Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Situated on a plateau just 4km from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa Albida Tourism’s flagship property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the premium Victoria Falls Safari Club and the spacious Victoria Falls Safari Suites all offer an unforgettable African experience.

The sunset-facing 72-room Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which boasts endless views of pristine wilderness stretching to the horizon, including a waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, kudu and more, has been voted the Best Safari Lodge/Resort Hotel in Zimbabwe for 24 years by the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents.

The 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club is Victoria Falls’ premium address, featuring a modern fine dining restaurant, open plan lounge and viewing deck overlooking the Zambezi National Park, a two-tiered swimming pool and a personalised butler-style concierge service.

The six spacious double-storey two and three-bedroom Victoria Falls Safari Suites, ideal for families and small groups who seek stylish comfort, privacy and space, feature a lounge and patio overlooking a small waterhole visited by bushbuck, warthog and birds.

ROOMS & SUITES
There are three different room types from which to choose – the Lodge Standard Room, the Lodge Waterhole Facing Room and the Lodge Waterhole Facing Suite. All rooms are spacious and light, with glass sliding doors opening on to a private balcony boasting unrivalled views of the bushveld, with most overlooking the central waterhole, offering the opportunity to observe game.

BAR & DINING
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate offers a range of award-winning dining and entertainment options…Indulge in an evening of fine dining at MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, relax over a light meal or sundowner at the Buffalo Bar, both with stunning views of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s wildlife-rich waterhole, surrounding bush and spectacular sunsets.

Celebrate Africa at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show or enjoy a leisurely meal at The Boma Cafe located in a tranquil garden setting.

MAKUWA-KUWA RESTAURANT 
The award-winning MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is widely known for its unrivalled views overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole.

This award-winning restaurant is open on three sides and overlooks the waterhole at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, offering a unique opportunity to view elephant and other wildlife as you enjoy your meal – truly some of the finest dining in Victoria Falls.

The à la carte dinner menu features local produce incorporating global trends, such as coconut crusted bream fillet, slow cooked coffee infused beef short ribs and spicy okra and paneer masala; while the lunch menu offerings include pulled pork taco, the popular lodge burger in a sweet potato bun and a chicken and mushroom pot pie.

Breakfast consists of an extensive continental buffet and an a la carte selection of cooked dishes, such as the ‘Livukile’ breakfast of soft poached eggs on toasted brown bread, with honey glazed ham and grilled tomato topped with hollandaise sauce.

MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant is open for breakfast from 6.30am to 10am, lunch from 12.30pm to 2pm and dinner from 7pm to 10pm. Bookings are essential for dinner. The dress code is smart-casual.

THE BOMA CAFE
The Boma Café, a casual eatery located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and light meals al fresco style in a tranquil garden setting with children’s play facilities and a swimming pool nearby.

Breakfast is available from 7am to 10am, with a continental buffet, featuring pastries, breads, cereals, yoghurts, seasonal fruits, juices and cold meats and cheeses. A selection of cooked breakfasts is also on offer.

These include the Boma omelette, the vegetarian treat, featuring grilled mushroom, tomato, potato and brinjal topped with a poached egg, or the mixed breakfast delight, which is a choice of eggs accompanied by sausage, bacon, potato, mushrooms and beans.

Lunch and light meals – including the popular Boma game subway, where guests may choose between pork, kudu and eland, the chief’s burger or a poolside snack basket – are served throughout the day until 4.30pm. A selection of desserts is also available to tempt the sweet tooth.

DINNER & DRUM SHOW
The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, located on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, is a legendary dining and entertainment experience that offers an unforgettable fusion of mouth-watering local cuisine, energetic dance performances, interactive drumming and traditional storytelling.

It has, over the years, firmly established itself as a Victoria Falls “must-do” experience, providing a unique cultural experience that bombards the senses with the tastes, sights and sounds of Africa. The four-course meal includes a delicious platter of starters, soup from the campfire, a braai (barbecue) buffet, followed by a selection of desserts.

BUFFALO BAR
The Buffalo Bar is simply the best spot to enjoy sundowners in Victoria Falls whilst overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole. The Buffalo Bar offers casual al fresco dining on a deck overlooking the waterhole, with meals available from 10.30am to 7pm. It is also a favourite spot for sundowners.

Its extensive drinks list includes a selection of cocktails, featuring a green apple and coconut frozen daiquiri, a dirty martini and a pomegranate and apple G&T, as well as a selection of South African wines, local and imported beers and spirits.

