Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of the Natural Wonders of the World, and a wonderful extra destination to include in any southern Africa safari itinerary. It can be viewed from both Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the two neighboring countries offering different experiences and perspectives on “the smoke that thunders” (as the Falls are known locally). While Zambia offers “up close and personal” experiences of the Falls, Zimbabwe is renowned for its spectacular vistas of the entire cascade and classic views.
We sent Journey Beyond Explorer Alex to report back on Victoria Falls, and to discover some of the many excellent accommodation options the area offers for travelers.
Mpala Jena
The first Zimbabwe lodge on Alex’s itinerary was Mpala Jena, which, unlike many of the other accommodation options in the Victoria Falls area, is some distance away from the Falls. The benefit of this, of course, is that being away from the hustle and bustle of the waterfall-side town means that you can enjoy enhanced tranquility – and a 25-minute upriver boat cruise to arrive at your destination.
Mpala Jena certainly delivers in terms of the warmth of the welcome, the levels of service and the sheer luxury of the main areas and guest accommodations. The hospitality team take full advantage of their riverbank location, with activities including river cruises and surprise sundowner set-ups on islands in the mighty Zambezi.
The design of the lodge contains unique features that add to the sense of indulgence, relaxation and discovery, including swings rather than stools at the bar, on-trend overhanging thatch fringes and hammocks slung between the trees to give something of a beach resort vibe. Being able to watch the sunlight sparkling on he water as elephants come down to drink makes Mpala Jena a deeply relaxing location – one that is ideally suited to a 2- or 3-night stay.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Also located on the Zimbabwean side of the river, and opposite Zambia’s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls River Lodge is just a 15-minute drive from the attractions of the town of Victoria Falls. This lodge’s excellent reputation has been earned over many years, and rests on an unbeatable combination of incredible views, impeccable, personalized service, and its location within Zambezi National Park.
Naturally, we couldn’t let Alex proceed directly from one lodge to the next without having him call in at a few of the other luxury accommodations on the way. His journey also included lunch at the popular Lookout Café, with its stunning vistas down into the rocky Batoka Gorge.
This was preceded by one of the area’s many adrenaline activities: gorge swinging. A dramatic, thrilling alternative to bungee jumping, this is definitely best enjoyed before lunch rather than after it!
Victoria Falls River Lodge also provides private tours of the Falls themselves, with expert guides offering insights into the history of the area as well as explaining the majesty of the cascades (which, after the rainy season, were at their most impressive and tumultuous – truly “the smoke that thunders”).
(It’s worth remembering your experience of the Falls will vary significantly depending on the time of year that you visit. The flow of the Zambezi is at its peak from March to June – expect towering clouds of spray, noise and needing to wear a waterproof to avoid getting drenched. From September to December, the flow is greatly reduced, meaning that you can appreciate the height of the Falls more easily as it separates into several distinct ribbons of water, rather than one overpowering curtain).
Mukwa River Lodge
The Zambian side of the river offers different perspectives on the Falls, as well as accommodation options that are every bit the equal of those in Zimbabwe. Mukwa River Lodge also makes the most of its riverside setting, with a particular highlight being an early morning cruise on their specially modified pontoon boat. The chef also came along for the ride – and to prepare a spectacular floating breakfast (just one of several outstanding meals that Alex enjoyed during his stay at Mukwa).
The lodge is ideally located to offer trips to Livingstone Island, including to the Angel’s Pool (when the river is high) or Devil’s Pool (when water levels are lower) – two “edge of the precipice” locations that offer unique and hair-raising (but entirely safe) swimming and viewing experiences. Naturally, Alex had to take a dip in the Angel’s Pool to complete his Victoria Falls adrenaline experience!
The Elephant Camp
Alex’s Victoria Falls experience concluded with him crossing back into Zimbabwe to stay at The Elephant Camp. This property is a little further from the trendy, vibrant town of Victoria Falls – and closer to the airport for convenient connections to onward private charter or scheduled flights. With so much on offer in and around the town – not least the Falls themselves – this is a spot where you could easily spend several very enjoyable nights.
In terms of the border crossing, Alex’s experience was completely seamless, and the ease of transitioning between the two countries makes combining both countries in a single itinerary.
To experience both sides (Zambia and Zimbabwe) of Victoria Falls for yourself, contact the journey specialists at Journey Beyond today.