On the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the Victoria Falls, Old Drift Lodge draws on an earlier era of African travel. Set within Zambezi National Park, the river defines your stay here, its rhythm dictating the pace of your days and the soundtrack to your nights.
Suites are spacious and air-conditioned with private plunge pools and open-air showers, each positioned to make the most of the Zambezi views. The Star Suites offer a raised sleep-out bed for nights spent under an open African sky, while family suites connect the bedrooms through an interleading section without sacrificing the atmosphere.
Every stay includes morning and afternoon game drives through the 56,000-hectare national park, river safaris, guided walks and a tour of the Falls. Elephant, buffalo, lion, and giraffe are all regularly seen in the park, and the optional activity menu, from helicopter flights over the Falls to white water rafting on the Zambezi, is among the best in the region.
INSIDER'S TIP: Head to The Lookout Café for lunch on a clear day – the views down into the Batoka Gorge are as dramatic as anything you'll see at the Falls themselves.
3 Nights
2x Single Room
4x Twin Room
5 Stars
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 14
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
A charming, intimate camp in the south-east of Hwange, Wilderness Little Makalolo features prominently on the mental maps of local wildlife, all drawn to its reliable waterhole. A log-pile hide affords unique, thrilling close-up views of elephants, and habitat diversity ensures year-round wildlife.
Activities focus on game drives and morning nature walks. The many waterholes produce amazing sightings, or guests can relax in camp and wait for wildlife to come to them. The six spacious en-suite tents (including a family tent) are only surpassed in the experience stakes by the opportunity to sleep out at the Madison Pan star bed.
INSIDER'S TIP: Visit the log-pile hide between game drives to enjoy close up viewing of wildlife at the productive waterhole. Elephants are often the star attraction so make sure you have your camera ready ...
3 Nights
2x Tented Room/s
2x Tented Room/s
2x Tented Room/s
Lodge
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, picturesque place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, the adjacent woodland and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment.
Ten spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including two family rooms, lie beneath the ana trees, best-beloved of local elephant for their nutritious seeds. The camp's central living space includes an inviting fire pit for pleasant evenings beneath the African night skies. Other unique features include a pool which overlooks a broad sweep of river, an outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed by a busy waterhole.
Open 4x4 vehicles, motorised pontoon boats, canoes and good old safari boots facilitate the wildlife viewing. Wilderness Ruckomechi is open throughout the dry (winter) season.
INSIDER'S TIP: A boat cruise along the mighty Zambezi is a wonderful way to see wildlife and waterbirds from a different perspective. For the more adventurous – there’s the option of canoeing along this famous river!
3 Nights
2x Tented Room/s
2x Tented Room/s
2x Tented Room/s
Lodge
No. Rooms: 10