Looking for a holiday destination offering a wellness extravagance, wild beauty and is packed with relaxing fun? Lorna King reports …
There’s something about returning to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe after 28 years. It’s like time has stood still. The people couldn’t have been friendlier and the mood more jovial as we left the airport building past the group of dancers celebrating our arrival to their corner of Zimbabwe.
Under the Africa Albida Tourism umbrella, we were staying at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – just one of three accommodation options alongside the Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites which forms the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Estate.
The view from our room was straight out of an African travel brochure, offering an uninterrupted peek at a wilderness landscape stretching as far as the eye could see. Elephant – and plenty of them – kudu, buffalo, bush pigs, and even monkeys frequented the waterhole in an attempt to quench their thirst under the heat of the sun. The ensuite room was clean and comfortable, the walk-in shower very spacious, air-con was an absolute pleasure, and with a private veranda, we were always on the lookout for animals wandering by.
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant offers an à la carte dinner menu highlighting local produce prepared and presented following global trends. And with a front-row seat overlooking the waterhole, there was no better place to take in the beauty of our surrounds, especially at night listening to the call of animals in the wild.No trip to Victoria Falls would be complete without a visit to one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world – and for good reason. The sheer natural power and beauty of the mighty Zambezi River left us speechless and awe-struck (and a little wet), but it was well worth the experience. Our last night was a double treat. To unwind at the end of the day we went on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River separating Zimbabwe and Zambia, chugging along sipping cocktails, nibbling on snacks – including crocodile – and admiring a family of hippo playing in the water.
Then back at the Lodge we spent the evening enjoying a true African feast of entertainment and food. Catering for everyone from young children to grandparents, the boma dinner and drum show united nationalities from around the world under one thatch roof as we tried our hand at drumming. What fun – and certainly an evening not to be missed.
Of course, the main reason for this trip was to experience the recently completed Victoria Falls Safari Spa. Set away from the accommodation you couldn’t ask for a more tranquil, relaxing setting. Facials, massages, manicure and pedicure stations, private relaxation rooms, and even a cafe serving healthy dishes and an outdoor swimming pool – this is bliss at its best. If you’re able to, a wellness weekend is first prize, if not, then make this your first stop to destress from city life before doing all the tourist attractions.
What an amazing three days. To sum up, here are my top reasons to visit Victoria Falls Safari Lodge – unbelievable sunsets, peace and tranquillity, being up close with the wild, chilling in the relaxing spa, good food, being pampered by friendly staff. A truly unforgettable African experience.