A game activity book kept at the bar records which animals have been spotted on that day, and you may add your own sightings. For a closer encounter with the wildlife, ask a staff member to book a professionally guided sit in Siduli Hide, located at the edge of the waterhole.

SPA & WELLNESS
The largest and first purpose-built spa in Victoria Falls is opening on the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate in October making your holiday even more relaxing, or it could be the ideal destination for a wellness weekend, couples’ or girls’ getaway or for pre-wedding beauty treatments.

Nestled in peaceful indigenous woodland, rich in birdlife, and with the occasional warthog or bushbuck passing by, the Victoria Falls Safari Spa will be reminiscent of an African safari tented camp filled with ethnic fabrics and artefacts.

The main area will feature manicure and pedicure stations, a hairdressing salon, a relaxation area, a splash pool and a café serving healthy dishes, while the three separate beautifully appointed treatment rooms (one double and two singles) will be accessed on a path through trees and bridges.

Available treatments will include manicures, pedicures, waxing, tinting, facials, reflexology, body treatments, massages and hairdressing. Victoria Falls Safari Spa will use all-natural African products with plant-based ingredients.

EVENTS
Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, surrounded by African bush and wildlife, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate is a unique venue for conferences, business seminars, incentive travel, weddings and other functions.

WEDDINGS
Victoria Falls is a dream wedding destination. Every detail of your ceremony and reception is tailor-made by our team of professionals to suit your needs – be it beside the Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River or at sunset overlooking a wildlife-rich waterhole at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

Our team is happy to plan and take care of all arrangements for your wedding ceremony and reception to make your special day perfect. The sunset- facing Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate has several great venues for both wedding ceremonies and receptions, but your nuptials may also take place at a range of locations off the property.

CONFERENCES
Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, surrounded by African bush and wildlife, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate is a unique venue for conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings. We can facilitate meetings of up to 200 delegates. Our facilities include a large conference room, a smaller boardroom, two breakaway rooms and an open-air amphitheatre.

Packages include room hire, standard equipment, morning and afternoon teas, a set menu or buffet lunch (this requires a minimum of 30 people). We offer both half day and full day options.

Accommodation options include the award-winning 72-room Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the exclusive 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club, the luxurious Victoria Falls Safari Suites and the self-catering Lokuthula Lodges, which may also be booked on bed and breakfast basis.

There are a number of dining options, from the fine dining MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant overlooking Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s wildlife rich waterhole, to the vibrant “feast of fun” at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show or dinner under the stars on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls, dubbed the “Adventure Capital of the World” also has many activities from which to choose, which are excellent for team building for conference delegates. Activities include white water rafting, canoeing and sunset cruises. Our team of professionals will assist in creating a suitable package to suit your group.

INCENTIVE TRAVEL
Victoria Falls is an inspiring destination for incentive travel, offering groups that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the sheer beauty of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, along with a myriad of activities centred around it.

With a wide of accommodation options available at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge resort, we can cater for both small and large groups. Our team can tailor a package to suit your requirements. Contact safgroups@saflodge.co.zw for more information.

Accommodation options include the award-winning 72-room Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the exclusive 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club, the luxurious Victoria Falls Safari Suites and the self-catering Lokuthula Lodges, which may also be booked on bed and breakfast basis.

There are a number of dining options, from the fine dining MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant overlooking Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s wildlife rich waterhole, to the vibrant “feast of fun” at The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show or dinner under the stars on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls, dubbed the “Adventure Capital of Africa” also has many activities from which to choose, which are excellent for motivational team building. Activities include white water rafting, canoeing and sunset cruises.

DISCOVER VICTORIA FALLS & ZIMBABWE 
Welcome to the great Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world and a place where wilderness, adventure and culture unite around one stunning spectacle.

Incredible natural beauty, and remarkable wildlife viewing combine to awe visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the Zambezi River drops more than 100m into the Batoka Gorge to form Victoria Falls. At 1.7km wide, it is the largest curtain of falling water in the world, and is often referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or the Smoke that Thunders.

Victoria Falls, is a year round destination. However, the water levels vary throughout the year, being at their highest between April and June, and their lowest from October to December.

Viewing the Victoria Falls at different times of the year offers different experiences – in high flow its entire length is a thundering wall of falling water, whereas in low flow the underlying structure can be seen and visibility is clearer.

THE HISTORY OF THE VICTORIA FALLS
The Victoria Falls were formed more than 70 000 years ago after the gushing water of the Zambezi River, which flowed over hard basalt with large cracks filled with weaker sandstone, eroded the softer rock to create a deep chasm which became a waterfall.

