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.
