Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari 4 Star Safari Lodge (4 Days) VVFSL3

With a clank and a hiss of steam, the 1953 14a Class Locomotive, pulls away, leading the beautifully restored, fully air-conditioned carriages behind it. Fully restored to their original beauty the carriages provide the backdrop to your African colonial-era luxury safari train experience.

Journeying by luxury steam train seems like a journey in a time machine to an era marked by elegance and opulence, or into an Agatha Christie novel where everyone dined in diamonds and dinner jackets. While the dress code on the Bushtrack Express is smart casual, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t dress for the era of luxury steam!

As you travel along the ‘Cape to Cairo’ line built by Cecil John Rhodes, the reason he instructed the engineers to “Build a bridge across the Zambezi, where the trains, as they pass, will catch the spray of the Falls” will be obvious. It is the perfect location.

The Bushtracks Express stops in the middle of the 100-year-old Victoria Falls Bridge right over the deep gorge. This ‘no man’s land’ is the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and here you can disembark to enjoy the spectacular sight of the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water standing at a combined width of 1708m and 108m high, casting up a spray that can be seen 40kms away. After crashing into the ‘boiling pot’ at the base of the falls, the raging Zambezi River thunders through the gorge on its way to the Indian Ocean. There is no better way to see a spectacular African sunset than through the mist of the Victoria Falls.

Whether you’re in the club car, the dining car or the observation car or even the observation deck at the back of the train, the journey will be a magical one as, with the freedom to move between carriages, life, albeit elegant and opulent life slows to the heartbeat of the train. Outside the train is wild, untamed Africa. And this is where the train takes you as you enjoy a five-course dinner in the Jafuta conservancy of the Zambezi National Park. African elephant, lion, Cape buffalo and leopard make their home here, as do sable antelope, eland, zebra, Southern giraffe, and kudu. You may be lucky enough to catch sight of them as the train travels at a stately and unhurried pace through this unspoiled wilderness. Incredible scenery, bygone-era luxury, dedicated and professional staff, fine wining and dining, could anything be more romantic?

The Bushtracks Express is the perfect way to have an ‘Out of Africa’ experience of your own.

If you are looking for the best way to watch and experience wildlife up close, especially if you are an avid wildlife photographer, then Siduli Hide on the edge of this popular waterhole is not to be missed. Victoria Fall Safari Lodge’s Siduli Hide is large enough for six people and a guide.

The perfect time to see game, especially at a waterhole and a salt lick, is early in the morning and in the late afternoon. Having a professional guide makes the experience even richer.

When the wildlife can’t see or hear humans, they are more at ease, and congregate in larger numbers. This is what Siduli Hide provides – it’s the African version of an invisibility cloak, especially as it’s designed to look like a termite mound. A ‘sit’ in one of these hides will bring you closer to the animals than ever before.

Within the two hours that you are in the hide you may be able to experience life at the waterhole as large herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as the majestic kudu, the rough-around-the-edge warthog families, deathly quiet crocodiles, bizarre-looking marabou storks, raucous vultures and much, much more.

Because you will be extremely close to the wildlife, no children under 16 are permitted. Guests must be able to sit still quietly for a minimum of 2 hours and not suffer from claustrophobia. The panorama unfolding before you is of wild animals, and you are in their domain. Which is why only an extremely limited amount of alcohol is permitted in the afternoon, ‘sit’. Having said that, it is without doubt, an experience not to be missed.

Carving its way between Zambia and Zimbabwe and crashing spectacularly over a deep gorge is one of the most dramatic natural phenomena - Mosi-oa-Tunya - The Smoke that Thunders, Seongo or Chongwe - The Place of the Rainbow, Victoria Falls.

The Victoria Falls is the greatest falling curtain of water on Earth, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Combined with shifting plates of the Earth’s surface, the mighty Zambezi River, on its way to the Indian Ocean, is a powerful force of nature and has carved a unique pattern of gorges through the basalt rock and sandstone for 150kms. Together, these gorges are known as the Bakota Gorge. Today, the Falls are cutting a new gorge at the Devil’s Cataract.

Presently, the Falls are 1708m wide and 125m high. At one time, when the river cascaded over the Songwe Gorge, the Falls was 3.3kms wide and fell over 140m. An amazing thought. Even now, in height and width, the Victoria Falls are rivalled only by the Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil. If you are into adventure, then the Class 5 Rapids the Zambezi River navigates after leaving the boiling pot provide some of the best, and most exciting, white water rafting in the world. During the flood season, the sheer volume of water hides the foot of the falls and its face.

David Livingstone, Scottish missionary and explorer, arguably the first European to see the Falls, was so captivated by the beauty of the Falls in 1855, said, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." Endangered Taita falcons, Black eagles, Peregrine falcons, and Augur buzzards, delight in the air currents and use the cliffs as breeding grounds.

