Introducing The Wallow Lodge

Introducing The Wallow Lodge

If you had to write one sentence for a white water rafting trip, one for a luxury lodge and one for a home-hosted meal, they would all sound very different. But underneath all the adjectives and superlatives, every Wild Horizons product tells the same story: Wander wildly and tread lightly, remembering that your journey has the power to make an impact. The new Wallow Lodge is no exception. 

Victoria Falls is Travel Ready

In the wake of the pandemic, tourism in Victoria Falls plummeted as lockdowns brought travel to a halt. The Wallow was a few months away from opening when borders around the world began closing. 

The pandemic once seemed like a never-ending journey, but today, almost 80% of the Victoria Falls adult population has received the vaccination, making it the first city in Southern Africa to achieve herd immunity. 

The overwhelming success of Zimbabwe’s vaccination program, combined with the open spaces and exclusive experiences intrinsic to a safari, means that Victoria Falls qualifies as one of the safest destinations to visit in this new era of travel. So it is time to return to our remote wonderland of rivers and rainforests, and The Wallow will show you that it has been worth the wait.  

A Hidden Gem In The Heart Of The Wilderness

The Wallow Lodge is located in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary, a private concession in the Victoria Falls National Park. A birds-eye view of the area would show you the silver-blue shimmer of the Masuwe River, snaking across a mosaic of green and gold wilderness. The landscape is punctuated by the black basalt gorge, where the rapids of the Zambezi River froth 140 meters below the edge. The ‘Smoke That Thunders’ hangs like a heavy white cloud above the treetops on the horizon. A closer look reveals the canvas suites and main area, blending in seamlessly with the environment on the banks of the Masuwe River. This is a destination of exceptional beauty, and The Wallow Lodge reflects the landscape. 

All Wild Horizons Lodges are uniquely and thoughtfully designed to have their own character, but the golden thread tying them together can be seen in Craig White’s signature style that emphasizes sustainability and space. With only 16 suites to accommodate a maximum of thirty-two guests, The Wallow Lodge is perfect for families and small groups who want to reconnect with nature and spend quality time together. Victoria Falls is a short twenty-minute transfer from the lodge, giving guests the freedom to tailor-make their experience and find a balance between the exclusivity of the bush and the excitement of Africa’s Adventure Capital.

The Main Lodge 

Panoramic views of the Masuwe River form the backdrop of the main area, cleverly incorporating the unrushed rhythm of nature into the open plan design. There is an echo of the elements in the infinity pool and sunken firepit, both of which overlook the river from an expansive deck. The furniture is earthy and sophisticated, brought to life with splashes of colour. The effect is captivating yet calming and epitomizes the inherent unpredictability of Africa. The Wallow Lodge embodies the simplicity and authenticity of safari life, with a modern freshness about it.

The Suites 

Enchanting and intimate, the sixteen suites are ideally situated to overlook the Masuwe River and surrounding wilderness. The imaginative use of canvas preserves the romance of yesteryear with a classic safari atmosphere, accentuated with all the modern creature comforts. Each room is raised beneath the shade of ancient riverine trees, and from this elevated vantage point, guests can enjoy uninterrupted views of the river from their private balcony. The décor is simple yet elegant with wooden furnishings and potted plants. There is a touch of ‘bush bohemia’ in the vibrant ‘chitenge’ cushion covers, ensuring an authentic translation of local culture in the decorative theme. The attention to detail strikes a perfect balance between contemporary, homely touches without detracting from the surrounding wilderness.

Shining A Spotlight On Sustainability

Wild Horizons represents the sharp edge of transformative, sustainable travel that demonstrates the value of protected wilderness areas. Sustainable technology such as solar power, environmentally friendly decking, and non-disposable products ensure that every journey leaves a light footprint on the land. At the same time, the activities create synergy between guests and the environment. For example, guests are invited to tour The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, located in the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary. This gives them an insiders perspective on the innovative conservation initiatives that help mitigate human-wildlife conflict, further our knowledge of keystone species, and safely rehabilitate injured wildlife. The safari experience has been reimagined beyond a wilderness experience to include community, conservation and meaningful immersion. 

The Wonder of the Wallow Lodge

From Guided Tours of the rainforest to game drives and Gorge sundowners, you will experience the best Victoria Falls has to offer as well as a few hidden gems other travellers don’t know about!

