Waterberry Zambezi Lodge

Perched on the banks of the Zambezi River, and set in peaceful gardens with neat lawns hemmed in by thick trees, Waterberry Zambezi Lodge has a serene setting, yet is also near the devastating power and beauty of Victoria Falls.

Accommodation at Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is spread across seven characterful cottages by the waterfront, with thatched roofs, rugged adobe-style walls, and stone floors with colourful rugs. The wrought-iron beds have nets to keep mozzies out, and there are seating areas for you to relax in with comfy rattan sofas and armchairs. Pop art renderings of local wildlife add a bit of colour to the walls, and the boho-chic vibe extends to the ensuite bathrooms, which feature walk-in showers. Some have adjoining bedrooms, making them ideal for families. Air conditioning and fans, along with the high thatch ceilings, will ensure you stay cool.

Each cottage opens onto a private deck overlooking the river or the private lake, where you can relax, sunbathe or birdwatch at your leisure. 

Meals at the lodge are served al fresco, in a scenic spot by the river. Fuel up for the day’s outdoor adventures ahead with a breakfast of bacon and egg with freshly-baked bread, or opt for the healthier choice and go for some fresh fruit and natural yoghurt.

Lunch will often be a delicious picnic packed for you to take on your excursions, while dinner is a sociable affair, with traditional bush dinners and barbecues under the stars. Enjoy hearty stews, grilled meats and locally-grown vegetables while you share stories of your experiences out in the bush.

The thatched guest areas include an upstairs viewing lounge as well as a social bar area around the swimming pool. The open-sided dining area opens out to a terrace with a floating sundeck, which is the perfect spot for sundowners. The pool, set in the gardens, is ideal for cooling off after a day in the great outdoors. At one end is a shallower plunge pool designed for children.

In the evening, relax in the upstairs lounge, and browse the library of books and vintage African maps.

The headline attraction here is of course Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest waterfalls and among nature’s great wonders. Its name means ‘the smoke that thunders’, and it’s not hard to see why: its columns of water generate an incredible spray which resembles smoke pouring from a great crack in the earth.

More sedate Zambezi experiences, like sunset cruises and fishing, are also on offer, while helicopter flights are another option to help you get a truly spectacular perspective of the falls. Back on terra firma, you can also go horse riding, while wildlife fans will love rhino walks, elephant encounters, birdwatching and visiting a crocodile park.