Waterberry Zambezi Lodge, Victoria Falls

rooms

There are seven cottages set around the sweeping gardens, choose from lake or river views and while away the hours spotting the beautiful birds.

The cottages come as double, twin, triple or family and all are en-suite. They are high thatch providing a cool haven in the summer months and have a private terrace from which to enjoy a sundowner or dinner, if the mood takes you. Room service is available all day.

For exclusivity, the 4 bedroom River Farmhouse is ideal for those seeking a home away from home to share with friends or family.

facilities & activities

The green oasis setting of beautiful gardens, nature trails and sparkling outdoor pools take a back seat to the magnificent views of the river and the reserve beyond. Cosy up to the grunting hippos on the water while perched on the specially constructed pontoons (sundowner in hand) or cruise along the river itself and spot the wide variety of birds, crocodiles and frogs amongst the long grasses.  You may even spot some animals such as giraffe and elephant in the National Park across the river!

There are daily excursions organised, with the star of the show being the trips to see the ever changing Victoria Falls, extraordinary at any time of year (best time May - September when the waters are at mid level). This is closely followed by sunset cruises down the Zambezi, fishing trips, birding trails, town tours and a village walk to explore the area and meet the local people, most of whom are the families of the charming staff. Experience rural Zambian life at its most authentic, a lovely insight to your stay.

Other exciting excursions are found nearby. Take helicopter or microlight flights over the falls for the ultimate birds eye view, visit Livingstone Island and swim in the Devil’s Pool, go white water rafting, canoeing, horse riding – really the list is endless. Even the world famous Chobe National Park in Botswana is within easy striking distance.

For a heart-warming insight into rural Zambian life, during term time we encourage clients to visit the local school, built by the lodge with the help of guest donations and enthusiastically supported by the whole community. Bushbaby will be working with the lodge and school over the next year on a health project for local school-girls. Do take a peek at our Responsible Tourism page for more information.

Finally, when you really have been there and seen that, then the lodge itself provides a welcoming haven with sink-into-sofas, a library, a wonderful collection of old African maps or just wedge yourself in and enjoy the mesmerising views.

dining

Alfreco, hearty, home cooked and served up by charming and friendly staff, what more could you ask for - aside from the incredible views? There are a choice of options for every meal and any dietary requirements are well catered for. The style is informal and come-as-you-are, lending a lovely relaxing home from home feel to your stay.

family

Children are warmly welcomed and they will love the river bank setting, particularly perching over the water on the pontoons. And when they feel like pretending to be hippos themselves then the pools offer enough space for a good swim, or a shallow end for tinier tots (do note they are not heated so chilly in the Winter months / UK Summer holidays). However please do note that the property is unfenced and children must be supervised at all times. When it’s time for a little relax then there are board games, colouring books and a swing.

There is a family rondavel with main bedroom, shared bathroom and upper mezzanine with 2 additional beds (third on request).  Two triple rooms are also available (double and single bed, but additional bed can be added on request if separate bedding for 3 children required), whilst a rondavel with double and twin separate bedrooms (non connecting), is perfect for those with older children. The beautiful River Farmhouse nearby can be booked exclusively for a family of up to eight. They’ll also love the warming blanket that is tucked onto their beds at the end of the day (that’s if Mummy hasn’t whipped it first).

location

Found within an easy drive of Victoria Falls but quietly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Livingstone, the lodge is a great base for discovering the extraordinary falls, and the adrenaline fuelled activities in the area, before heading off the beaten track to explore Zambia. And happily, the launch of the Univisa in December 2016 now enables visitors to see the falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe sides, ending the long running ‘Zim/Zam’ debates!

The lodge is a 35 minute drive from Livingstone International Airport and two hours from the International Airport in Zimbabwe and they will arrange transfers for you.