You are an email away from your safari getaway. Get in touch with our travel experts to start planning a life-changing holiday at The Wallow Lodge.

The Intimate And Exclusive Elephant Camp

Southern Africa stirs to life as travellers dream of their next adventure from a new point of view. Mindful of the challenges of a transformative year, The Elephant Camp West epitomises the future of safaris under canvas, offering guests a restorative sanctuary that harnesses the healing power of nature. The design of Camp West harnesses the simple elegance of The Elephant Camp Main. The flagship design has been thoughtfully adapted for exclusive use by family and friends who crave meaningful distancing from the world’s demands and distractions. 

Inspired By Nature

Resting lightly on 4500 acres of private wilderness, The Elephant Camp has always been synonymous with restorative retreats and exclusive experiences.

From the interior spaces’ uncluttered beauty to the careful placement of each suite to capture the best views, the carefully crafted camp is enveloped by stillness and serenity.   

From the outdoor showers to the private plunge pools, the lodge invites continuous engagement with nature’s healing power. 

Reimagined through a modern perspective, the essence of adventure inherent to a tented safari experience is more aligned with how travellers have evolved. Simplicity, sustainability and comfort remain the golden thread of the design, amplified by thoughtful touches that inspire meaningful connections with the environment.

The main deck overlooks the cavernous Batoka Gorge, with the cloud of mist from the Victoria Falls commanding the skyline. 

Activities can be adapted and planned according to preference and private game drives, walking safaris, gorge sundowners, elephant encounters and more allow guests to immerse themselves in every experience. We have now included a luxury cruise on the Zambezi Royal in the inclusive-activities on offer to guests staying at The Elephant Camp. 

Victoria Falls river cruise on the Zambezi

The Zambezi Royal Luxury Sunset Cruise

The luxurious Zambezi Royal is a single level cruise boat and offers a unique and intimate way to view the Zambezi River.

During the premium two hour guided sunset cruise guests can look forward to 5-star service on board, consisting of imported wines and spirits, gourmet hot & cold canapés.

Find out more here. 

 

A Guided Tour of The Victoria Falls Rainforest

Victoria Falls has captivated philosophers and poets. The Natural World Wonder engages all the senses, and vibrates through you. Guests staying at The Elephant Camp can book a morning or afternoon Guided Tour of The Victoria Falls Rainforest (excluding Parks Fees). 

Discover more about Victoria Falls throughout the year here. 

The Victoria Falls Canopy Tour

The Canopy Tour is a great family activity and offers fantastic views of Zambezi rapids, Victoria Falls Bridge & the spray of the Falls.

Observe the riverine forest from a variety of different vantage points – from above, below and within the canopy itself. The Victoria Falls Canopy Tour offers a network of slides, trails and rope bridge walkways within the canopy of the hardwood forest of the Zambezi gorges.

The Canopy Tour is family fun with a unique birds-eye view of one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Find out more here

Wild Horizons elephant encounter

Meet The Elephant 

The Elephant Encounter affords guests the opportunity to unobtrusively observe some of the biggest personalities in Africa, in a pristine wilderness environment overflowing with raw natural beauty. Guests spend time and connect with elephants in the most positive and natural way possible.

Find out more about the Elephant Sanctuary here. 

Other activities include:

The Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible only to our guests, giving travellers a secluded space to reconnect with nature in the company of their loved ones. The Elephant Camp West is part of The Elephant Camp Collection, but the intimate lodge caters exclusively to groups of friends and families with a secluded main area, dedicated guide, chef, host and private game vehicle. 

 

The exclusive-use itinerary ensures guests can explore the endless space on their terms. TripAdvisor rated The Elephant Camp as the seventh-best hotel in Africa for service. Our dedicated team is intuitive yet discreet, understanding that the experience is a chance to return to life’s simple pleasures and meaningful moments.

Get In Touch

Our products have a purpose. From community empowerment to conservation and culture, we create meaningful and enlightened travel experiences that enrich your experience while giving back to the legacies that make Victoria Falls so spectacular.

Get in touch to book your safari to Victoria Falls today and experience the abundant beauty Victoria Falls promises throughout the year.

