Tag: Victoria Falls

Mpala Jena: Zambezi Luxury

Posted on by James

When you combine the feel of a Mozambican beach side lodge with a classic safari camp, and throw in Africa’s mightiest waterfall just downstream, that’s Mpala Jena.

Part of the Great Plains portfolio, Mpala Jena is the epitome of Victoria Falls luxury accommodation and is an intimate safari lodge positioned along the beautiful tree-laden banks of the Zambezi River.

Zambezi National Park, in which the lodge is nestled, is little known, despite its proximity to the world famous Victoria Falls. Split off from the Victoria Falls National Park in 1979, the 56,000 hectares of pristine wilderness and wildlife habitat has been a National Park in its own right ever since.

It is home to a wide range of wildlife that can be enjoyed on safari drives, seen from the Zambezi River when on a boat cruise or the unique Dhow, walking trails or even while sipping cocktails from the camp’s swing chairs. Higher concentrations of buffalo and elephants are typical from June to October. There are more lions per km² here than in any other park in Zimbabwe.

In August 2025, two new, 3-bedroom Mpala Jena Private Villas will open. These two unique villas will be located five kilometres upstream from the current Mpala Jena.

the location of both camps allows easy access to Victoria Falls town by an exciting 40-minute boat or road transfer. Mpala Jena also offers guided tours of the Victoria Falls.

The sand floor in the main camp’s bar area and the adjacent swimming pool set the scene for guests to kick off their shoes and relax after their morning safari drive or river cruise. The pool lounge makes you feel that you are right on the river. Mpala Jena is highly sought after for those wanting the best Victoria Falls luxury accommodation.

Guests have a choice of three large double or twin bed configuration suites, plus two 2-bedroom family suites; are all under sand-coloured, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and open (yet netted) views of the river frontage.

Each suite has a shaded, private veranda area and en-suite bathroom facilities, including an indoor shower, separate loo, and double basins. The highlight of the suites is the outdoor bathrooms with a beautiful bathtub and outdoor shower. Decking in front of the tent leads to views of the Zambezi River’s calming and peaceful flowing waters.

Mpala Jena has a strong sustainability ethos. It is powered entirely by a solar plant and battery. Building materials and design elements were specified and sourced with a clear vision of minimising embodied energy and transportation miles.

Although there are plenty of fantastic accommodation options in and around Victoria Falls town itself, it can be nice to escape to somewhere a bit more sheltered, that moves at its own pace, away from the hustle closer to the falls.
The barefoot luxury of Mpala Jena ticks this box perfectly, where safari and rest combine into a magical sense of contentment.

 

 

Glorious Wallowing in Victoria Falls

Posted on by James

The Wallow Lodge is found in a private game reserve, peacefully nestled in the heart of the Victoria Falls National Park.

The tented camp is set along the banks of the Masuwe River, surrounded by 4,500 acres of wilderness that stretch into the horizon, where a cloud of mist from Mosi-oa-Tunya (the local name for the Victoria Falls, meaning The Smoke That Thunders) commands the skyline.

The falls themselves are 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 Wallow Lodge embodies the authentic essence of tented accommodation, reimagined from a luxury safari perspective. Panoramic views of the Masuwe River form the backdrop of the main area, seamlessly incorporating the gentle rhythm of nature into large, open-space interiors. The furniture is earthy and sophisticated, brought to life with splashes of colour. The effect is captivating yet calming and epitomises the inherent unpredictability of Africa.

Sixteen suites are thoughtfully placed to capture the best views of the riverbed below and its surrounding wilderness. The imaginative use of canvas evokes a classic safari atmosphere, accentuated by 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 and attention to detail strike a perfect balance between contemporary, homely touches without detracting from the surrounding bush.

The imaginative use of canvas preserves the romance of yesteryear with a classic safari atmosphere, accentuated luxurious finishing touches. Each room has an ensuite bedroom, private sitting room and viewing deck with an outdoor shower overlooking the untouched woodland savannah, creating the perfect sanctuary for guests during their stay.

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.

The Wallow Lodge is a retreat to the simplicity and authenticity of safari life with a modern freshness about it. The beautiful open space and wild surroundings will capture a piece of you and never let go.

The Victoria Falls themselves are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

On your guided walking tour of the falls, you will have the opportunity to discover the many facets of the magnificent Victoria Falls. Explore the rainforest while learning about the history of the Falls, its geological significance and its flora and fauna.