Victoria Falls has a rich history, with evidence of dinosaurs in the region as far back as 200 million years ago, followed by now extinct mammals such as buffalo with 3m horns, a short-necked giraffe with antlers and the African mammoth elephant.

A large collection of late stone age tools has also been found around Victoria Falls, showing evidence of early man.The early Homo Sapiens in the area were San Bushmen and after the Bantu Migration down from west and east Africa,they were joined by the Tonga, Lozi and latterly the Nambya people, before the Ndebele came up from the south.

In 1855 Scottish explorer and missionary David Livingstone became the first European to see Victoria Falls and named them after his Queen, bringing them to the attention of the world, after which the falls became a major tourist attraction.

THE WILDLIFE
There are several wildlife viewing opportunities in Victoria Falls. A favorite for locals and visitors alike is the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge waterhole, where a sundowner may be enjoyed on the viewing deck or at the Buffalo Bar as elephant, buffalo, kudu and other wildlife also quench their thirst.

Victoria Falls town is uniquely located within Victoria Falls National Park, and it is not uncommon to share the footpath with a vervet monkey with a baby on its back, or a family of warthogs! Game drives in the nearby Zambezi National Park offer the opportunity to see lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and several species of antelope.

Game viewing is best during the dry season between July and October, when there is less water around and animals congregate at waterholes. Wildlife is also easier to spot during this time as the bush is not so thick and lush.

Victoria Falls is part of the richest wildlife estate on the planet, with other excellent wildlife viewing opportunities in the region including Hwange National Park, Chobe National Park, while slightly further afield is the Okavango Delta and Kafue National Park.

In order to conserve our wildlife heritage and leave a legacy for generations to come Victoria Falls Safari Lodge established, in 1999, the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit together with local safari operator and conservationist Charles Brightman.

ONSITE WATERHOLE
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located on a plateau overlooking a waterhole which attracts a variety of wildlife including elephant, buffalo, kudu, waterbuck, impala as well as a large number of bird species.

Game may be seen at the waterhole from the lodge’s viewing deck, pool deck or over drinks or a meal at the Buffalo Bar and MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant. The majority of rooms at the lodge also have a direct view of the waterhole from where guests may watch the game from the privacy of their balcony.

VULTURE CULTURE EXPERIENCE
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of vultures swooping down and feeding on leftover meat scraps and bones from the on-site restaurants in front of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge at 1pm daily.

As well as providing the opportunity for visitors to spot white headed vultures, hooded vultures, lappet faced vultures and white backed vultures, this supplementary feeding program aids the survival of these remarkable, but endangered birds.

The activity, which is free and appeals to all age groups, begins with a briefing on a deck beneath Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, about the ecological importance of vultures and the plight they are facing, before guests take a short walk down a bush path to a hide to view the vultures feeding.

Vulture populations are dwindling due to a variety of human created issues, including electrocution by power lines, loss of available and safe food supply, direct and indirect poisoning and the use of their parts for traditional medicines.

SIDULI HIDE
A sit in the Siduli Hide at the edge of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge waterhole offers the incredible opportunity to watch wildlife at very close quarters for a sustained period of time.

Designed to look like a termite mound, guests are concealed inside the hide, from where they may closely observe large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as kudu, warthogs, crocodiles, marabou storks, vultures and more.

The hide sit, ideal for keen photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who seek a unique and exclusive way to enjoy wildlife while visiting Victoria Falls, is run by professional guide Charles Brightman. The two-hour activity, which is available to groups of up to six, is best done in the early morning or late afternoon.

BIRD HIDE
A bird hide sit, offering the chance to spot a variety of different species, including guinea fowl, kingfishers, shrikes and doves, at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, is a great way to while away an hour, and is suitable for all age groups.

The bird hide is surrounded by nature trails where bushbuck and warthog are commonly sighted. Both the bird hide and the nature trails can be explored at guests’ own leisure. Don’t forget to bring along a hat, water and binoculars. Special arrangements may be made for groups.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
The activities below are among some of the most popular on offer in Victoria Falls, and may be booked through the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s activities desk or with your butler for guests staying at the Victoria Falls Safari Club.

SUNSET CRUISE
Sit back, relax and soak up the last rays of the African sun as you gently drift along the Zambezi River above the Falls with a gin and tonic in hand and enjoying delicious snacks. Look out for elephant, hippo, crocodile, magnificent birds and other wildlife.

The finale of the cruise is the unforgettable sight of the sun setting over the Zambezi River, turning the sky into a myriad of reds, oranges and pinks and casting shadows and silhouettes all around.