Make February Unforgettable With a Valentine’s Month Special | Old Drift Lodge

couple on zambezi river banks romantic picnic

Our Valentine’s Special is an all-inclusive romantic retreat to the award-winning Old Drift Lodge for only $250 per person per night.
The special is valid for bookings throughout the month of February 2021 so you can save now and stay later.

Old Drift Lodge - Victoria Falls

Fall In Love With Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls… the very name of the town is romantic. It brings to mind waterfalls framed by the arch of a rainbow, night skies sequined with stars, the gentle gait of wildlife roaming across the wilderness. Old Drift Lodge is the pearl in the centre of these natural gems, where a bygone era of safari romance and meditative luxury come together in an authentic wilderness experience. It is against this spectacular setting that we launch our first Valentine’s Special to make this occasion is a standout memory in the hearts of all who stay with us.

Soul-Soothing Suites 

Our luxury river-facing suites are an exclusive haven for each couple. Each suite at Old Drift Lodge includes an elegant lounge and a spacious bathroom. The four-poster bed takes pride and centre in front of glass sliding doors, through which natural light streams into the room.

private lounge area in luxury suite
four poster bed overlooking Zambezi River

The outdoor claw-footed bath is the epitome of Valentine’s romance 

With a flute of champagne and a tub full of bubbles, it is an essential Instagram picture for all our guests at Old Drift Lodge. Spacious enough for two and positioned so that you feel the warm sun on your shoulders or see the moon reflected in the ripples of the river, the special spot is in itself the ultimate Valentine’s accessory.

girl drinking champagne in outdoor bubble bath
private plunge pool seating area river view

The bath shares an expansive balcony with a private plunge pool, sitting area, sun loungers and an outdoor shower.

With a stocked mini-fridge, ice machine and opulent finishing touches, it is tempting to spend the weekend cocooned in the sanctuary of the suites.

However, our all-inclusive gourmet meals, Valentine’s Special surprises and activities will ignite a sense of adventure that is impossible to ignore. 

Tailor-Make You Perfect Day At Old Drift Lodge

Couples are invited to be the co-creators of their safari experience, venturing beyond the classic Victoria Falls itinerary to explore indigenous tree planting, champagne sunsets, a guided tour of the rainforest and restorative river safaris.

Cocktails and canapés on the banks of the Zambezi are a highlight for everyone who visits Old Drift Lodge. Our team creates an oasis on the white sandy riverbank, where couples indulge in our chefs spread of snacks while sunset stains fill the sky before melting into the Zambezi. Old Drift Lodge is the perfect place to make sure Valentine’s is a special and exclusive occasion.

couple touring Victoria Falls
cocktails and canape sundowner on Zambezi River
man and women romantic sunset cruise

The Best Safari Retreat In Victoria Falls

TripAdvisor rated Old Drift Lodge as the 7th best small hotel in the whole of Africa, as well as the seventh-best hotel for service in Africa. Our dedicated team is intuitive yet discreet, understanding that the experience is a chance to return to life’s simple pleasures and meaningful moments.

This once-in-a-lifetime romantic retreat has never been more affordable. For only $250 per person per night, couple’s will be treated to:

  • A luxury river-facing suite, including romantic turndowns with complimentary champagne
  • A morning/afternoon game drive in the National Park
  • A morning or afternoon Zambezi River safari 
  • An indigenous tree-planting ceremony 
  • All gourmet meals and drinks (excluding premium brands) 
  • A guided tour of the Victoria Falls rainforest
  • A romantic beach picnic with cocktails and canapés on the banks of the Zambezi River 
  • Airport transfers 

Save Now, Stay Later – The Special is Valid For All February Bookings!

The special is valid for the entire month of February 2021. With only 14 suites strung along the river, Old Drift Lodge is characterized by exclusivity and intimacy. However, bookings do fill up fast, and this weekend of a lifetime in Victoria Falls should not be missed. Please email info@wildhorizons.co.zw to discover more about our Valentine’s Special.

We recommend a minimum two-night stay.

Get in touch to discover more

2 + 5 =

The Last Straw

The world is facing a plastic problem, and it is snowballing- but so is awareness and determination to halt the crisis in its tracks. Wild Horizons has several strategies in place, and all of these have seen massive success.

