The Wild Horizons of Victoria Falls

From Hazyview, the tour begins as it climbs towards the town of Graskop, and the southernmost point of the Blyde River Canyon. The Panorama Route encompasses some spectacular scenery, with breathtaking views of the Blyde River Canyon, and out over the endless Lowveld beyond. We take guests along the edge of the escarpment, to look out points offering magnificent views, including God’s Window, Wonderview and the Three Rondawels. Along the route we visit the famous Bourke’s Luck Potholes – deep cylindrical cavities formed by thousands of years of water erosion at the confluence of the Blyde and Treur Rivers. Pilgrim’s Rest is well worth a visit. This old mining town was established during the heady days of the gold rush in the late 1800’s, and the whole town is now lovingly preserved as a national monument. At lunchtime the tour will stop back in Graskop so that guests can have lunch at a restaurant, and if time permits, can spend a while browsing in local shops or along the pavements. Street vendors sell an amazing variety of goods – from nuts and fruit to beaded necklaces and carved wooden animals. South of Graskop, where the Sabie River rises, and numerous waterfalls tumble down the mountains, we will visit the beautiful Berlin Falls and Lisbon Falls on the way back to Hazyview.

The Kruger National Park is South Africa’s largest game reserve, and one of the most respected in the world. Our highly experienced field guides are passionate about the bush, and they will share their knowledge of the 147 species of mammals, more than 500 species of birds and 336 species of trees which make this 2 million hectare space their home, with our guests. The recorded presence of man – including bushman rock paintings and archaeological sites, are conserved along with the Park’s natural assets. If time permits, at least one of these will be included in the trip. From an Open Safari Vehicle guests can smell the dust and the sun-warmed grass, listen to the cicadas and the cry of the Fish Eagles, and enjoy the heat of an African day. However we are also able to offer a safari in a closed, air-conditioned vehicle. This is a pleasant and comfortable option especially in very hot weather, for older guests, and for families travelling with young children.

Our Farm Tour starts in our impressive vegetable garden, where you will learn about our farm-to-table philosophy and acquire some useful tips on how to produce your own vegetables. A visit to our inspiring rose garden will follow, before visiting our gin distillery, to see how we craft our Duke Gin from our litchis. After a walk trough our orchards of macadamia and litchi trees, you will stop at our award-wining River Café for a well-deserved lunch.

The Victoria Falls waterfall, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On your guided walking tour of the falls, you will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest while learning about the history of the Falls, its geological significance and its flora and fauna. You'll have the opportunity to soak up the beautiful vistas, lush surroundings, magical waterfalls, and the spray of the Falls.

*Excludes rainforest entry fees

Walking at a comfortable pace allows you to experience nature more consciously, and guides will reveal the hidden gems you may have never noticed. There is no vehicle, no noise and no distractions.

Every detail dotted around the landscape forms part of a story, read with an expert eye by your professional guide. Broken branches and bird calls weave together a narrative and draw a map of animal movements across the rugged landscape. The birdlife at The Elephant Camp offers visitors an entirely new frontier in wilderness engagement, with over 420 bird species on the concession. Zebra, impala, sable, wildebeest, kudu and warthogs have also made the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary their home and curiously survey you as a guest exploring their world.

The Lookout Café has become a bucket-list experience in a bucket-list destination and a Victoria Falls landmark restaurant. Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge above the raging Zambezi Rapids, the Lookout has panoramic views of the Victoria Falls Bridge that hangs in the chasm of the Gorge, connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Though called the Lookout Cafe, the meals are more refined than everyday eats. Enjoying dishes like the grilled lemon and garlic Zambezi bream, with the gentle rumble of the river drifting over the rim of the Gorge, makes the 'place on a plate' sentiment a reality. Every dish gains both place and style when paired with imported wine from South African vineyards. Casual dining has never been more decadent.

Indulge in a selection of cocktails and canapes on the rim of the Batoka Gorge, where the Zambezi Rapids rage 120 meters below. This hidden gem is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner and is exclusively for guests staying at The Elephant Camp.

Travelling is one of the ways we write the story of our lives. It is also one of the best ways to hear stories of other cultures, beliefs and people. The Village Tour digs beneath the surface of Victoria Falls' and celebrates cultural diversity. The Village Chief will take guests around a nearby rural village, explaining the local customs, traditions and lifestyles. The Village Tour empowers the local community to share their heritage with visitors, and the experience gives guests an insightful understanding of the local culture.