A body of water of such beauty and immensity would not exist without local legends and stories, and you will be swept up in the aura that surrounds this magnificent natural spectacle when you take a guided tour of Victoria Falls.

A guided walk is indeed the best way to experience the Victoria Falls; its power and beauty arched over with double rainbows, and on occasion the moonbows, the awe-inspiring views, and thunderous rumble is only truly felt when standing on its edge, and the storybook atmosphere of the rain forest. The paths along the cliff are shrouded by the spray from the Falls which can be seen over 40kms away. The rain forest exists only as a result of the spray. It is a narrow, but highly significant ecosystem. Waterberries, figs, mahogany and palms shade Zimbabwe’s national flower – the flame lily, as well as blood lilies, the forest-dwelling orchid, ferns and hibiscus all inhabit this forest. In fact, despite its size, over 70 species of shrub, and 170 other flora, some endemic, exist here.

Finish the tour with a visit to the arts and craft market.

There are many places from which to view the Falls and the spectacular spray that shoots up from the gorge and is visible from 40kms away. You can even see the spray from below in a boat on the Zambezi River further down the gorge. However, only one boat takes you close to the edge of the Falls from up stream.

On your way to the Falls, you can enjoy one of the loveliest cruises you can experience.  Cruise slowly down the vast and legendary Zambezi River between the islands dotted across the river while enjoying premium snacks. You’ll experience the beauty and splendour of the Zambezi River, its unique riverine vegetation, and the incredible wildlife that lives both within the river and along its banks.

The guide will be your host as you cruise quietly between the islands, enjoying the beauty and splendour of the Zambezi river and its unique riverine ecology.

Thanks to the unimpeded views of the river from the decks of Bushtracks boat you can marvel at spectacular sightings of crocodiles and hippos within the waters, and the elephants and buck along the shores. Living in the Mopane scrub and riparian woodland on the banks is a wild and vibrant birdlife. Smaller birds use the reeds and papyrus for nesting material. Trees that look as if they have stepped out of myths and legends, tall, majestic, and strong, include the iconic Sausage trees, and of course the famous baobabs, the trees the devil ripped out in a rage, and shoved back in the earth, but this time upside down.

This area has been inhabited for 3 million years, the amazing geography and it’s shifting and rising has formed this mighty river over time, and everything you see, and experience, will be a special moment in time where memories will be made and cherished forever. But the most incredible experience will be approaching the Falls themselves and watching the sun set through the rainbow-laced spray.

Tantalising aromas of local dishes and game meat on the barbeque fill the night and announce the start of a wonderful and memorable dining experience at the popular restaurant, The Boma, and its Dinner and Drum Show.

The atmosphere of the restaurant is vibrant and bursting with excitement, which is not surprising. Dishes you many have never tasted before, the restaurant open to the surrounding forest and star-studded sky, warm and hospitable staff, and the outstanding live performance of traditional singers, dancers and storyteller. The folklore in the tales he tells will open Africa up in ways you couldn’t have dreamed. A medicine man provides an even more thrilling experience as he ‘throws the bones’ and tells your fortune.

The warm evening scented, not only by the tantalising food, but also the iconic night-time aromas of the African bush is one of feasting – both of the senses and the experiences. The food, influenced by local ingredients, offers a unique selection of dishes with Nyimo Beans, groundnuts, Kariba Bream (Tilapia, smoked crocodile, and deep-fried Kapenta (Tanganyika sardines from Kariba). But it doesn’t stop there. This is a feast, remember. One specialising in traditional African food. The main course includes mouth-watering grilled ostrich, buffalo curry, suckling pig on the spit, guinea fowl, game stew, kudu steak and even warthog fillet! If you are brave, you can try out a dried Mopane Worm, (it apparently tastes like either burned steak or peanut butter) and don’t forget to claim your certificate as proof.

There is something for everyone, including vegetarians. The excellent vegetarian options are bursting with the freshest vegetables from both the bush and the kitchen garden.

What would a lavish feast be without irresistible desserts? And there are plenty of those.

To add to the atmosphere, at the stroke of nine, the drums begin to speak and soon, the restaurant is filled with the heartbeat of Africa as guests all join in the drumming circle. When the drums get going, it’s hard to sit still and soon there may be an energetic dance party to enjoy. Afterwards you can choose between the restaurant’s lively bar or the relaxed lounge area where you can enjoy a delicious coffee.

Collective nouns for things, people, and animals are always interesting bits of trivia – a murder of crows, a pride of lions etc., but vultures are special in more ways than one. Their collective noun depends entirely on what they’re doing. They can be called a flock, a venue, a volt, a committee, or a kettle. But when they’re gathered around and feeding off a carcass, they’re known as a wake. A wake of vultures can seem like a gruesome affair as they’re not above getting into the carcass itself to feed.