Only a few years ago plastic bottled water was thought to be an inescapable essential on safari. Then, the world seemed to draw a collective breath as images of sea horses carrying earbuds emerged. A plastic bag was found thousands of feet below the ocean’s surface in the world’s deepest trench. Birds were seen nesting in shreds of shopping bags.

As heartbreaking as it is to think and see these images, our planet and our wildlife need us to realise the extent of the damage that is caused by these fickle, yet indestructible products.

 

Searching for solutions 

Our mission began when we joined the ”straw war”, banning the use of plastic straws at all of our lodges and on our activities. The next step was to address the use of plastic bottles. We installed water purification systems at each lodge and provided every guest a reusable water bottle that they could refill with fresh filtered water. We stopped serving plastic bottled water during meal times and instead we provide purified glass bottle of water. The initiative has been a massive success, and we are proud to report a 100% decline in plastic water bottle consumption in all three lodges, with not one plastic bottle of water being provided.

 

Nine million reasons to join the war on plastic

Victoria Falls has an average of almost 605, 000 international visitors every year. If each visitor stays an average of 4 days and consumes 2liters of bottled water per day, over 9 million plastic bottles will be discarded annually. Recycling programs in Africa are severely limited, and one plastic bottle can infest the earth for 450 years before the elements can decompose it. The enormity of the problem can not be ignored.

We need to change the way we think about plastic. When we ”throw it away”, where is it going? When plastic is buried, it does not nourish the earth. It leaches toxins into the soil, poisoning or ensnaring wildlife. The purpose of a safari is to appreciate the earth’s natural beauty, a pleasure and a privilege that we will go great lengths to protect.

Five tips to limit plastic waste on safari 

Most plastic products take centuries to decompose, which means almost every piece of plastic ever produced is still in existence… much of it in oceans or landfills. The small changes you make now could create a big difference for future generations.

  • Say no to bottled water, and refill a reusable one.
  • If you are concerned about water quality when you explore off the beaten track areas, take a Life Straw or Steripen with you to filter out harmful bacteria. Alternatively, do some research and purchase a water bottle that has a built-in filtration device.
  • When you go souvenir or grocery shopping at local markets, take an eco-friendly cotton bag with you. These are light and very easy to pack.
  • Many people who go into rural areas are tempted to give the local children sweets, but the wrappers from these are extremely harmful to the environment. Instead, take a box of fruit with you.
  • Avoid travel-sized toiletries and plastic-packaged toiletries when you pack. Instead buy a bar of shampoo, conditioner and soap with a steel tin to store it in.

If you have bought some new gear for your trip, remove any plastic packaging it may be wrapped in and send it to a nearby recycling station. Don’t bring it to the bush.

New Accommodation Old Drift Lodge

Wild Horizons is proud to introduce Old Drift Lodge, an extraordinary new luxury tented lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River at Victoria Falls. Old Drift Lodge is a bush paradise that exudes an old world charm, admits modern luxuries, and is a symbol of the harmonic existence that can be achieved between man and nature. The lodge is expected to open 23 April 2018.

Old Drift Lodge, speaks to the rich heritage of the area. A ‘drift or ‘ford’, is a shallow place in a river or stream where it is possible to cross safely without using a boat. Around 1898, the Old Drift was used as a crossing point over the Zambezi River between what was then Southern and Northern Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe and Zambia). The site swiftly became the busiest crossing point of this period as supplies were ferried and cattle swum to the opposite bank. The rustic settlement of Old Drift was eventually abandoned as settlers relocated and the town of Victoria Falls began to transform into the adventure destination it is today. While the rest of the world moved forward, Old Drift was reclaimed by nature and returned to its original state. Trees took the place of the buildings, wildlife replaced the people, and in the pristine National Park, the Zambezi River was the only traveler to watch the changes take place. The soil upon which this lodge is built has been fertilized by a history of hard work and innovation.

Old Drift Lodge offers family friendly accommodation, with each air-conditioned suite decorated with stylish furnishings, fitting of a bygone era, which blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. The spacious canvas suites all have a private lounge, indoor and outdoor showers, plunge pool and an outdoor bath overlooking the Zambezi River. Guests will be accommodated in 10 double suites and 4 family suites.