You’ll have the opportunity to soak up the beautiful vistas, lush surroundings, impressive gorge, and the spray of the Falls.

The Wallow Lodge is owned and operated by Wild Horizons, the largest eco-tourism operator in Victoria Falls. Behind every Wild Horizons venture is a purpose aimed at creating an enriching travel experience for their guests while conserving Africa’s wildernesses and wildlife for the local communities and future generations. Their team works tirelessly to preserve and protect the environment in every dimension of their business, sharing ecotourism’s benefits with the communities that they work alongside.

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 the signature style that emphasizes sustainability and space.

The Wild Horizons Environmental Officer monitors soil erosion and vegetation at all our properties, rehabilitating areas with indigenous trees from our nursery and eradicating harmful alien plant species. Annually, the company bring over 1000 children to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust where the kids learn about conservation, wildlife and sustainability. With the revenue generated from tourism, Wild Horizons invests in conservation and provide support for organisations like Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit and the Wildlife Trust.

When you travel with Wild Horizons, know that a portion of the profits pays the school fees for local children, support Old Age homes, clinics and initiatives that empower the local people.

For more information about The Wallow, Victoria Falls or Zimbabwe in general, get in touch through info@iconicafrica.com, and let’s start planning YOUR Africa trip…

Thorntree River Lodge: Victoria Falls in Style

Posted on by James

Imagine a picnic in the middle of the Zambezi River on your own private island.

But this island is barely 40 feet across.

Elephants browse on the riverbank in the distance, hippos cavort in a shallow pool just upstream, and the call of the African fish eagle sounds from high above. In the distance to the east, the constant cloud of spray that hangs over Mosi-oa-Tunya – “the smoke that thunders” – serves as a constant reminder that Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is just downstream, and the real reason you are visiting this magical corner of the continent.

This is what awaits you at Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia.

African Bush Camp’s Thorntree River Lodge sits as a haven of serenity overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, right in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia’s smallest but by no means least impactful national park. Wildlife abounds here, even so close to the town of Livingstone – the gateway to this part of the world – and buffalo, giraffes and elephants are a constant presence around the lodge. The park has many historical implications as well. The Old Drift site is where wagons were floated across the Zambezi in the early days of exploration, and the local guides have endless stories to tell about the forgotten days of the area.

The lodge is therefore perfectly positioned not only from a nature point of view but especially for those who want to enjoy the splendour of the Victoria Falls themselves, which is 90% of the reason people journey to this part of the world in the first place.
The falls themselves – the largest curtain of falling water on the planet –  are simply mind-blowing. Although the strength of the cascade varies seasonally and is linked to rainfall in the Zambian highlands, the setting of the waterfall itself and the subsequent descent of the river into the Batoka gorge is simply mind-blowing.

There are a myriad activities to enjoy from Thorntree as a base. White water rafting, bungee jumping, game drives, casting a line for the fearsome tiger fish on an idyllic afternoon boat sojourn… Thorntree River Lodge truly offers it all. Guests will inevitably feel like they should have stayed longer, there is so much to do in such a small area.

The lodge showcases incredible river panoramas from its unique vantage point, tucked between lush riparian vegetation.
The communal areas flow seamlessly together, and the fluid design of the lodge and its integration into its environment make guests feel like they are one with the Zambezi ecosystem. For those wanting to check the occasional email or post a quick reel to their Instagram feed, the library hosts WIFI connectivity. The health conscious can spend time in the gym or spa; definitely a good option when considers how amazing the cuisine and wine are in this stunning setting.

Only ten rooms and two family units ensure an intimate camp experience, and being evenly spaced along the riverbank ensures each has its own private view out onto the Zambezi. Kids are welcome at the lodge, and the Ngwana Club hosts a wide range of activities for youngsters of all ages, ensuring they will be constantly entertained.

Thorntree River Lodge is a perfect place to start off a safari trip. Its easy access to airports both on the Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) side makes it readily accessible from major airports, and it gives you more than enough of an authentic African experience to have the bug bite properly.