The Canopy Tour is a fantastic family-friendly adventure that consists of a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the Batoka Gorge. The activity and offers incredible views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls. Located next to the Wild Horizons Lookout Café, the guided two-hour tour reveals a unique birds-eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

The Elephant Camp is surrounded by natural beauty, and we focus on creating a space where guests can form a relationship with and learn about the environment they are in. We do this through our partnership with The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, located in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to the lodge. The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a non-profit entity and dedicated vehicle for promoting conservation awareness, education, and community empowerment.
A tour of the Trust is part of our guest experience. Guests will visit the High-Care Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and Laboratory facilities to learn about innovative conservation initiatives from a team of passionate research and wildlife experts.
Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

Included Activity- this activity is included in our rates but must be scheduled with management on arrival and is subject to availability.

The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage was established as a safe haven for orphaned and injured elephants after culling operations in the 1980s. The resident herds roam freely through the wilderness concession, and when guests visit the Sanctuary, they are taken to the elephant, not the other way around. The Elephant Encounter is best described as an experience and not an activity. Our goal is to have visitors spend time connecting with resident herds in the most positive and natural way possible while learning about this keystone species and gaining a deeper understanding of conservation initiatives.

In an open thatch boma on the edge of the Masuwe River in the Sanctuary, guests will listen to a presentation by one of our experienced elephant caretakers. They will learn about the history of the Sanctuary, the elephants, and the rescue-rehabilitate-reintegrate program. Then, guests venture out to where the herd has chosen to spend the afternoon. They are invited to take photographs, observe and immersive themselves in the experience.

The Zambezi River Sunset Cruise is one of the most popular activities in Victoria Falls. Typically lasting around two hours, the luxury Zambezi Royal cruise explores sections of the upper Zambezi close to the Victoria Falls and further upstream where the Zambezi and Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Parks flank the river. Guests can look forward to 5-star service, hot & cold canapés, creative cocktails and a selection of beverages. The cruise captain will give a brief presentation on the journey of the Zambezi while guests enjoy the stunning scenery on the upper Zambezi River.

Embarking on a game drive embodies the essence of a safari adventure. As the seasons transition from summer rains to winter chill, the wilderness and animal behavior evolve. Yet amidst this change, one constant remains: the chance to forge a profound and genuine bond with the natural world.

Led by expert, enthusiastic, and well-informed Guides, game drives at The Elephant Camp take place during the early mornings or the late afternoons when wildlife is most active during the day.

Selected Spa Treatments are available in the privacy of your suite (subject to availability, on request at an additional charge).

A guided tour of “the Victoria Falls”, situated merely 7km from Old Drift Lodge, is included in the nightly rate, but excludes park fees, which are payable direct. This excursion can be booked in conjunction with a lunch at the Lookout Café.

Africa has an air of romance that sets her apart from anywhere else in the world. However, it is upon stepping into the Victoria Falls rainforest that guests are truly swept off their feet. There is no finer ambience than the gentle roar of the waterfall. The trees grow so closely together that their branches entwine, and their soft, wet drip across the stone path that weaves through this natural wonder. Submerge yourself in the fragrance of the fauna and the playful fauna in this enchanting and awe-inspiring space. A guided tour is included in the nightly rate, excluding park fees. Satisfy your wanderlust by visiting the more beautiful of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Morning and afternoon game drives in 4 x 4 game viewing vehicles will take you along the Zambezi River through the Zambezi National Park. Game that can be seen include elephants, buffalo, kudu, giraffe, zebra, eland, impala, warthogs, lion, wild dog and on occasions, cheetah. Tea baskets and snacks will be taken on the morning drives and Sundowners and snacks on the afternoon game drives.

Old Drift has two luxury 10 seater pontoon boats which will be used for morning and afternoon river safaris. Drinks and snacks will be provided on both safaris.

Morning and afternoon walking safaris will take place along the river but also in the spring lines of Zambezi National Park. Guests will be accompanied by a Professional Guide. Please note that children U 16 years are not permitted on walking safaris.

Guests have the option to enjoy a lunch at the Lookout Café, inclusive of drinks.

This can be booked in conjunction with the Tour of the Falls or for the adrenalin lovers, after they have taken part in any of the high wire activities that take place at the “Lookout”.