Sample Trip

3-Night Victoria Falls Extension

“A very popular extension for nearby wildlife safaris, visiting this natural world wonder”

Budget level: All Budgets

Country

Zimbabwe

When to Go

All Year

Duration

3 Nights

Safari Type

Lodge and Canvas

Location

Victoria Falls

Kids Min Age

All Ages

Safari Rating

adventure

wilderness

wildlife

comfort

photographic

guiding

Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe has something to offer for each and every traveller visiting Southern Africa on safari. It’s one of those must-see locations that works perfectly at the start, middle or ending to an extended safari.

Itinerary in Brief

Options for all budgets:

Budget – Bayete Guest Lodge
Affordable – Ilala Lodge
Mid-range – The Victoria Falls Hotel
High-end – Old Drift Lodge
Top-end – Victoria Falls River Lodge

zimbabwe victoria falls river lodge luxury 37

Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and fed from the Zambezi River, the spectacular Victoria Falls is not to be missed. Cascading 100 meters across an expanse of two kilometers it is twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls, and is often referred to as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. The power of the falls is so mighty that it was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.

Visiting Victoria Falls is best at the beginning, the middle as a short break or at the end of your typical wildlife safaris in Southern Africa. If at the start of your trip it’s a great way to relax, recover from jetlag and get into the swing of being on safari. It’s also fantastic at the middle of your safari as it can give you a ‘break’ from the fast pace of action-packed safaris and a moment to recharge your batteries in comfort – before moving onto the next safari destination. Particularly if you are doing a longer safari, it’s recommended to take a short break. Then finally if ending your trip with Victoria Falls, it’s a great way to freshen up, dress up and get back to ‘civilisation’ whilst also slowing down and preparing for the return home.

There’s a multitude of accommodation options available in the nearby area of Victoria Falls to match all budgets. We’ve selected some of our favourite and most popular options, but there’s plenty more on offer should these not suit you. It’s also worth considering the Zambian side of the falls and the town of Livingstone, which might be more convenient if on a Zambian safari.

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Zambia Livingstone island victoria falls romantic couple

Zimbabwe victoria falls aerial photo world wonder

zimbabwe victoria falls old drift lodge bathroom

zimbabwe victoria falls old drift lodge fire

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zimbabwe victoria falls river lodge luxury 4

zimbabwe victoria falls river lodge luxury 20

Detailed Itinerary

Budget – Bayete Guest Lodge Affordable – Ilala Lodge Mid-range – The Victoria Falls Hotel High-end – Old Drift Lodge Top-end – Victoria Falls River Lodge

Budget – Bayete Guest Lodge

Bayete Guest Lodge Victoria Falls is a quiet oasis far removed from the hustle and bustle of the town, and offers a tranquil and comfortable escape for both work and pleasure orientated travelers. The Lodge offers a fast fibre-optic wi-fi connection covering all rooms and areas of the lodge which is available to guests free of charge.

Mike, Kathy and Alex are your hosts, and together have over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry. They have gone to extra-ordinary lengths to turn Bayete Guest Lodge into the stunning and unique guest lodge that it is today!

Affordable – Ilala Lodge

The Lodge is a family-run boutique hotel that offers luxury and comfort in the heart of Victoria Falls. Nestled in attractive gardens, the well-appointed hotel is a mere eight-minute walk from Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Guests also have access to all the historical sites, restaurants and activities available in Victoria Falls, which is buzzing with a new lease on life!

The award-winning Palm Restaurant at Ilala Lodge is famous for its delicious gourmet cuisine and attracts guests worldwide. Diners can see the spray and hear the sounds of Victoria Falls, locally known as the ‘Smoke That Thunders’, while they enjoy the al-fresco dining under the starry African skies. Wild animals, such as warthog and impala, often graze on the hotel lawns and entertain guests during mealtime.

At this luxury Victoria Falls establishment the 56 rooms are designed to create a feeling of privacy. The rooms on the upper tier open out onto a private balcony, while the lower floor rooms open onto the lush manicured gardens, where you can watch the warthogs graze from the hotel lawn. You may even be lucky enough to have a visit from an elephant…

Mid-range – The Victoria Falls Hotel

Zimbabwe’s grandest and oldest luxury hotel has been an icon for luxury in Africa since 1904. Walk down the hallways and you will be taken back in time where royalty and celebrities once walked.

Choose from a delightful array of rooms options, Standard and Central Deluxe Rooms, to Honeymoon, Royal and Presidential Suite most with commanding views over the manicured gardens, the impressive Victoria Falls and Batoka Gorge.

Serene lily ponds, arched loggias and broad verandas – offering magnificent vistas – seem custom-built for a spot of high tea or a relaxed gin and tonic, while a private path leads to the falls, an idyllic 10-minute walk away.

High-end – Old Drift Lodge

The main lodge area has 360 degree views, North facing onto the Zambezi & South facing onto a water hole. A 7 kilometre stretch of river flows between the camp and the town of Victoria Falls, making Old Drift Lodge the closest lodge within the National Park to Victoria Falls.

Luxury boats transport guests to our natural utopia where we are able to accommodate safari guests in 10 double suites and 4 family suites. The spacious canvas en-suite rooms exhibit an air of elegance that blends in seamlessly with the natural environment. Each suite has its very own viewing deck, with a private plunge pool.

The suites are resplendent with stylish furnishings and fittings, accentuated by an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool and star bed. The outdoor bath allows guests to submerge themselves in hot, bubbly water while listening to the river rush by, bathing them with a wave of calmness and tranquillity.

Old Drift Lodge is ideally situated within the National Park and offers guests all-inclusive insight into an exquisite natural world. The activities offered emphasize the rich natural environment, focusing on the abundance of wildlife that roam through the Park and swim beneath the surface of the Zambezi.

The Zambezi National park can be explored on a 4 x 4 game drive, river safari and walking safari, satisfying guests needs to experience every aspect this natural utopia.

Top-end – Victoria Falls River Lodge

The first privately owned safari lodge to be built within the Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe), the Lodge is ideally located for exploring Victoria Falls and combines the African Safari experience with one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World – the iconic Victoria Falls – the spray of which can be seen in the distance!

Victoria Falls River Lodge, on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, boasts 13 Luxury Tented Suites (each with private deck and plunge pool), 6 secluded Island Treehouse Suites (sheltered amidst the treetops of the private Kandahar Island), spacious open-plan dining, lounge and bar areas, an onsite fitness centre and the indulgent Africology affiliated Toa Spa.

Included activities: Sunrise and sunset river cruises on the mighty Zambezi River, Guided morning and afternoon game drives into the Zambezi National Park, Tour of the Falls (entry into the Rainforest is for the guest’s own account), Use of Fitness Centre, Birding