Victoria Falls River Lodge

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Victoria Falls River Lodge prides itself on being a family built, and still family run lodge, that was one of the first private game lodges to be built in the Zambezi National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River. The property is a mere 30 minute drive from the Victoria Falls International Airport, or 50 minutes from Livingstone International Airport in Zambia. This means it is convenient to go in to Victoria Falls town for the many activities on offer, including the guided tours of the mighty falls themselves, but you are still out of town in a bush setting, getting the most out of the wildlife and river views in the Zambezi National Park.

There are now 4 different lodge “types” that are all located in slightly different locations as below:

River Lodge & Villas

RIVER LODGE LUXURY TENTED SUITES (8)​

Began construction in 2011 and opened to its first guests in 2012.

Accommodation is in luxury canvas-under-thatch structures on the banks of the Zambezi River – within the Zambezi National Park. These Luxurious thatched tents are constructed out of canvas, glass and timber that extend on to a private deck, complete with plunge pool. They are all well spaced apart and air conditioned, with a larger than king size bed, comfortable sitting area, open-plan bathroom with free-standing bath and both indoor and outdoor showers. There are twin bedded configurations also available.

Amenities

  • Private deck & plunge pool
  • Climate control air conditioning
  • Tea & coffee facilities
  • Stocked mini bar facility
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Ceiling fan
  • Internal telecoms for direct contact with the front desk
  • Mosquito net and repellent
  • Robes and slippers
  • Laundry facilities (at additional charge)
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • Twin vanities
    • Free-standing bathtub
    • Indoor & outdoor showers
    • Private W/C

Luxury Family Suites (5)

For those travelling with their family, there are also Luxury Family Suites available. Adjoining tented rooms can be organised with either one single (¾ sized) bed and one bunk bed, or twin (¾ size) beds for up to 3 children (under 17 years old).

Amenities

  • Adjoining Private deck & plunge pool
  • Private deck & plunge pool
  • Climate control air conditioning
  • Tea & coffee facilities
  • Stocked mini bar facility
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Ceiling fan
  • Internal telecoms for direct contact with the front desk
  • Mosquito net and repellent
  • Robes and slippers
  • Laundry facilities (at additional charge)
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • Twin vanities
    • Free-standing bathtub
    • Indoor & outdoor showers
    • Private W/C

Superior Family Tents (2)

Each area of the suite opens to stunning river views, offering an uninterrupted connection with the wild landscape. An adjoining children’s room provides privacy and convenience, featuring a queen-size bed and an extra-length ¾ bed, along with a private en-suite bathroom. This additional room also has a separate entrance from the arrival deck and private access to the front deck, which includes a martini pool—perfect for relaxing and soaking in the tranquillity of the river.

Amenities

  • Adjoining room with own full bathroom, additional separate entrance & own access to front deck, able to accommodate up to 3 sharing children 17 years old and younger
  • Climate control air conditioning
  • Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities
    Stocked mini bar facility
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Ceiling fan
  • Internal telecoms for direct contact with the front desk
  • Mosquito net and repellent
  • Robes and slippers
  • Laundry facilities (at additional charge)
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • Twin vanities
    • Free-standing bathtub
    • Indoor & outdoor showers
    • Private W/C

Hippos Creek Villa

(2 King/Twin Suites & 1 Family Suite: 6 adults and 2 children )

Began construction in March 2022 and opened to its first guests in October 2022.
Our exquisitely designed villa features two King/Twin suites and one Family suite, accommodating two adults and two children (aged 17 years and younger).

Amenities

  • Private decks with plunge pools, overlooking the legendary Zambezi River
  • Personal butler service
  • Air conditioning and ceiling fans in each suite
  • Tea & coffee facilities
  • Complimentary mini-bar in each suite
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Complimentary WI-FI
  • Chefs Kitchen exclusive to the Villa
  • Private to Villa Communal Lounge area
  • Private to Villa Communal Dining area
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • free-standing indoor bath
    • indoor/outdoor shower

RapidS View Villa

(2 Family Suites: 4 adults and 6 children)

Construction began March 2022 and opened to its first guests in March 2023.

A spacious villa is expertly designed to accommodate two Family suites. Rapids View Villa comfortably sleeps four adults and four to six children, depending on their ages.