While they may seem ugly and rather gross, vultures are vital to the health of the bush. Africa has what is known as Old World Vultures. They are often called ‘Nature’s Clean-Up Crew’. While they prefer fresh meat, they also scavenge with impunity, swiftly demolishing a carcass by even eating the bones. It is this that helps prevent the spread of diseases.

The birds are also endangered, which is why the Lodge has the popular ‘Culture Vulture Experience’ every day at 1pm. Not only is this a great way to learn more about these special birds, but by feeding over 100 vultures, and other birds of prey, with the carcasses left over from the Boma Dinner the night before, it also ensures their survival. This is a memorable encounter you certainly don’t want to miss.

The immensity and power of the massive, sometimes slow and sometimes dangerously fast Zambezi River as well as its beauty and drama is best seen from the air. In 1855, David Livingstone, Scottish missionary and explorer, arguably the first European to see the Falls said, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." To see the Zambezi from the same viewpoint as those beings is an unforgettable experience. It puts not only the river, but also the huge Victoria Falls, into perspective. Victoria Falls is 1708m wide and 125m high, and in the rainy season, 500 million liters of water crashes over the edge every single minute.

Hovering over the Victoria Falls with the spray, which can be seen 40kms away, billowing around you and you will experience for yourself why the Falls are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Sweeping through the Bakota gorges the power of the river can be seen through the deep, impressive, basalt gorges carved by the water. From the air, the sunlight glittering on the mighty river looks like thousands of diamonds have been scattered across its surface.

The helicopter flight reveals views across the beautiful national park open out in a way that never happens on a land-based game drive. Soaring high and sweeping up-river you can see clearly how the water has formed the landscape through which it has carved its way towards the Indian Ocean. The Zambezi commands the types of vegetation that grows along its banks and even the land beyond its shores.

Your helicopter flight starts at the Masuwe Helipad, and for a time ranging from 15 to 25 mins (your choice). The Flight of the Angels, and the Victoria Falls themselves are both an experience which you will never forget.

Chobe National Park, situated on the other side of the Zambezi River, one of the watery lifelines of Africa, is a stunning National Park, one of the most beautiful in Southern Africa. It covers a vast 11,700 square kms of the northern Kalahari. To visit, an early start is essential.

To fully enjoy this adventurous day, including the ultimate safari experience and delicious lunch, it’s important to reach the Botswana border early enough to be there when it opens. You’ll need visas and these are for your account. The early start and the visas are well worth the experience that’s waiting in the Chobe.

Most of the drama in the Chobe National Park takes place at the confluence of the Zambezi and the Chobe Rivers. The Chobe River, which begins in the highlands of Angola, is one of the tributaries of the mighty Zambezi River. Both rivers are watery lifelines of Africa. There is so much water between them that much of the water in the Chobe River within the National Park is backwash from the Zambezi River.

Your Chobe day adventure begins at the junction of the Zambezi and the Chobe Rivers. Here is arguably where the greatest concentration of elephants occurs in Africa. The national park is famous for its wildlife and the haunting cry of the iconic fish eagles, kings of the African River Birds, is the soundtrack to the Chobe. Pods of wallowing hippos, primeval crocodiles, elephant and various antelope species can be seen on a leisurely game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River. Prolific antelope herds, and herds of buffalo which are possibly the largest anywhere because of the life-giving powerful rivers, and so are the prides of lions who prey on them. Among the flocks of birds who make the river their home, includes myriads of herons, wading birds and the African skimmer. Witnessing this bird’s amazing fishing skills is an intense delight. After lunch, a 4x4 safari vehicle will take you deep into the heart of the Chobe National park for a land-based, guided game drive to discover the wild animals which prefer to dwell in the scrub and trees of the park away from the river.

Built on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is just 4km from the majestic Victoria Falls and offers a unique wildlife experience.
We’re proud to have been voted Best Safari Lodge/ Resort Hotel in Zimbabwe for 23 consecutive years and look forward to welcoming you to our wonderful destination. Our staff are warm and personable, and will ensure your holiday is hassle-free.

Built of thatch and timber, the lodge rises several levels, giving the impression of a vast open-plan tree house. Our rooms all have private balconies, most of which overlook a central waterhole, offering the opportunity to observe herds of buffalo, elephant and kudu, as the sun goes down, and hyenas later in the evening.

Dining

Dining options include the a la carte MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, the more casual Buffalo Bar and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show. The Boma Café, set in a tranquil garden setting and located close to the Lokuthula Lodges, offers breakfast and light meals until 4.30pm.