Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge is the first private game lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park. Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Zambezi Crescent Collection’s pioneer lodge is so close to the famous Victoria Falls that one can see the spray in the distance.

Within the wilds of an African game park, on the banks of a mighty body of rushing water, discover an untamed opulance that invites you to make a little piece of Africa your own.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, within the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers wonderful wildlife viewing opportunities and easy access to the historic town of Victoria Falls and the opportunity to visit the world-famous Falls and explore this incredible natural wonder on foot.

VICTORIA FALLS
The falls are believed to be the largest in the world in terms of the volume of water that flows over them. These ancient, and truly spectacular falls were first made known to the outside world in 1855 by Scottish explorer extraordinaire, Dr. David Livingstone.

Livingstone had been attempting to find a route to the East Coast of the African continent. Travelling south-east from Luanda to Sesheke, he encountered this most magnificent waterfall and renamed it The Victoria Falls after the British Monarch, Queen Victoria.

Livingstone was led to The Falls by the Makalolo tribe’s people in a dug-out canoe. Soon after Livingstone’s reports about the Victoria Falls spread across borders, The Falls began to attract Anglo traders.

A rustic trading settlement was set-up on what is now the Zambian riverbank and became the original Victoria Falls town called Old Drift. The number of foreign visitors rose steadily and people walked, rode on horseback or travelled by ox-wagon from the Transvaal in South Africa to view The Falls.

Malaria began to take its toll on the settlement and at the turn of the century, Old Drift was shifted to the site of the present-day town of Livingstone in Zambia.

There are two islands on the crest of The Falls that are large enough to divide the curtain of water even at full flood: Boaruka Island (or Cataract Island) nearest the western bank and Livingstone Island near the middle—the point from which Livingstone first viewed The Falls.

The Zambezi River, upstream from The Falls, experiences its rainy season between late November and early April. The river’s annual flood season is from February to May, peaking in April.

The spray from The Falls typically rises to a height of over 400 metres (1,300 ft), sometimes even twice as high, and is visible from up to 48 km (30 mi) away.

During the flood season, it is impossible to see either the foot of The Falls or most of its face and the walks in the Rainforest along the cliff opposite it are in a constant shower and shrouded in mist.

However, as the dry season takes effect, the islets on the crest become wider and more numerous, and in September to January up to half of the rocky face of The Falls may become dry. It’s during this time that the bottom of the First Gorge can be seen along most of its length.

LUXURY TENTS
Luxurious thatched tents constructed of canvas, glass and timber extend out onto a private deck with plunge pool and views of the Zambezi River and natural bush.

All Luxury Tents offer a larger than king size bed, comfortable sitting area, open-plan bathroom with freestanding bath and both indoor and outdoor showers. Twin bedded sleeping configurations are also possible.

In addition to the indulgent amenities available in the Luxury Tents, the Luxury Family Tents offer guests travelling as a family an adjoining tented room.

The expansive en-suite bathrooms – with twin vanities, private toilet, indoor and outdoor showers and private and freestanding bathtub – are open plan and shared. A curtain may be drawn between the bathroom and main living area thereby offering additional privacy as and when required.

ISLAND TREEHOUSES
Sheltered within shady recesses of the private Kandahar Island, every Island Treehouse Suite is perfectly positioned to maximise spectacular views of the legendary Zambezi and surrounds. Kandahar Island is reached only by boat ride from the mainland, ensuring guests a completely exclusive and private experience.

The spacious open plan suites jut out over river and jungle, elevated on timber decks with generous glass windows and doors ensuring uninterrupted flow from the luxurious comfort of the indoors to the expansive natural beauty of the outdoors.

Two magnificent double storey Starbed Treehouses offer a truly unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in nature. The open air Starbed decks with bedroom and sitting area are suspended above the treetops offering expansive views and an unforgettable experience.

ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK IN ZIMBABWE
A 56 000ha (138 350 acre) game reserve, a few kilometres upstream from the Victoria Falls.

EXPERIENCING THE ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK
The best way to experience the Zambezi National Park is during the Lodge’s Game Drives (included in the accommodation fee) and/or on foot on a Guided Bush Walk (the latter may be arranged at an additional cost). There are several picnic sites along the Zambezi River wherefrom day visitors to the Park may fish as well.

The game drives in the park follow extensive networks of roads along the river. These roads are accessible and controlled through the main gate of the Park. There are also a several picnic sites along the Zambezi River which visitors can fish from as well.

ANIMALS FOUND IN THE ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK
Most of the Zambezi National Park consists of Mopane Woodland with a thin strip of Riverine Bush along the edge of the river. A wide variety of larger mammals may be found within the Zambezi National Park including elephant, lion, buffalo and leopard.

