No visit to Victoria Falls would be complete without drinks at the Buffalo Bar – the panoramic sunset views and wildlife-rich waterhole making it a desirable spot to enjoy a G&T or cocktail at sundown. But no matter the time of day, a visit never disappoints.
It’s lunchtime and an ice-cold Zambezi lager quenches the thirst; it’s early December and the weather is hot. Vultures soar overhead – they too have arrived for lunch at the Vulture Culture conservation orientated experience. The bush is lush and green, and we watch a small herd of kudu make their way tentatively to the waterhole, a herd of buffalo make an appearance, unperturbed with the audience. Lunch is delicious and we linger over good food and great conversation (it’s always a treat to chat to Anald Musonza, head of sales & marketing for Africa Albida Tourism), briefly interrupted by an afternoon thunderstorm and brief but heavy downpour.
Having stayed here on our previous visit I was keen to check out the recently refurbished rooms – the bold colours and vibrancy of the central areas had me anticipating something extraordinary, and I wasn’t disappointed. Complementing the rough textures, timber and vibrant fabrics are large art pieces and elements of Ndebele art and traditions. I loved how the changing colours of the sky, and the bush are reflected in the décor choices, enhancing the sense of place I felt in my new favourite room, the waterhole facing suite, with its private upstairs bedroom and ensuite bathroom, the expansive double-volume lounge area and private balcony with a wonderful view.
On our first visit, several decades ago with two young sons in tow, we had stayed at the self-catering Lokuthula Lodge – we did all the things a first time visitor to Victoria Falls would do; we walked the rainforest, stood amazed in the spray of the falls, self-drove the Zambezi National Park and bought curios at the market. We watched warthogs ferret in the grass as we drank our morning coffee, listened to the night sounds as we braaied and heard tales the next morning of the night-guard spotting wandering lions.
It was, and still is, the perfect place to stay as a family… our kids have since ‘grown up’ and my hubby and I can now stay at ‘grown up’ places and have enjoyed our stays at both Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Victoria Falls Safari Club. I love the views, the people and their ethos of conservation and community, something that is at the core of the Africa Albida Tourism brand – and makes us eager to return time and again.
So when this firm favourite of ours said they’d added a purpose-built spa I just had to experience it! Read about our fab Victoria Falls Safari Spa experience…
Click HERE to read the Victoria Falls article in Responsible Traveller digital mag
www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com
