NEW STAR ON ZIMBABWE BORDER: VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE

In a move that signifies the positive changes in Zimbabwe, five-star Victoria Falls River Lodge opened its doors in April 2012. This is the first luxury lodge to open in several years and the first private game lodge to be set in Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. The boutique lodge is built on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, and is close enough to Victoria Falls to see the spray of the “Smoke that Thunders.”

With uninterrupted panoramic views of African sunsets, each of the seven luxury tents’ locations is carefully chosen for its own unique views of the river and for the surrounding trees that provide maximum privacy (three of the tents are suitable for families). Sit back on your private deck and spot one of the 415 bird species recorded in the park – or opt for in-room massage, manicure and pedicure services.

Designer and co-owner, Amanda Bosch, envisioned and outlined the layout of Victoria Falls River Lodge in the sand on site – the location chosen because of her affection for a particular dead Leadwood tree and its beautiful color. In fact, a dead Leadwood tree is incorporated in every room.

Amanda’s vision became a crescent-shaped lodge (with no sharp edges) set in front of a towering Baobab tree and back from the river to encourage elephants to keep their natural evening route as smaller game graze in front on the lawn. The main lodge has an open plan design with a beautiful thatched roof and allows guests to easily migrate from the lounge to the bar to the dining area within the structure.

As a five-star lodge, fine dining is made possible by a Blue Ribbon designed kitchen. Bruce Bromberg, American celebrity chef, personally designed the space, continuing his nature of setting culinary trends and igniting passions. He is most noted as a founder of Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group, which has accumulated a slew of awards from top US publications for the past decade. Victoria Falls River Lodge’s menu caters to all tastes and includes a variety of local traditional dishes prepared by its expert Zimbabwean Chef.

In this remote location, you have two safari options: river cruise along the Zambezi or the ultimate bush experience within the expansive park where you are located. A safari by water is a perspective not many have the opportunity to experience – and the closest you may get to a hippo in the wild. Or, explore the 150,000 acres that make up Zambezi National Park and track the elephant herds as they move silently through the bush (by car or on foot). And, because the lodge is so close to Victoria Falls and the bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, the activity options of a typical safari lodge are doubled. Choices include rafting, the bungee jump, bridge swing, canoeing the Zambezi wine route, tours of the Falls, helicopter flights, a boma dinner experience (sample some local Mopani Worms), village tours, sunset steam train trip and a guided tour of the town of Victoria Falls (note: some activities may be an additional cost).

Then return back to the spacious lodge for a dip in the swimming pool or a nap on the relaxation deck. Victoria Falls River Lodge is child-friendly with special activities and tours for children, as well as the option of child minding services. Children are invited to participate in local activities like grass weaving, bread-making and fishing. And, family tents offer an additional tented room, with one single and one double bunk bed, allowing three children to sleep comfortably. (Children 0-3 years old are accommodated at no extra cost, but are not permitted on game drives.)

Known for its many years of turmoil, Zimbabwe has opened up to the world as an up-and-coming destination. Its economy is on the upswing, especially since it now has the US dollar as its currency. And, Zimbabwe’s government has identified the revival of tourism as a factor for its economy, and is focusing on the tourism sector with renewed fervor.

The parks have not been visited in depth for some time, and are waiting to be explore once again (notably, Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park and Matusadona National Park). And remember, Zimbabwe’s side has the best view of the Falls when water levels are low. To top it off, Zimbabwe has always had the best guides, with the continent’s most stringent regulations to gain a guiding license. Your safari guide will make or break your experience, so ensure it’s a great one by going to Zimbabwe.

Rates for Victoria Falls River Lodge start at $435 per person sharing per night and include a daily choice of game drives in Zambezi National Park or a sunset river cruise, bird watching on Kandahar Island, access to the Tree Hide, daily transfers to Victoria Falls town, a tour of the Falls, meals, local beverages and transfers to/from Victoria Falls Airport.

For more information, visit www.zambezicrescent.com. For reservations and a custom itinerary, visit www.zambezicrescent.com/EN/make-a-booking.html or email reservations@zambezicrescent.com.