In addition, herds of sable antelope, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck and impala, as well as many of the smaller species of game, can be viewed. The Zambezi River is also home to over 75 species of fish and is famous for its bream and fighting tiger fish.

BUSHTRACKS EXPRESS
Climb aboard a luxurious steam train and journey to Victoria Falls Bridge where the train will stop for you to enjoy the setting sun and spectacular views.

Beautiful classic steam locomotives and carriages have been lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos rail. The carriages marry vintage luxury with a modern fine dining experience to recreate moments of bygone romance.

The Bushtracks stops on the Victoria Falls bridge with the stunning backdrop of the spray from the Falls shimmering in the last rays of the setting sun. The train comprises of three carriages: Dining Car, Kitchen Car, Observation Car

DINNER RUN:
Travel to the Victoria Falls Bridge and enjoy a sundowner while marvelling at the majestic Victoria Falls, before enjoying a delicious five course meal.

CANAPE RUN:
Travel to the to Victoria Falls Bridge where you will enjoy the sunset before delighting in a delicious canapes and beverages.

LIVINGSTONE ISLAND
Visit Livingstone Island on the precipice of the Victoria Falls to experience the true wonder of the waterfall. Take a dip in Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool if you dare! This awe-inspiring island is perched on the edge of a cavernous gorge, eye to eye with the roaring cloud of mist,

“Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders). Its neighbour is the raging wave of the Zambezi that plunges down the black basalt rock. Guarded by tall teak trees that hum with birdlife, it is often visited by pods of grazing hippo and herds of elephant.

It has seen the sky when it is brewing with angry storm clouds, and when it is such a brilliant blue that the colour seems to seep into the river below. Every morning the island greets the sun as it rises over the rainforest, and bids it farewell when it sinks below the horizon, leaving a golden glow in its wake.

CHOBE DAY TRIP
The ultimate safari experience is a day-trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts Africa’s Big Five and the world’s largest elephant population. The ultimate safari experience is a day-trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, it boasts Africa’s Big Five and the world’s largest elephant population.

A Chobe day trip combines the experiences of viewing the Chobe National Park from both vehicle as well as boat, along with a scrumptious lunch in between the activities.

With the world’s largest elephant population, and a reputation for big cat sightings, a Chobe day trip is an absolute must on any itinerary where game viewing is high on the agenda.

BATOKA GORGE ACTIVITIES
A selection of adrenaline filled adventures set below the Victoria Falls in the beautiful Batoka Gorges.

ZIPLINE
Experience the adrenaline rush traveling a speed of 106 km’s hurtling 425m across the gorge, while suspended 120m above the breathtaking beauty of the Zambezi beneath you.

FLYING FOX
Take a running jump into thin air over the chasm, soaring horizontally through the air over the turmoil of the Zambezi below.

​GORGE SWING
Free-fall for close to 70m before swinging over the gorge below from the Victoria Falls Bridge. Tandem swing are available.

VICTORIA FALLS CANOPY TOURS
Tree top adventure offering a unique birds-eye view of one the seven natural wonders of the world. The Canopy Tour consists of 9 slides, varying in length and 1 cable bridge walkway. The longest slide is about 85 metres long and the shortest 40 metres in length.

Our friendly and experienced staff will give you a detailed safety briefing before the canopy tour, taking you step by step through your upcoming adventure. There are two guides on each tour.

ZAMBEZI RIVER RAFTING
Get your adrenaline pumping and raft the rapids that rage along the Zambezi, a natural roller coaster powered by white water.

MORNING HALF DAY
Enjoy a rafting experience from rapids 1 – 10, and hike out of the gorge at rapid 10.

AFTERNOON HALF DAY
Enjoy a rafting experience from rapids 10 – 25, and hike out of the gorge at rapid 25.

​FULL DAY LOW WATER (approx. Jul – Jan):
Enjoy a rafting experience from rapids 1 – 19, and hike out of the gorge at rapid 19.

FULL DAY HIGH WATER (approx. Feb – Jun):
Enjoy a rafting experience from rapids 11 – 25, and hike out of the gorge at rapid 25.

ZIMBABWE BIRD WATCHING
In a comparatively small area around Victoria Falls, birding enthusiasts will be able to view a great diversity of birds within rain forest, riverine, gorge and savannah habitats. Victoria Falls River Lodge and the Zambezi National Park are a bird watcher’s paradise.

Access to these habitats is relatively easy as the network of roads and walkways within the Zambezi National Park and Rainforest are good and boating offers the opportunity to get up into riverine fringes.

For the more active, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers walking trails (for guests 12 years – with parental supervision – and older) into the Zambezi National Park.

