The Victoria Falls area is a mesmerizing destination that captures the raw beauty and wild spirit of Africa. Situated on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, this natural wonder is a true testament to the majesty of Mother Nature, with thundering cascades of water tumbling over a sheer drop of more than 100 meters. This awe-inspiring spectacle is not only one of the seven natural wonders of the world but is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From the thundering roar of the falls to the rich cultural heritage of the local people, the Victoria Falls area is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the raw and wild beauty of Africa.
Nestled in the heart of this African wilderness, within the Zambezi Nature Park, Victoria Falls River Lodge is a luxurious family-friendly retreat that offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. This exquisite lodge, situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, provides the perfect vantage point from which to experience the majestic beauty of Victoria Falls and the surrounding natural splendor.
A Warm Invitation Awaits
From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere of the staff of this charming lodge. Our driver and personal tour guide, Polite, picked us up the airport and then surprised us with a river boat transfer on the amazing Zambezi river, to the lodge. It was a jaw dropping experience where he located a group of hippos on the way! On arrival, we were greeted with warm towels and perfectly chilled drinks before being invited to an amazing lunch spread.
The reception area of the lodge hosts a beautiful restaurant. The interiors are elegantly appointed with contemporary African-inspired decor, which exudes a sense of refined sophistication. The natural materials and textures used in the design of the lodge create an atmosphere of calm and tranquility, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
An Opulent and Stylish Stay
Accommodation at Victoria Falls River Lodge is truly exceptional, with a range of stylish and comfortable options to choose from. The lodge features luxurious tents, each of which is elegantly furnished with contemporary African-inspired decor. The tents are spacious and airy, with plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Each tent is equipped with a range of modern amenities, including air conditioning, a mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
For families, the lodge offers a range of larger, family-sized tents, which are perfect for those traveling with children. These tents are equipped with all the same modern amenities as the standard tents, but offer more space and privacy, ensuring that you have plenty of room to relax and unwind. We stayed here for one night and had an amazing time. With a plunge pool on the deck, we had amazing views of the Zambezi river each day at our disposal.
We later moved to the newly opened Rapid Views Villa at Victoria Falls River Lodge, as their first guests, which is a true masterpiece of luxury living offering unparalleled levels of comfort and refinement. This stunning villa is a haven of tranquility, set against the stunning backdrop of the Zambezi River and the lush African wilderness beyond. We were already incredibly impressed by the family tents but this truly took our breath away from the moment we entered!
The Rapid Views Villa is a true masterpiece of design, featuring a contemporary African-inspired decor that seamlessly blends modern sophistication with traditional African style. The interiors of the villa are adorned with rich natural materials, including warm wood finishes, plush leather furnishings, and intricate woven textiles, which exude an atmosphere of refined elegance.
The villa is designed with the discerning traveler in mind, featuring a spacious and airy living area that provides the perfect place to relax and unwind. The open-plan living area features plush sofas, armchairs, swings and ottomans creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere that allow amazing views of the river from each area of the villa.
With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding wilderness, the villa allowed us to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The windows also allow natural light to flood the villa, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The Rapid Views Villa features two separate luxurious bedroom units, each of which is exquisitely furnished with plush bedding, comfortable seating, and beautiful African-inspired decor. The bedroom units we chose to stay in featured a massive master bedroom with en-suite bathroom but also a separate children's bedroom with a double and bunk bed. Each bedroom had an ensuite bathroom and was equipped with modern fixtures and fittings, including a deep soaking tub, a rain shower, and dual vanities. The bathrooms are adorned with rich natural materials, including warm wood finishes, natural stone tiles, and handcrafted pottery, which create a sense of calm and tranquility.
The Rapid Views Villa allows you to have a personal butler awaiting your every need. Valentin, our butler was amazing. The villa features a fully equipped modern kitchen, which is perfect for preparing meals and snacks. We chose to have our afternoon tea and lunches here on one of the occasions and this worked perfectly with Valentin preparing the table and bringing our meals to the villa. The kitchen is fitted with high-end appliances, including a refrigerator and tableware.
Outside, the villa had three large terraces, one large terrace each accompany each bedroom unit, and the other leading out from the living and dining area that allows a perfect setting for a barbeque, drinks or outdoor dinner. Boasting private outdoor plunge pools on each bedroom unit deck, this provided the perfect place to cool off on hot African days - we immensely enjoyed this. With immaculate 360 degree views of the Zambezi river, we also had comfortable loungers and chairs, providing the perfect place to soak up the sun and take in the stunning views of the river and surrounding wilderness.
In addition to these luxurious amenities, guests staying in the Rapid Views Villa also have access to all of the exceptional facilities on offer at Victoria Falls River Lodge, including a beautiful infinity pool, a world-class restaurant, a tranquil spa, and a range of thrilling activities and experiences, ensuring that guests have everything they need for an unforgettable African adventure.
The Perfect Place to Stay
The Victoria Falls River Lodge is such a special place to stay with an exceptional range of facilities on offer - it truly won our hearts. The lodge features a beautiful infinity pool, which provides the perfect place to cool off after a day of adventure, or simply relax and soak up the African sun.
The lodge boasts an exceptional restaurant, which serves a range of delicious African-inspired cuisine, prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly, ensuring that you are always able to sample the freshest and most delicious dishes, and there was a children's menu preparing healthy and delectable food.
For those looking to relax and unwind, the lodge also features a tranquil spa, which offers a range of indulgent treatments, designed to help you unwind and rejuvenate.
It's worth mentioning the exceptional service offered by the staff at Victoria Falls River Lodge. From the moment you arrive, we were treated to warm and friendly service, with staff going above and beyond to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
World Class Bucket-List Experiences
One of the highlights of staying at Victoria Falls River Lodge was the range of unforgettable experiences on offer. Whether you're looking to explore the natural wonders of the area, or simply relax and unwind in the tranquil surroundings of the lodge, there is something for everyone.
We were looking to relax and unwind and were so pleased that the lodge offers a range of more tranquil experiences, including sunset river cruises and game drives through the Zambezi Nature Reserve. You can choose one of each on a given day i.e. one safari and one Zambezi river cruise. These experiences allowed us to sit back, relax, and soak up the stunning natural beauty of the area, and are the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.
In addition to these experiences, the lodge also offers a range of family-friendly activities, including bird watching, guided nature walks, and visits to the local village, providing the perfect opportunity for families to connect with each other and with the natural world around them.
For the more adventurous, there are a range of thrilling activities to choose from, including white water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter tours of Victoria Falls that the hotel can help arrange for you. These activities offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area up close, and are sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
If you're looking for a luxurious, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers a bucket-list family-friendly retreat that offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. We had the perfect stay in ultimate luxury and decadence with memories that we will hold in our hearts forever.
Much Love
Shanti
The Kensington Diary
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