Old Drift Lodge

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You can’t get much closer to wildlife than this!

The Old Drift Lodge is situated inside the Victoria Falls National Park, on the banks of the Zambezi River. To get to the lodge you will be transferred by boat, up the mighty Zambezi River. The trip takes roughly 12 minutes – a very memorable way to start your holiday. The lodge is actually sited at exactly the crossing point of the old trade route. There are some beautiful black and white photos up around the lodge, giving you a brief glimpse into this part of Zimbabwean history. What makes this lodge truly unique is the location, inside the National Park. You can’t get much closer to wildlife than this!

The lodge is one of the most luxurious accommodation options I have viewed so far. There are 10 double suites (which can be converted into twins) and 4 family suites.  All the suites are linked by a raised wooden walkway. For me the most stunning feature of each room is the private deck with plunge pool and outside bath and shower. All the rooms are very tastefully decorated, with a great deal of attention to detail. The rooms have a mini bar, are airconditioned, have mosquito nets and also provide tea and coffee making facilities.

Meals are served in the dining room, which is open on 3 sides and overlooks the Zambezi River. The Old Drift chefs pride themselves on providing a fine dining experience, using as many locally grown ingredients as possible. Some of the vegetable and herbs are actually gown in their own vegetable garden on the lodge grounds. After your meal you can retire to the Fire Lounge where you can star gaze to your heart’s content, while listening to the African night bush sounds.

When you are ready to retire to your suite for the night, your own personal guide, who has been dealing with you since your arrival, will escort you safely back. After a good night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast you are free to enjoy one of the many complimentary activities on offer, from river safaris, to game drives, to guided walking safaris. If you are not feeling too energetic, then why not catch one of the free shuttles into Victoria Falls town, where your guide will take you on a personal tour of the stunning Falls themselves. After working up an appetite, your guide will take you to your complimentary lunch at the Lookout Café, a personal favourite of mine.

While the Old Drift is the most romantic lodge in the area, it is not really suitable for children, due to the proximity to wildlife. Children are permitted, but it is not recommended that children under 16 occupy their own room. None of the plunge pools are fenced or manned by staff.

A stay at the Old Drift will truly be an unforgettable holiday, made even more so by having your own personal guide who is  with you from the very start of your stay, and who, by the end, will have become a close and trusted friend.

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We had a fantastic experience with Bryony and her team. Bryony is clearly knowledgeable about the region and guided us through our options and the Lake Kariba houseboat booking and choices. We had a fantastic time and I would thoroughly recommend using Heartveld.

Owner's reply
Thanks so much for the feedback Denise! We are thrilled you had a great trip and look forward to your next one!
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Denise Jackson
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What an incredible holiday we just had in Zimbabwe. Thanks Bryony & Heartveld Adventures. Camp Mana was definitely the highlight for us.

Owner's reply
Those pics are gorgeous! Thanks so much for the feedback! Hoping you get to come back again soon!
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Patrick Campbell
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We have just had an amazing 6 nights on Tambarara houseboat organised by Heartveld Adventures. The boat was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. The captain, Reg, was very professional and helpful, the chef cooked delicious meals, the barman kept our drinks flowing, the cleaners left animals made from our towels on our beds at night and the guys on the tender boat were so good with the boys aged 3, 5, 7 and 9 showing them what to do and putting on worms, for us as well. Highly recommended.

Owner's reply
Thanks Debbie for your lovely review - it was an absolute pleasure helping you with this trip!
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Debbie Davies
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Good range of houseboats and friendly, helpful response

Owner's reply
Thanks so much for the review Vicky!
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Vicky Grant Bird
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The trip was all you could ask for when you want to relax and forget about the world. Captain Godrey and his team consisting Pilot, Chef Takesure and Silas made our stay comfortable and easy. The food was flavourful and filling. You couldn’t say no to Chef Takesure’s meals. Silas kept our cooler box ready every day because he knew we loved our drinks cold and first thing in the morning. Pilot and Captain Godfrey took us to amazing views, magical sunset cruises and helped me find all the crocodiles I was looking for. I totally recommend Heartveld Adventures for all your Kariba fantasies! ☀️⛴️🍹#February2025
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Ashleigh Chamboko
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Right from when I started researching the trip in November last year, Bryony has been an absolute star. Nothing was ever too much hassle, especially with the rigours of trying to effect payment then! Then the houseboat in Kariba! What an amazing trip we had on the Ponty, and once again Bryony organised transfers and things on the spot, awesome and a big thank you to you and Char, the Ponty was the highlight of our Zim Epic! I cannot recommend Bryony and Heartveld Adventures enough, was so good to meet you at Charara, Cheers and thanks again Glenn and Family.

Owner's reply
It was a great pleasure helping you with your Zim Trip Glenn - and also nice to finally meet! We hope you get to come back again soon and we can plan another trip for you! Love to all the family!
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Glenn A Armstrong
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Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses

Owner's reply
Many thanks for the review Tatenda - it was a pleasure to help you with your trip!
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Tatenda Antony Mhene
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Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙

Owner's reply
Many thanks Wils! We look forward to your next trip!
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Wils Raubenheimer
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Heartveld Adventures really goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. They really think of everything that would be needed for a great holiday. We've been on Driftwood Houseboat twice and am going on the African Queen in September 24. Really is an amazing experience with amazing staff, very helpful and caring about your comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much 💖

Owner's reply
Thanks so much for that lovely review! We are so glad you had another great trip and we look forward to your next trip in September!
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Magda Gillwald
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Came across Heartveld Adventures blog by chance whilst trying to plan a holiday adventure in Zimbabwe.Offloaded my thoughts to Bryony, and a well sorted package with more than I asked for was presented.Stopped looking all over the internet for any possible deals, as this was the DEAL.If your intention is to go to Zimbabwe and enjoy its hidden treasures whilst accommodated in places you wouldn't have thought of and known existed, then save yourself the trouble, and get hold of Heartveld Adventures. Their service is what makes the country keeps going.Well done Bryony

Owner's reply
Thanks so much! We really enjoyed helping you with your trip and we look forward to hopefully seeing you back in Zimbabwe again soon!
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