The hot and wet summer months between November and March are unanimously purported to be the best time for birding in the Victoria Falls area as resident species are boasting their breeding plumage and the intra-African and Palaearctic migrants are still around.

Local species include Rock Pratincole, Schalow’s Turaco, African Finfoot, Half Collared Kingfisher, Thick Billed Weaver, African Skimmer, Pels Fishing Owl, Collared Palm Thrush and Western Banded Snake Eagle (to name but a few).

Guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge seldom have to travel too far from their private decks however as the lush foliage around Camp offers ample opportunity to enjoy many of the spectacular array of birdlife that Zimbabwe has to offer.

With more than 400 species having been recorded in the area, Victoria Falls River Lodge is a birders’ heaven!

VICTORIA FALLS HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
Take full advantage of majestic views of the falls, the mighty Zambezi, and the diverse wildlife of this unique area with a once in a lifetime Helicopter ride. Indisputably the best way to appreciate the true splendour of the Victoria Falls is to view them from the air.

Zambezi Helicopter Company (ZHC) is the largest private helicopter company in Zimbabwe and has been operating scenic tours over Victoria Falls for over fifteen years.

Zambezi Helicopter Company’s customised helicopters have specially designed ‘Bubble shaped’ windows perfect for panoramic viewing purposes which provide wonderful views and visibility from all seats… the ultimate photographic opportunity.

FLIGHT OF THE ANGELS
Enjoy a 15 minute helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls.

LIVINGSTONE EXPERIENCE
Enjoy a 22 minute helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorges.

ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE
A Zambezi River Cruise is arguably one of the best ways on earth to soak in the magnificence of this iconic river and its surrounds.

Victoria Falls River Lodge, the first private game lodge to be set in the Zambezi National Park, is situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, so close the Victoria Falls one can see the spray in the distance!

Uninterrupted panoramic views of African sunsets and exceptional wildlife viewing make this uniquely located lodge the ideal point from which to explore Victoria Falls by combining the safari experience with one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations, The Victoria Falls.

Our trained Field Guides offer guests several safari options. A choice of two of the following game activities is included in our accommodation rate:

SUNRISE ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE
Watch – from the comfort of Victoria Falls River Lodge’s private river cruiser – as the world awakes and the sun’s first rays skip and dance across the shimmering surface of the mighty Zambezi. A truly revitalising way to start any day!

SUNSET ZAMBEZI RIVER CRUISE
For the not-so-early-birds: sit back and let the gentle ebb and flow of the Zambezi lull and relax you. Join in on Mother Nature’s Happiest Hour by sipping on a sun-downer in whilst viewing her creatures, big and small, coming to the water’s edge to lap at its liquid life under molten skies.

GAME DRIVES
Victoria Falls River Lodge is situated in the Zambezi National Park, home to some of Africa’s most fascinating animals. A Victoria Falls Game Drive is one of the best activities to enjoy in order to truly experience African wildlife.

Elephant, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, sable, kudu, impala wild dog and the occasional big cat can be viewed in the park (to name but a few). Our trained Field Guides offer guests several safari options. A choice of two of the following game activities is included in our accommodation rate:

MORNING GAME DRIVE:
For the ultimate victoria falls safari experience, head out in a game-viewer to explore the 150,000 acres that make up the Zambezi National Park. Armed with hot beverages and a delicious supply of traditionally baked ‘rusks’, be the first to catch the ‘bush telegraphs’ early broadcast of the previous night’s events.

AFTERNOON GAME DRIVE:
Alternatively, track a magnificent elephant herd as they move silently through the bush or admire stately giraffe as they effortlessly weave their way through spikey acacia thicket – stopping to enjoy the phenomenal sunset with sun-downers and a variety of scrumptious snacks – before returning to Camp for dinner.

SOLE USE GAME VIEWER:
Sole use of a vehicle for game drives is subject to the availability of vehicles on the day i.e. if sufficient vehicles are available on a particular drive, no charge shall be levied. Guests wishing to secure a guaranteed sole use game drive vehicle may pre-book this at an additional rate (T’s &C’s apply).

JUNIOR DISCOVERERS DRIVE:
Junior Discoverer Game Drives are available to children aged 4 – 7 who are accompanied by at least one parent. Junior Discoverers Drives times are seasonal and in consultation with management and take place outside standard Game Drive times.

Families wishing to take children aged 4 – 7 years on a Game Drive during standard early morning / late afternoon Game Drive times (i.e. not Junior Discoverers Drive) will require a sole use game viewer – per details above.

Rooms: 19

Price: from 982 EUR per night

Source: www.victoriafallsriverlodge.com