I treaded with intention, adamant to take in as much of the experience as possible. From the smell of the rain forest unique to the Victoria Falls’ very own eco-system, to the taste of the Falls’ spray on my lips and the butterflies – not bothered in the least by the immense force of the Zambezi River tumbling over the cliffs just beyond – fluttering past. I’d been to the Victoria Falls on a previous occasion, but this time, Mosi-oa-Tunya – the Lozi name for the Falls, meaning the smoke that thunders – took on a whole new meaning for me. A deeper, more profound meaning than it just being yet another famous honeymoon destination.

Whilst one of many experiences to be had during a three-day stay at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – which forms part of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection – it was the highlight, for sure.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: A Welcoming Base From Which To Explore

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge proved that staying at one destination and exploring from there, is often the best way to ensure an immersive and more memorable travel experience. Using the lodge as base from which we could discover more of Zim, was one of the best parts of our itinerary. One stay means no repacking of bags, no additional transport, no getting used to more hotel beds. The bonus: your one stay can be elevated with countless activities and experiences – all arranged from the experiences desk (at an additional charge, of course).

Built by two friends, Dave Glynn and Ross Kennedy, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has become a wonderful gateway to Vic Falls and the Zambezi River, offering guests the best of both worlds: a comfortable stay with incredibly kind people on the ground, and the unique, Zimbabwean bush and river experiences beyond.

A Trip to the Victoria Falls

When you are staying at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a two-hour guided tour at the Victoria Falls is a must add to your itinerary. Whilst it’s not included in the price of your stay, the lodge’s experience architects can easily arrange it for you. Don’t forget to enquire about what to bring along for this experience. In the meantime, here is my ultimate list of what to pack for Victoria Falls.

Did you know? The Victoria Falls is one of the few places globally where you can see a lunar rainbow. For three nights around full moon, the mist of the Falls acts as a natural prism, dispersing the moonlight into its constituent colours. Hence, try to plan your visit to the Victoria Falls around when the moon will be at its fullest.

An Incredibly Special Spa Experience

On the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge premises, the Victoria Falls Safari Spa invites guests to connect not only with themselves, but with nature too. A soothing facial had me nearly falling asleep to the sound of the bush, with treatment tents nestled amidst indigenous trees. The spa experience here has been carefully considered, with special touches like cork sandals, stunning robes and a location that allows guests to immerse themselves in the quietness and tranquility only nature can provide. Whether indoors during treatments, sipping on something fresh poolside, or tiptoeing in the reflexology pool, the natural surrounds are tangible in every detail.

Vulture Culture

Another standout experience to be had – and that just a few steps away from the lodge’s main restaurant – is Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s vulture restaurant. Its custodian, Moses Garira says: “Vultures are such beautiful birds,” and his love for what he does becomes even more evident in the way these birds – and some Marabou Storks – start circling above the lodge at lunchtime.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s Vulture Culture Experience is a wonderful way in which Moses and his team create awareness around the concern for these endangered birds, as well as their important role in the bigger scheme of things.

LISTEN TO MY INTERVIEW WITH MOSES GARIRA ON THE SUITCASE & CHARDONNAY PODCAST

The Boma Dinner & Drum Show

Whilst many might consider it a typical tourist attraction and one that a true traveller would not set foot in merely because of its touristy façade, The Boma – also on the Victoria Falls Safari Collection’s grounds – offers much more than just another item to tick off from your travel bucket list. Yes, it’s got all the bells and whistles that make it touristy, but it’s also an incredibly immersive experience. Here you get to mingle with locals and international tourists alike, whilst trying your hand at drumming, dancing to the rhythm of African beats and tasting local flavours like crocodile meat and mopane worms. Ultimately, it’s the feeling of community and being included in a culture different to your own, that makes this experience a must.

Art in Nature

If you enjoy being creative in nature, be sure to enquire about Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s art experiences. They work with a local artist who guides you as you paint what you see from the lodge’s vulture deck. Let waterhole views and vultures guide your creativity as you play around with the primary colours on your palette, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature from a whole new angle.

Magical Moments On A Sunset Cruise

Sunsets on the Zambezi River are simply magical. No matter what the weather looks like, the views are breathtaking. We went out on Pure Africa’s Zambezi Explorer, which included snacks and drinks and we even got to spot hippo and elephants along the way. If you are someone who enjoys to include little luxuries like this in your itinerary, Pure Africa’s Sunset Cruise comes highly recommended.

Bungy Jumping

I am no bungy jumper, but for the more adventurous traveller, I’d imagine a jump at the Vic Falls is a must. Jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge is apparently quite an exhilarating experience, with former bungee jump-master, Hosiah Mudzingwa saying: “This bridge is really special. When I go to work, I definitely give respect to the bridge, and to what I’m going to do there. It never slips out of my mind to say, this bridge is beautiful.” (From the book, Where There’s Smoke).

Exploring Victoria Falls

Of course, exploring the town of Victoria Falls is another welcome experience during your visit to Zim. Many would tell you that spotting an elephant in the street was no strange thing 30 odd years ago. But, as things progressed, less and less animals roamed the streets of Victoria Falls, even though you might still come across a few – especially those naughty baboons. In fact, Nathan Webb, the General Manager of the Wildlife Conservation Coalition says visitors should be vigilant and refrain from carrying food in the street, as they might rob you from your lunch! Apart from spotting animals in the streets, there are, of course, various curio stalls to stroll through, with beautiful woven baskets and beadwork for those in search of the perfect souvenirs.

Whether immersed in the majestic thunder of Mosi-oa-Tunya or the whispers of the Zimbabwean bush, one thing is certain: Zim is a destination where there is so much to explore – both out there in nature, as well as inside oneself.

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