Get hold of us through info@iconicafrica.com to enquire further, or to start planning your safari…

 

 

Property of the Month – Royal Livingstone

Posted on by Lexi Hall

This month’s property of the month truly lives up to its name – allowing guests to be immersed in a wonderful royal affair! Named after the gallant explorer, Dr David Livingstone – the legendary pioneer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honour of his queen – the Royal Livingstone Hotel pays tribute to his glorious era, evoking a superb Victorian elegance and boasting an impeccable colonial style. This imperial accommodation will immerse you in the romance and style of a time gone by. Adorned by canopies of Acacia trees, the raw grandeur of the bush fuses with the luxurious opulence the hotel offers. Set along the Zambezi River, perched on the lips of the Victoria Falls, this piece of heaven will take you back in time with its antique décor, personalised service and the deafening roar of the ‘mist that thunders’.

Joyful African Dawn

Begin your day at 06h00 in the Livingstone Lounge as the radiance of the African dawn envelopes you in an embrace of subtle Zambezi mist. The lounge presents history through leather-bound tomes, hand-drawn maps and aged paintings and the outside area is the perfect space to drink a quiet coffee while Zambia wakes.

Languid lazy midday

The boundless manicured gardens, where wild Africa blends into modern comfort are centred on a crystal pool that overlooks the leisurely waters of the Zambezi just as they gather momentum before cascading over the cliffs. Likewise the main terrace, beautifully decorated in dark wood and shades of the Victorian era, offers a gentle space from which to contemplate this astonishing place – especially when some of the hotel’s zebra or giraffe amble by.

Rest for body mind and spirit

If you choose to remain at the Royal Livingstone and absorb the concord of Africa, then a beauty or wellness treatment in the private gazebo overlooking the gently flowing river or in the seclusion of your own room is a brilliant opportunity for mind, body and spirit rejuvenation.

The epic African sunset

The sundecks, suspended out over the river and looking onto the ginger sunset mist, are brilliant places to reflect on the day’s adventures while dusk turns the flowing water from silver-yellow to inky-indigo – the first stars dancing on the rippling surface.

Indulgent evenings

When you arrive back from exploring after sunset, sip a pre-dinner single-malt, cocktail or fine chardonnay in the atmospheric Traveller’s Bar while the piano conjures an atmosphere of bygone pioneering in the evening cool. After your drink, a sublime meal that combines the flavours of Europe, Africa and even India, awaits you in the sumptuous dining room or, under the candle lit boughs of the Monkey Tree.

Natural wonder and epic adventure

The Victoria Falls offers an astonishing number of exciting activities for all ages and all tastes. Royal Livingstone’s superbly staffed and run Activity Desk will recommend combinations of nature, fun and adventure for you – normally no more than 15 minutes away.

Introducing to you… the new Victoria Falls International Airport

Posted on by Lexi Hall

“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Victoria Falls airport. Please make sure your seat belt is securely fastened. Cabin crew, please take your seats for landing.”

This is a new era for Zimbabwean tourism as their new state-of-the-art Victoria Falls International Airport is now in full operation. Visiting the incredible Victoria Falls just got a whole lot easier for national and International tourists wishing to stay at The Elephant Camp or the Victoria Falls Hotel or any of the other top lodges.

For many years visiting this Unesco World Heritage Site has not been particularly straightforward, despite it being an established tourist hub. With the boom of air travel in Africa and its ability to surpass the physical challenges to ensure easier access to landlocked countries, visitors no longer need to take multiple flights or make long drives to get there.

The recently operating airport is located approximately 20 km south-east of Victoria Falls town centre. Victoria Falls town lies just 1.5 km away from the Victoria Falls rain forest – one of the 7 natural wonders of the world allowing visitors to spend more time enjoying their stay and less time spent travelling.

Elephant Camp Vic Falls Safari

In 2013, the civil aviation authority of Zimbabwe – with the assistance of China – embarked on a project to upgrade Victoria Falls’ airport. Currently the airport is serviced by domestic and regional flights by South African Airways, Air Zimbabwe, British Airways, Air Namibia, Fast Jet Zimbabwe and chartered flights from various parts of the world. The airport can now receive long haul flights from around the globe and its smooth new runway can accommodate some of the world’s largest jets – raising the prospect of new direct international flights. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways have also expressed an interest in serving this bucket list destination.

The airport is also located within the heart of southern Africa, giving access to six countries within a range of two hours such as Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Mozambique, Botswana and Zambia, making it a national and regional gateway by location. And most importantly this means that getting to our fabulous lodges in Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia is going to be a whole lot easier for travellers.

Learn more about Victoria Falls and when is the best time to go .