-course Christmas Day Dinner and elegant festive evenings, it was a joyful conclusion to a full and meaningful year.

As we look ahead to a new year, we do so with gratitude and with anticipation for the stories still waiting to be told along the river’s edge.

If you plan on adding a stay at Palm River Hotel to your calendar in 2026, we’d love to have you!

Browse our accommodation options and secure your booking by contacting us at onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com. Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform to book your dates.