Imagine having nothing around you but the vast Zambezi River and its wild inhabitants, the sun slowly creeping over the horizon. A golden glow washes the landscape as it rises, and you can hear the diurnal wildlife signalling a new day. You, too, are starting your day early on a sunrise boat trip during your stay at Old Drift Lodge in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe...
Heavenly sunrises on the Zambezi River at Old Drift Lodge
Oh, Heaven is a Place on Earth
When visiting Victoria Falls, you'll undoubtedly want to see the actual magnificence of this "Smoke that Thunders". However, don't overlook the mighty river that "creates" these Falls! And when staying at Old Drift Lodge, you have the best views and VIP access to this river!
I'm in Zimbabwe with my fellow fabulous colleague, Kadda, and we're giddy with excitement about what memories we'll be making! We arrived yesterday, and since then, we've just been enjoying this special setting.
Our luxury suite has a balcony with a private plunge pool and (oooh, yes!) an outdoor bathtub. We immediately fell in love with the bath, listening to the soundtrack of Mother Nature and drinking in the views (and, of course, some bubbly!). I'm almost convinced that I need to get an outdoor bath at home... But then I realise, I live in the city, so my neighbours will get quite the show!
Soaking in the moment
However, at Old Drift Lodge, you really feel like you have the world to yourself, with no one else (except for the occasional curious wildlife popping in to say hi!) around. This is (really) what luxury means to me, having my own space to quiet my thoughts and be hyper present.
African Massages on the Go
Safaris at Old Drift Lodge is a dream, as you not only get to see Africa's majestic creatures in their natural habitat, but you also get a massage along the way! That's how our guide Richard put it when we start on our bumpy journey into the belly of the bush. I chuckle all the way, loving his sense of humour.
From the get-go, I know we're in for a treat when he says: "We're going to have lots of fun today, heading out on our game drive. And before we go back, we'll stop for some sundowner drinks. After all, there's no rule against drinking and being driven!"
And, oh, what fun indeed! We see plenty of the famous Pumbaa, aka warthog, especially very close to the lodge. We also see the usual suspects, four of the famous Big 5 (with the exception of the leopard as they're wildly elusive!). I'm delighted when we see a whole tower of my personal favourites – giraffes! They always make me smile.
A G&T just tastes so much sweeter on safari
Being African myself, I know and love our sunsets. However, I was simply blown away by the intensity of the sunset in Zimbabwe. As we sip our sundowners and quieten down to drink in the moment, and hopefully store a crisp copy of it in our memory banks, I get a little bit emotional. Safaris do that to you sometimes.
Instagram Hour
Sundowners on safari also coincide with the most fabulous golden hour, the prime Instagram-photo capturing hour! Richard is more than patient as he has to take photos of every guest from every angle. And, boy, do you glow and look just fab in African light! You'll go home with plenty to share that will make your crew back home green with envy.
Take One for the Road!
Richard tops up all our drinks, exclaiming: "One for the road!" and we head back to the lodge. When we reach the lodge, it's time to warm up around the boma fire with a glass of wine before an indulgent dinner. And then, after such an action-packed day, you sleep like a baby cradled nice and warm with a full belly and heart!
Our luxury suite at Old Drift Lodge with views of the Zambezi River
Meeting the Majestic Victoria Falls in Person
The next day, Richard takes us to see Victoria Falls. Which, of course, is exactly why we're here! When you go to the Victoria Falls National Park, you have access to 16 viewpoints from which to admire this largest sheet of falling water.
There will be lots to smile about when you see Victoria Falls in all its watery glory!
Richard hands us huge rainjackets, which you definitely need when you visit between February and July, as this is when the Zambezi River, and therefore the Victoria Falls, is in full flood. The sheer volume of water creates a mist that will drench you from tip to toe! But, oh what fun! I feel like a kid again, grinning from ear to ear!
And since it's declared one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I don't need to convince you that it's simply fabulous to see in real life!
The Smoke That Thunders is a sight to behold!
Let's Get Physical
So, after an adventurous but fairly low-key start to the day, it's time to take the adrenaline up a notch (or two!). Richard takes us to Wild Horizons, where we'll be getting our heart rates (and nerves!) nice and high.
As soon as I step out of the car, my knees seem to get the message from my brain that we're about to do something scary. I'm wobbly on my feet as we go to the ziplining starting point. Yes, Kadda and I are about to zipline across the Zambezi River!
In a moment of, "If we go down, we go down together", we decide to go tandem. Which, I'm sure Kadda immediately regrets as my grip and long nails start to dig into whatever it can grab, which might be her back, I'm not sure.
All I can focus on is trying not to freak out too much as we hesitantly step towards the ledge.
...And we're off!
Before I have too much time to think... Oh, there we go! My own scream is shrill and the wind wooshes in my ears, competing with the sound of my rapidly beating heart. Suddenly, we stop and just dangle there, and I can finally breathe.
We wait for the guides to come and take us back up, and I take some time to admire the world around us, the Zambezi frothing like a freshly poured Guinness beer below. Wow, what a time to be alive!
We have some free time to take a few photos and calm our racing hearts
Oh, How The Tables Have Turned
We're suddenly ravenous with hunger. Adventure sure takes it out of you, hey! We walk over to the nearby Lookout Café, where we now have a view of the other crazy people like us ziplining, gorge swinging, and other adrenaline-fueled festivities.
We giggle as we hear those also doing the ziplining screaming the same way we just had, but now we're more than calm sipping on ice-cold Zambezi lager and feasting on bream fish and chips. We highly recommend going here for lunch AFTER you went ziplining because... well, what goes down will come up, and you don't want to waste such good food!
Book Your Old Drift Safari Today
You know what's best, better than all the rest of the things about Zimbabwe? Yes, Victoria Falls are to die for. Yes, the safaris are sensational. However, the people really make your trip stand out! Zimbabweans are warm-hearted, welcoming people, and when staying at Old Drift Lodge, you can rest assured that they'll make you feel like you're visiting family. Without all the usual drama and you-need-to-help-out-in-the-kitchen drama, of course
Go on, reach out to our Travel Experts, who are well-versed in all things Africa, in particular where all the best gay-friendly adventures are! Let's start planning so you can start assembling all your safari outfits for all the many photos you'll be taking! See you in Africa.
