Our Experience of Victoria Falls Safari Club in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls
Having visited some of the most exceptionally beautiful locations in South Africa (including the Kruger and Greater Kruger, the Waterberg, Cape Town, the Garden Route, to name a few), I believe SA has top bucket-list locations for local and international travellers. That remains true, however, I would say that our recent visit to the Victoria Falls has not only hit us hard with the travel bug, but it’s ignited a new wave of excitement and drive within Jesse and I. There are so many wonders to see and experience in Africa, and we can’t wait to expand the locations, itineraries to more of Africa where our guests have bucket listed.
Now that we have experienced the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, the town and Zimbabwe’s hospitality for ourselves, we can say to our guests, undoubtably, that Vic Falls has to be bopped up to one of the top spots on everyone’s travel bucket list.
This blog is about our trip to Victoria Falls, which was only a taste what there is to do and see. There is so many amazing adventures and activities available, with Livingstone and the Zambian side of the falls not too far away (and vice-versa if guests decide to lodge that side) as well as the other incredible parks and reserves in the region. My apologies, “dear reader” this has been quite an intro… the truth is, this was like nothing we have experienced before, totally unique. I hope you enjoy reading more about this incredible place, here it goes…
After touching down in Zimbabwe for the first time, we were transferred straight to the Victoria Falls Safari Club, with stunning views of the raw African landscape of Zambezi National Park. We checked in, and had a quick refresh in our beautiful and spacious room. With an outside view of the park, 5 star finishes including a bath, spa slippers and gowns. The lodge is ideal for honeymooners or those who travel high-end glam.
All aboard the Zambezi Royal, ready for sundowners while cruising on the river banks of the Zambezi. The song Zambezi by TRESOR & Beatenberg playing on repeat in my mind, I felt the river’s unique heartbeat. As Danielle Sheedy, travel blogger and friend of ours said, it is magical. We sipped our drinks while listening to the striking story of David Livingstone, told by amazing storyteller and tour guide, Libby. This is something we would highly recommend to all tourists, to learn about the origins of the River and the Mosi-oa-Tunya. The story behind where you are, makes it feel like you are an explorer too, wondering what it was like to discover nature’s masterpieces in Africa.
The next morning, we set off for the falls, after a tasty, nourishing breakfast at the Safari Club. We were so excited, as everyone else in our group had seen it as some point in their lives and/or careers in travel. We began the tour, with our guide teaching us the history and traditional name of the Victoria Falls, the Mosi-ou-tunya. It means “the smoke that thunders” and what a truly fitting description it is. Although we were visiting in the dry season we were lucky to get a glimpse of the smoke and feel its spray at some of the view points. The way to each view point is like walking through a jungle, with each view more breath-taking than the next. It was spectacular to see, moving even, like viewing God’s work of art. I can only image how awe-striking it is in the wet season.
After the tour we headed to the Club’s sister properties to have a look at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s rooms, suites and facilities as well as the Lokuthula Lodges & Chalets. We then had lunch in the restaurant with a stunning view of a waterhole. To follow lunch, we got to take part in the remarkable initiative that the lodge is involved with, the vulture conservation project. The Vulture Culture feeding demonstration was enlightening, giving us a greater understanding on the severity of the endangerment these birds face. It was amazing to see the work they do, and invaluable for us to learn what more work there needs to be done at home, in SA too.
Our experience of the lodge’s modern, chic and serene Spa was simply wonderful. Treatments in one of the best settings in the world, what more can I say about that? What a treat for myself and Jesse to be able to relax and de-stress there. A worthwhile addition to any getaway, and especially in the setting of the Zambezi National Park and the Vic Falls only a few kilometres away from you.
We had a quick swim in the Safari Club pool, much needed in the humid heat of Zim, before leaving on the bi-hourly shuttle into town. We bargained for some curios and took a walk around town, before walking through the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. I would definitely recommend guests stop by the Hotel for High Tea, if they can include that in their itinerary.
We met in the Safari Club’s outdoor lounge for ‘pre-dinks’ before being picked up for the Boma, a highlight for any guest staying in Victoria Falls. I don’t want to give away too much, as it is an absolute must-do, hands down. Something about the beat of the night made me feel particularly adventurous, going to see the fortune teller (a shock for Jesse the sceptic) and even tasting a Mopani worm (cue the EW),which I have a certificate as proof. We left with satisfied, full tummies from the incredible buffet and full hearts from the energy of the drums.The vibrations of the evening lingering memories we’ll never forget.
1.The warmth of the people and every person we met ❤️
2.The profound experience of witnessing the wonder of the world and we can’t wait to see the Mosi-ou-tunya again in its glory season.✨
3.The magic of the Zambezi River that captured our hearts. 😍
4.The fortune teller at the Boma to see if his fortunes come true. 😉
5. More adventures to be had…such as rafting, ziplining, day trips to Chobe etc. 🤠
Check out the Victoria Falls Safari Club, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and the Lokatula Lodges here on our website.