  • ROOM 1:
    • King Bed/ 2 x ¾ Beds
    • Double Bed (fold up/down murphy style bed). This can be for 2 x children or 1 x older child/teen

 

  • ROOM 2:
    • King Bed/ 2 x ¾ Beds
    • Double Bed (fold up/down murphy style bed). This can be for: 2 x children or 1 x older child/teen.
    • Double Bunk Bed for 2 x children

Amenities

  • Private decks with plunge pools, overlooking the legendary Zambezi River
  • Personal butler service
  • Air conditioning and ceiling fans in each suite
  • Tea & coffee facilities
  • Complimentary mini-bar in each suite
  • Includes superior beverages
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Complimentary WI-FI
  • Chefs Kitchen exclusive to the Villa
  • Private to Villa Communal Lounge area
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • free-standing indoor bath
    • indoor/outdoor shower

Island Lodge

Island Tree-house Suites (4)

Began construction in 2016 and opened to its first guests in 2017.
Luxury accommodation on the private Kandahar Island, which is accessed by boat, and therefore are the perfect romantic getaway location. Accommodating a maximum of 2 people, these rooms only allow guests who are 16 years or older. The suites are open plan, and are spacious and luxurious, with the private wooden decks overhanging the river and bush, using raised walkways to access the main entertainment area.

Amenities

  • Private deck & plunge pool
  • Personal butler service
  • Climate control air conditioning
  • Elegantly appointed bedroom & sitting area
  • Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities
  • Complimentary mini bar
  • Includes superior beverages
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Mosquito net and repellent
  • California King sized bed
  • Robes and slippers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • Twin vanities
    • Free-standing bathtub
    • Indoor & outdoor showers
    • Private W/C

Starbed Tree-house Suites (2)

As well as the “regular” tree-houses – there are also two amazing “starbed” tree-houses available for a truly unforgetable holiday. These suites are open-air decks with a rooftop sitting area – which is also where the Starbed is located. The suites are located above the river – offering some of the best views of the Zambezi River.

Amenities

  • Private deck & plunge pool
  • Personal butler service
  • Climate control air conditioning
  • Double storey – with rooftop sitting area and Starbed
  • Elegantly appointed bedroom & sitting area
    Nespresso coffee machine and tea making facilities
  • Complimentary mini bar
  • Includes superior beverages
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International plugs and/or adapters
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi
  • Mosquito net and repellent
  • Robes and slippers
  • Laundry facilities
  • Open plan en-suite bathroom with:
    • Twin vanities
    • Free-standing bathtub
    • Indoor & outdoor showers
    • Private W/C

MALACHITE LODGE

Malachite Luxury Tents Suites (14)

Began being built in November 2022 and opened to its first guests in July 2023 (8-month-long build). The second phase of 4 units 7, 8, 9, and 10 began in October 2023.

The Malachite Luxury Tented suites are the ones located the closest to the Victoria Falls, being only a 10 minute drive from town. Accommodation is luxury canvas-under-thatch tented suites on the banks of the Zambezi River – within the Zambezi National Park

Amenities

  • Exclusive viewing decks, each with private plunge pool, overlooking the legendary Zambezi River
  • Spacious bedroom and sitting areas
  • Open-plan, en-suite bathroom with single vanity, lots of counter space and indoor & outdoor showers
  • Separate W/C
  • Air-conditioning and ceiling fans
  • Mosquito nets and repellent in every room
  • Mini bar
  • Tea/Coffee making facilities
  • Hair dryer
  • Electronic laptop safe
  • International adaptors
  • Complimentary WI-FI
  • Laundry facilities (at additional charge)

INCLUDED

  • Sunrise and sunset river cruises on the mighty Zambezi River
  • Guided morning and afternoon game drives into the Zambezi National Park
  • Enjoy wildlife viewing from own room or private deck
  • Guided Tour of the Falls (entry into the Rainforest is for the guest’s own account)
  • Use of Fitness Centre
  • Birding

OPTIONAL (ADDITIONAL COST)

  • Spa treatments
  • Fishing safaris on the upper Zambezi River
  • Guided walks into the Zambezi National Park
  • Helicopter flights over the iconic Victoria Falls
  • Whitewater rafting in the breathtaking Batoka Gorge (rapids below Victoria Falls)
  • Ziplining & canopy tours
  • Arts and Crafts shopping and historical tours in Victoria Falls town
  • Bungee jumping, bridge swinging and other bridge activities
  • Guided canoe safaris on the upper Zambezi River
  • ⁠Snare Walk: In partnership with the Zambezi Park Support Foundation, the lodge recently launched a guided bush walk alongside a guide from their team and the anti-poaching unit. Guests can listen to conservation stories and actively sweep for snares. It is an extra cost of $200 pp, with proceeds going to the foundation. After the walk, guests receive a piece of snare jewellery handmade by Batoka, a local women’s group, using the snares collected from the park.
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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.
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Denise Jackson
23 days ago
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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.
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Patrick Campbell
43 days ago
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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.
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Debbie Davies
421 days ago
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Good range of houseboats and friendly, helpful response
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Vicky Grant Bird
429 days ago
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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
595 days ago
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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.
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Glenn A Armstrong
741 days ago
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Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses
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Tatenda Antony Mhene
883 days ago
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Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙
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Wils Raubenheimer
904 days ago
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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 💖
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Magda Gillwald
924 days ago
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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
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1048 days ago
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