Southern Africa Part 3 - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is recognized as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and is nicknamed “The Smoke That Thunders”.  It’s located between 2 countries, namely Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Rene & Patti in front of one of the many vantage points at Victoria Falls

This was our 3rd trip to visit Victoria Falls and they never fail to impress us no matter what time of year it may be. Our first visit was on the Zambian side when we stayed a short walk from the brink of the falls at The Royal Livingstone during the month of February. This particular time of year is near the peak time for the waterflow that tends to be from March to May.  

For both our second and this third visit, both during the month of October, we chose to stay at lodges located on the Zambezi River, about 4 miles from the actual falls.  With this type of stay, we were able to enjoy wonderful river safaris on private boats provided by the lodges. Although October through December is not the peak time for the waterflow, the falls were still brilliant to see.

We absolutely loved this so much at the previous lodge called Victoria Falls River Lodge a few years ago that I wanted to stay at a similar nearby lodge that I’d heard a lot of great things about, called Old Drift Lodge.

Old Drift Lodge facing the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls

It's one thing I always try to do with my travels, that is, to experience different properties and areas to enhance my knowledge in order to better assist my clients to give them the best choices for their travel. Either of these properties are excellent choices and this experience with river safaris is one that I highly recommend.  

Old Drift Lodge's Dock with one of their 'safari boats'

Of course, added to this comfortable cruising opportunity are the fabulous sunrises in the early morning hour or sunsets as evening falls. It’s such a magical experience along this lovely stretch of the mighty Zambezi River. The scenery is spectacular.

A beautiful sunrise on a Zambezi River cruise

It’s so very different being able to cruise smoothly along vs. doing safaris in land rovers over bumpy hills and dales. This way on the boat, one can travel along with drinks in hand, either coffee or tea in the morning (laced with something or not), or gin and tonics or whatever else one may like in the afternoon/evening.  And as you cruise smoothly along, you’re able to enjoy all the wonderful wildlife along the river.

Elephants on the Zambezi River

The wildlife here is plentiful including lots of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, various antelope and an array of birdlife too, of course!  It’s a great addition to doing safaris on land.

Hippo out of the water on the Zambezi River - this is the one that was a little pissed off at us

Hippos in the water on the Zambezi River

Vervet monkeys alongside the Zambezi River

Nile Crocodile alongside the Zambezi River

A multitude of birds on the Zambezi River

Old Drift Lodge is owned by a company called Wild Horizons, which is an eco-tourism operator that is very well connected in Victoria Falls with a multitude of tour experiences along with the various other properties that they own. Old Drift is their premium property with just 14 private lodging accommodations, each with their own private plunge pool, large private deck, huge bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers, outdoor tub, and massive bedroom and sitting areas as well.

Our Lodge from the Zambezi River

The view from our lodge on the Zambezi River

Inside of our lodge at Old Drift Lodge

Our bedroom area at Old Drift Lodge

Part of our bathroom area at Old Drift Lodge

They even have a few of their lodges equipped with, what’s called, a ‘star bed’. This feature enables one to actually sleep out under the stars in a raised platform area, just up from the accommodation. They have mosquito netting surrounding the bed area but one is actually out in the elements up on this raised platform area. Rene and I decided not to sleep here although there are some people that this appeals to.

Looking up to the 'Star Bed'

'The Star Bed'

Old Drift’s customer care is excellent, and their food is fresh and delicious. They have a multitude of options on their menu to choose from at each meal including an incredibly extensive buffet selection in the mornings for breakfast.

Part of the Breakfast Buffet

Another part of the Breakfast Buffet

One of the many scrumptious meals we had @ Old Drift Lodge

Our first night staying at the lodge was incredibly exciting as we listened to a lion roaring near our accommodation. We were fortunate that they ended up staging a couple of their armed rangers nearby to ensure that there wouldn’t be any issues and happily there were none. It was a very exciting first night. We also heard that they were also apparently around during our second night as well but were much quieter then so that it wasn’t quite so exciting as the first night. Needless to say, we were happy we weren’t in the star bed either night that we stayed here!

We didn’t bother focusing too much on game drives while at this property since we were able to partake in those previously in Sabi Sabi, near Kruger, South Africa earlier on and knew we were headed to Botswana next to do more game drives there.  It was great being able to just focus on both the sunrise and sunset river safaris and the all-important touring of Victoria Falls again with our guests who’d never been there. We did actually only spend 2 nights here in Victoria Falls on this trip.

One of the 16 vantage points at Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side

A new treat this time was to go to Wild Horizon’s lovely “Lookout Café” strategically positioned at the Falls on the edge of the breathtaking Batoka Gorge. The restaurant was excellent with a full drink and food menu. The service was very friendly, and the restaurant décor was wonderful along with the incredible views. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side.

The lovely 'Lookout Cafe'

The view from 'The Lookout Cafe'

There’s so much more you can do in and around Victoria Falls. There are helicopter rides to consider, and we did that on our first trip there. For the adventurous, you can go white water rafting, partake in a ‘gorge swing’, go ziplining, and much more. There are various eco-conscious elephant encounter activities available and various other opportunities including many cruise options and even a day trip to nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana, known as the elephant capital of the world.  We were fortunate to have stayed here a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed this part of the world as well.

Elephants alongside the Chobe River on a previous trip

Overall, Victoria Falls is a great addition to any itinerary in either Southern Africa or East Africa since it’s centrally located between these two major areas. Zimbabwe, in my opinion, tends to be the better side to view the falls since they have 16 vantage points from which to see the falls, while there are only 3 vantage points on the Zambia side. There’s no question though that Victoria Falls on either side is well worth the visit if and when you decide to visit either Southern Africa or East Africa.