Old Drift Lodge is one of Hills of Africa’s FAVORITE properties. Sandy, Hills of Africa owner, even refers to it as her “home away from home.”
It is an exquisite retreat situated in the heart of Zambezi National Park, upstream from the world-renowned Victoria Falls. The lodge rests on the banks of the Zambezi River, surrounded by 56,000 hectares of untouched natural beauty. Old Drift Lodge offers guests an array of activities that allow them to explore the park’s wildlife by road, river, or on foot, highlighting the abundance of animals that call the park home.
The main lodge area boasts breathtaking 360-degree views, with the north facing onto the Zambezi and the south overlooking a waterhole. With its proximity to the town of Victoria Falls, Old Drift Lodge is an amazing location for guests looking to explore the Victoria Falls and immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness.
On most itineraries, we recommend at least 2 days at Old Drift Lodge, but here’s why Amy, our Director of Client Services, recommends that you should book 3 days!
You really need 2 FULL days to really enjoy ‘in town’ activities, plus time to enjoy the lodge properly. There is so much beauty to take in.
On your arrival day, enjoy a gorgeous sunset cruise on the Zambezi River.
Here are some of our favorite activities you can experience during your first full day at the lodge:
1. Sunrise tour of the Falls – an amazing way to experience the falls (I did this in 2022)
2. Enjoy breakfast at lookout café.
3. Visit a local community.
We visited Umuzi Rural Experience – Lovemore is community leader. Our visit was very focused on the women! They were invited to participate/engage with us. He was very engaging, telling us about their culture and showing us around the village. The ladies dressing up the women in our group in kitenge fabrics – then invited his wife to explain the importance of the kitenge skirts. They also shared with us their community initiative – sewing reusable pads to donate to the local school.
4. Spend your afternoon at Old Drift Lodge to relax, enjoy lunch, spa, maybe an afternoon game drive.
5. Sleepout! (2 tents have sleepout platforms (12 & 13) – mosquito net draped and bed made up with sheets/duvet/pillows. The views and stars at night are AMAZING! You will wake up to the most beautiful sunrise. You can go downstairs at anytime if you get cold, worried, or dew gets too much. You can see a full room tour here.
Here are some of our favorite activities you can experience during your second full day at the lodge:
6. Morning game drive or cruise
7. Relax with spa treatment or take a dip in your pool
8. Go into town to do some shopping
9. Enjoy afternoon tea at Victoria Falls Hotel
10. Visit to the elephant interaction
Here is Becky, our Client Relations Coordinator, visiting the elephants on her first trip to Zimbabwe. She said it was the most memorable experience.
11. Take a conservation game drive to learn about anti-poaching projects
12. Take time in afternoon to relax, enjoy a drive, private dinner on the deck overlooking the river
Old Drift Lodge is a gorgeous spot to spend time relaxing, so don’t fill days up too much with planned activities!