Old Drift Lodge

It floats on the huge Zambezi River above the magnificent Victoria Falls World Heritage Site, this Old Drift Lodge, one of our top hotels in Victoria Falls, and an extraordinary, tented camp at that, reflecting what Zimbabwe means to travellers into Africa.

All accommodation sits prettily on the shores of the river, so vast it is lake-like, within the astounding Zambezi National Park and all views are tremendous wilderness vistas with plenty of rewarding game viewing. 

Old Drift Lodge hides in a garden a mere 7 km from Vic Falls and guests can game view from their private decks – elephants, buffalo, sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, waterbuck, and other species. Luxury tented accommodation includes 10 double suites and 4 family suites all beautifully decorated and kitted out for an elegant holiday in Zimbabwe. 

Guests revel in being out in nature, yet so close to civilisation to do all the things they love such as eat out at special restaurants, white water rafting, helicopter flips, boat cruises, nature walks and much more. Feel calm with the sound of birdsong all around, hippo grunting and animals snorting. What an African experience is this!

Canvas suites spread out along the riverbank are delightfully spacious and airy, with incredible outside showers, private plunge pools, plush furniture and fans. This is a graceful lodge, packed with quality memories of safaris in the colonial days when Livingstone was here, discovering the heart of Africa.

Old Drift Lodge is an eco-lodge with an old history which management wants to share with their guests – get in touch with the wilderness and remember how much people need such natural resources, part of our heritage. 

Arrive in a stylish boat, jump out and find the right suite for your needs – families will love their large spacious tents with extra beds, and decks where kids can learn about the stars and nocturnal animals sounds. Immerse yourself in the amazing outdoor bath with bubbles and bubbly while listening to the river running past. 

The lodge itself is reminiscent of that colonial safari era where classic furniture and service entertained all guests and now it is the same. Enter through the glass doors and feel transported into a haven of serenity and calm, all décor natural and ethnic, reflecting the nature outside. 

At Old Drift Lodge, privacy is key and fun in the sun seeing the wildlife is number one – game drives, walks, dinners under the stars and then excursions into the Victoria Falls village to enjoy the many tourist attractions. 

Accommodation in Zimbabwe that oozes historical charm, tasteful designs and the best location on the banks of the impressive Zambezi River attracts visitors from all around the globe to sample its lavish tented suites – this is Old Drift Lodge, an icon of an establishment just 7 km from the splendid Victoria Falls. 

It is also part of the wonderful Zambezi National Park, packed with wildlife and offering inspiring game drives and birding, walks and river cruises. Visitors to this lodge, upstream from the Falls World Heritage Site, can sit on their private decks, beside their cooling plunge pools and watch herds of elephants, buffalo and varied antelope species in the lush vegetation nearby. 

The main lodge sports 360 degree views of the astounding reserve, the river and the vistas beyond that, superb Zimbabwe bushveld. Sit on the extensive decks and watch the animals at the waterhole while indulging in fine wining and dining. Your days are packed with game drives and walks, birding and boating safaris.  This lodge is the closest reserve lodge to the Vic Falls and shuttles take guests there during the day to see the spray and enjoy a smorgasbord of adventure activities in what is known as the adventure capital of Africa. 

Picture private canvas suites on the river’s edge with every mod con a luxury hotel would offer – outside bathtubs in Victorian style, facing the river, outside shower and an inside shower, private lounges, and chic décor that reflects the safaris of yesteryear when colonial guests came to see the wild animals. 

We love the Lookout Café, hovering on a hill just 120m above the rapids of the Zambezi and the jaw dropping sight of the swirling Batoka Gorge, not far from the Vic Falls bridge, all a photograph a minute and unforgettable scenery all round.

Old Drift Lodge is the place to be if you love game viewing, birding, river cruising, eating out and enjoying the adventures of the great outdoors in Zimbabwe. It offers the perfect balance between luxury hotel facilities and charming peace and getting away from it all. Chat to Voyage2Africa about our tours and safaris to Vic Falls, combined with a Chobe National Park wildlife adventure and a jaunt into Namibia too while you are at it.