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Old Drift Lodge

Old Drift Lodge

The Zambezi Riverfront, Zimbabwe

Old Drift is a luxurious property that sits right on the banks of the Upper Zambezi, just 7 km (4 miles) upstream from the mighty Victoria Falls. There are 14 suites, including four family suites, stretched out along the water's edge with magnificent views across the river to Zambia on the opposite bank. 

The suites are tented with glass sliding doors leading to a spacious veranda with private plunge pool and loungers. Inside, there's plenty of space for the contemporary furnishings, with each suite offering a small lounge area and an enormous en suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower. You can also enjoy a soak in the roll-top bath, which is set outside and has river views. Each suite is equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The family suites have the same design as the other options, but with the additional benefit of two inter-leading bedrooms, one double and one twin.

The main lodge area is at the heart of the property and includes a huge dining room, bar and lounge with deep sofas and an open fire. There's plenty of outside seating space, a sala with an open fire pit and a riverside deck from where the boating activities depart.

OUR OPINION:

We love the location of Old Drift, far enough out of the busy town to enjoy the peace and quiet of the river, but close enough to visit Victoria Falls and enjoy all of the activities on offer including game drives in the Zambezi National Park.

OUR RATING: Deluxe

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Rooms

There are 14 suites at Old Drift, including four family suites which have two inter-leading bedrooms. Each suite is tented with sliding glass doors allowing for efficient air conditioning. The design is fresh and contemporary, yet the ambience is one from a bygone era. Facilities include a lounge area, an outdoor sala, private plunge pool and a huge en suite bathroom that has both an indoor and outdoor shower plus an outdoor bath.

Location

Old Drift is situated on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park and is the closest lodge within the park to Victoria Falls. Accessed by speedboat, the lodge is spread along the riverbank and offers river views from the rooms.

Food and drink

All meals are prepared by the very talented in-house chef. Breakfast can be enjoyed out on the deck under the morning sun, comprising both continental and a choice of cooked options. Lunches tend to be lighter, with a small à la carte menu to choose from. Dinner is usually hosted by the guides, so allows a chance to plan the next day's activities over delicious food — you might even be treated to a braai on the deck.

Families

Children over the age of seven are welcome at Old Drift, though only those aged over 16 are permitted to join the walking safaris. The family suites can sleep up to four people. Young children should be supervised at all times as the lodge is unfenced to wildlife and the plunge pools are not monitored.

Facilities and activities

You have a wide range of activities to choose from at Old Drift, including morning and afternoon game drives in the national park, boating safaris which are best enjoyed in the afternoon and early evening, guided walks and a tour of the falls with lunch at the Lookout Cafe. 

Other activities in the area include a behind-the-scenes tour of Victoria Falls town, village visits and a plethora of adrenaline activities such as a canopy walk or white-water rafting. These come at an extra cost and can either be pre-booked or arranged locally.

Tour ideas in The Zambezi Riverfront

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Old Drift Lodge as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    The Zambezi Riverfront and nearby places