Victoria Falls Casino Hotel began construction in 1964 on the site immediately next to the Victoria Falls Hotel due to growing tourism demands. The casino was the first in the country and cost appx $1,000,000 with the buildings costing $280,000. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Ian Smith on 20 November 1965 and it was opened in July 1966.
The hotel was situated on 11½ acres in the Victoria Falls National Park. Controversially the development broke the local skyline of the Falls, infringing a local council building requirement that no construction should be built above the tree-line, and so be visible from the river and Falls.
The bedroom wing had 21 apartments consisting of a bed-sitting room, bathroom and shower. On the first floor of the casino there was a restaurant, dining room, kitchens and a veranda with magnificent views. Under the casino it was planned to have a public bar, cocktail bar, private bars and lounges, a tea-room and hairdressing salon. It also provided conference facilities.
In 1967, more than 3,500 people had visited the hotel. Due to increased booking demands, a 40 bedroom extension was added and completed in December 1968. This allowed the accommodation to cater for 120 more people. The cost was £130,000 which resulted in an investment in the hotel of nearly £750,000.
Postcards
1968 – Big Game Photography (Pvt.) Ltd. (V Series – Type II)
References
- Focus on Rhodesia Volumes 1-4 (1976)
- Rhodesian Commentary Vol 2 No.22 (1968)
- Rhodesian Independence Justified (1966)
- Southern Rhodesia News Review (1964)
- To The Victoria Falls