 The main lodge area has 360 degree views, north facing onto the Zambezi & south facing onto a water hole. Old Drift Lodge is an environmentally friendly property with a strong focus on keeping our carbon footprint as small as possible.

Transfers to and from the lodge are by luxury cruise boat and take approximately 15 minutes from Victoria Falls. Activities offered at Old Drift Lodge emphasize the rich natural environment, focusing on the abundance of wildlife that roams through the Park and swims the Zambezi River. The Zambezi National Park can be explored by road, river or on foot, satisfying guests needs to experience every aspect of this natural utopia. A mere 4.5 kilometres from the town of Victoria Falls, Old Drift Lodge guests remain in close range to the variety of attractions and activities that the town has to offer.

‘The Elephant Camp furthers efforts & aims for Top Sustainable Tourism Award’

The Elephant Camp has recently been invited,  with other leading hospitality establishments in Victoria Falls, to spearhead a new project in Zimbabwe. This is to be part of Green Tourism, the largest and most established sustainable certification programme in the world, with the aim of achieving one of their respected awards.

Green Tourism Award means that a business works responsibly, ethically and sustainably; contributes to their community; reduces their impact on the environment and aims to be accessible and inclusive to all. Businesses that meet the required standard receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.

The Elephant Camp has worked tirelessly since its inception, to reduce the impact of the business on the environment and improve links with the local community and now feels the time is right to join the programme. We currently have the following initiatives in place and look forward to expanding upon these:

  • Solar Heating: All of our water heating systems are either solar or currently in the process of being converted to solar.
  • Worm Farm: All plant waste there from Elephant Camp, as well as most elephant dung from our resident herd, is fed into our worm farm, creating valuable compost for use in our organic vegetable garden.
  • Organic Garden: In order to supply as much organic produce to our guests as possible The Elephant Camp produces much of its own herbs, spices and vegetables for use in our kitchens.
  • Indigenous Tree Planting Program: To rehabilitate areas that were once denuded of trees by uncontrolled wood collection, we created an indigenous tree nursery. Trees are grown from seed and are transplanted once established, into areas in need of rehabilitation.
  • Biological Monitoring and Erosion Control: The Elephant Camp employs a qualified Environmental Officer to monitor the biology of the reserve and assists with mitigation. Bi-annual biological surveys are conducted, alien vegetation is eradicated and soil erosion is carefully managed in the reserve and on neighbouring communal areas.
  • Community Relations: We make every effort to employ staff from neighbouring areas, and work closely with the community on projects such as transporting thatch from neighbouring areas annually for roofing of homes in neighbouring areas annually for roofing of homes.
  • Education: The Elephant Camp frequently hosts school children on educational trips, teaching them about and allowing them to experience, the beautiful natural environment and the threats that face it today.

The Elephant Camp will be graded on-site by a qualified team of assessors against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas such as energy/water efficiency, waste management, biodiversity, social involvement and communication.

Craig White, Operations Director said:

Wild Horizons pride ourselves on being driven by a team that is passionate about our environment, and fully committed to sustainable environmental practices. The inclusion in Green Tourism is an exciting development to our business, as The Elephant Camp strives to be a leader in sustainable tourism practices. Whilst we have come a long way on our own initiatives, the inclusion in such a prestigious body gives us a host of new challenges which we are determined to meet in our quest to reach Gold Standard status.

It is also extremely exciting on a National level, to see that Zimbabwean Tourism has evolved to the stage where international bodies such as Green Tourism are keen to establish a foothold in the country. This inevitably encourages  local companies to strive toward sustainable environmental practices. International travellers are seeking out establishments that practise environmentally sustainable  tourism. This naturally encourages operators to look closely at their businesses from an environmental perspective, or risk being left behind as  tourists become more discerning in their holiday choices.

About The Elephant Camp

The Elephant Camp is a luxurious and intimate lodge under canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls. Situated on a private concession with breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls’ spray, and the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe from Zambia. We also cater to exclusive groups and families at The Elephant Camp West, which has exclusive suite accommodation for 8 guests in 4 luxury tents.

About Green Tourism

Green Tourism awards recognise places to visit that are taking action to support the local area and the environment in general. Green Tourism is the largest sustainable certification programme of its kind, assessing hundreds of fantastic places to stay and visit worldwide, with Zimbabwe being the latest addition to their portfolio.