Vic Falls Hotel and Imbabala Lodge

by Mike Midgley
(Pretoria RSA)

I took my wife for an early 30th wedding anniversary celebration to Vic Falls Hotel (4nights special promotion offer) and then 3 nights at Imbabala Lodge.

We had an unforgettable time.
The staff at Vic Falls were very friendly and really know how to spoil a person. What a great old stately, comfortable hotel. Room was brilliant, just perfect- couldn't ask for more.

We decided we would spend the 4 days there just relaxing- 2 sunset cruises- plenty of time sitting relaxing around pool area and on the patio just enjoying the view. Also went on a few walks over the bridge into Zambia and also of course into Vic Falls Park to get really close up.

What struck me was the relatively small number of guests/tourists- even over the weekend we encountered very few other tourists, but I understand things are improving. I am certainly encouraging our family and friends back here in Pretoria to take their next holiday there.

Compared to our last visits, 16 and 14 years ago, things are clearly much harder but it was great to see and experience the area again and speak to as many people as we could on their personal experience and hear their opinions on what needs to happen and how positive most people are about positive change.

One big disappointment was the almost total disappearance of birds (except a few redwing starlings, the swallows at the falls and the trumpeter hornbills flying over every morning and evening)- all due to the infernal helicopters and microlights - you really need to do something about them- what they have already destroyed is irreplaceable.

Then on to Imbabala Lodge- what a treasure, right on the banks of the Zambezi and right next to the Border road. Here again we were spoilt by the staff and especially Stan with his knowledge of birds and local game.

This was the highlight of our trip- we saw 12 different birds we have never seen in our lives before- up close and then of course all the sable, giraffe, elephants, dagga boys and other buck. A game drive every evening and a boat cruise early every morning. This is something we both will remember for years to come.

I am also glad to hear the Kariba Ferry to Mlibizi is again operational- did that trip 16 years ago and have just bought myself a VW Beach 4Motion and will definitely be planning a repeat trip again soon.

Can vouch that the VISA ATM in town works and that Vic Falls Hotel also accept Visa and other cards.