Third stop: Victoria Falls River Lodge in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe
After an amazing week in Botswana, we landed in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe and had to clear airport customs, due to crossing into a new country, which was all straightforward and quick. We were then escorted to the third lodge of our African safari, planned by Go2Africa. The team at Go2Africa made all of the flight, lodge and transfer arrangements for a seamless experience!
After a short van ride to a dock, we took a speedboat down the Zambezi River. From the moment you arrive at Victoria Falls River Lodge, you’re surrounded by Zimbabwe’s wilderness, with a distant roar of Victoria Falls in the background. The main lodge is grand and open, with views of the river, and served as our primary location for breakfast and dinner. A mob of banded mongoose played in the open grassy area behind the lodge.
Victoria Falls River Lodge is a blend of luxury and eco-conscious design. Each tented suite has a panoramic view of the Zambezi River from their spacious deck, complete with plunge pool. The tents are spacious, with a couch and seating area, and en suite bathroom. There’s also a gym and spa on-site. We enjoyed sitting on our deck, relaxing, and listening to the hippo calls and rushing river throughout our stay.
For a more intimate exploration of the Zambezi, we embarked on a tranquil pontoon-boat river cruise, where we saw hippos, crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species. As the sun set over the horizon, casting a golden hue over the water, we felt a profound sense of peace and connection with the wild.
The next morning, we set out to find black rhinoceros, the primary reason for our stop here. A local wildlife refuge was created to protect these endangered species, with only 14 rhinos under the safe protection of the local guards. Our guide made no promises of finding these elusive animals, but we were lucky enough to find a mother and calf pair after our skilled guide spotted some fresh footprints in the sand! This momentary encounter was one of the highlights of our entire trip, as we watched the pair cross in front of our safari truck and hesitate for only a moment before sauntering back into the cover of the bush. Truly a moment we will never forget.
After pointing out giraffe, greater kudu, maribou storks, and countless other wildlife, our guide stopped for a break, where we had a private breakfast spread of bacon, sausage, beans, cheeses, and fresh fruit. The guides had carefully prepared this for us along the riverside, where we enjoyed their company and shared many stories. We then headed back into town for our next big adventure!
Of course, no visit to Victoria Falls River Lodge would be complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring falls up close. Victoria Falls, known locally as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” or “The Smoke That Thunders,” epitomizes the raw, unbridled power of nature. Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, this majestic waterfall is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It was incredible to witness this sheer power, as millions of gallons of water cascade over the cliffs. The spray from the falls also creates a perpetual mist, which gives rise to rainbows.
For us, the thing that is most memorable is that as you approach Victoria Falls, the distant rumble of the cascading water grows louder with each step. We, of course, knew that Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world, but we were still awe-struck by its sheer size.
Victoria Falls National Park has numerous vantage points to view the falls, which our guide, Billy, expertly guided us through. The main viewing platforms provide panoramic views of the falls and the adjacent rainforest-like ecosystem, due to the constant mist. Be sure to wear a rain jacket, as the mist transforms into rain as you approach these last viewing platforms. At these spots, the sound of the falls is thunderous and makes it difficult to talk at times!
As we headed back to camp for our final night, we were met with baboons and warthogs foraging in town. The next day, as we flew out of Victoria Falls Zimbabwe, we watched the mist rising from the falls and could see it for more than 20 miles away as we headed to our final destination, Mana Pools Zimbabwe…
Check out our post on packing tips for an African safari!
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