GAME DRIVES
There is no better way to explore the African bush than on a guided game drive in an open safari vehicle. We offer drives in the early morning and late afternoon, allowing you to choose to do this activity when it best suits your itinerary.

As well as numerous bird species, wildlife that may be seen on the game drive, taken through Zambezi National Park, includes elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and other antelope.

HELICOPTER RIDES
Sign up for an unrivaled and breath-taking bird’s-eye view of the majestic Victoria Falls and surrounding areas. There are three different types of flights that depart regularly throughout the day – a 15-minute flight takes you above the Victoria Falls, a 22-minute flight also takes you over Batoka Gorge and the Zambezi River, while a 25-minute flight includes game viewing opportunities over the Zambezi National Park.

VICTORIA FALLS RAINFOREST GUIDED TOUR 
Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest curtain of falling water in the world, can be enjoyed from the Zimbabwean side of the Falls 365 days of the year.

On this tour you will be accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified guide who will give a brief history of the Falls, as well as detailing the flora, fauna and other points of interest. Stop at lookout points along the way to marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Lunar Rainbow tours are available during full moon nights.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
Arguably the wildest white water in the world, rafting the mighty Zambezi River is the ultimate adrenaline rush. The Zambezi rapids are officially defined as Grade 5 (Grade 6 being commercially un-runnable).

The rafting experience begins at 7am when you are collected from your hotel. Save some energy for the steep walk out of the gorge at the end of an action-packed morning, where an ice cold coke or beer and a well-earned lunch awaits you.

ADRENALINE HIGHWIRE
Be daring and test your limits with the high wire activities from the ‘Look-Out’, set on the spectacular cliffs of the Batoka Gorge, just 300m from the Victoria Falls. Experience a collection of mind-blowing extreme adrenaline activities – the gorge swing, zip line, flying fox, as well as a canopy tour, which is suitable for families and children from the age of six years.

TREE DAYS IN VICTORIA FALLS

Arrive at Victoria Falls International Airport where you will be met and transferred to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a sunset-facing lodge with spectacular views over the Zambezi National Park, including a wildlife-rich waterhole offering opportunities to view elephant, buffalo, kudu and other game, as well as a variety of birds including marabou storks.

Check in and continue down to the Buffalo Bar for lunch. This bar, once included in Heineken’s “Great Bars of the World” list, has a delicious menu with stunning views over the waterhole. It is a favourite sundowner spot for guests and locals alike.

You will be collected from the lodge for your sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, Africa’s fourth longest, where you will enjoy snacks and drinks, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife such as elephant, hippo, crocodile and magnificent birds. This is a great way to soak up the serenity of your surroundings as the sun sets over the water and day turns to night.

Return to the lodge for dinner at MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant which is open on three sides and overlooks the waterhole, offering a unique opportunity to view game as you enjoy your fine dining experience. The a la carte dinner menu includes dishes with a local twist such as the popular flame-grilled warthog and Zambezi bream. Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

DAY 2
Enjoy breakfast at MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant consisting of an extensive continental buffet and an a la carte selection of cooked dishes, such as the ‘Livukile’ breakfast of soft poached eggs on toasted brown bread, honey glazed ham, grilled tomato and hollandaise sauce.

After breakfast depart on a guided tour of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be awed by the sheer beauty of the largest curtain of falling water in the world, and your guide will enthral you with the history of the Falls, as well as detailing the flora, fauna and other points of interest.

At 1pm make your way to the Buffalo Bar viewing deck to take part in the Vulture Culture Experience. Witness the spectacular sight of hundreds of vultures swooping down and feeding on leftover meat scraps and bones from the on-site restaurants.This supplementary feeding programme aids the survival of these remarkable but endangered birds. Lunch at the Buffalo Bar.

Dinner tonight is at the The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, a legendary must-do dining and entertainment experience which specialises in traditional African dining, interactive drumming and dancing. Your meal begins with a mouth-watering platter of starters, followed by soup from the campfire and a buffet featuring warthog fillet, grilled ostrich as well as a variety of vegetarian dishes and dessert. Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

DAY 3
After breakfast choose from a large array of activities – from a leisurely wander around the town, exploring the craft markets, to adrenalin sports including white water rafting, gorge swinging, zip lining and a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls.Or simply relax at the pool deck.

In the late afternoon, meet up with your guide at the Activities Desk and depart on a sit at the Siduli Hide, located at the edge of the lodge’s waterhole, for an exciting opportunity to watch wildlife at very close quarters. Dinner at MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant. Overnight at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Rooms: 20

Price: from 371 EUR per night

Source: www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com