Old Drift Lodge

CEDARBERG RATING

Luxury

Overview

Old Drift Lodge is a bush paradise that combines old world history with modern luxuries. It lies only 4.5 km upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls. But it is also inside the Zambezi National Park on a pristine section of the Zambezi river. With its stunning river setting, Old Drift offers both water and land-based game activities. But it is only a 10 minute boat cruise to the Victoria Falls. So you can have the best of both worlds.

Accommodation

Old Drift offers stunning accommodation in the form of 10 double suites and 4 family suites.  The luxurious suites have wide picture windows onto the river. And its stylish furnishings blending seamlessly with the natural environment. The spacious canvas en-suite rooms all have a sitting area, indoor and outdoor showers. And outside there's a private plunge pool on the deck and a “sleep-out” deck. There's even an outdoor bath overlooking the Zambezi River. Facilities include air-conditioning, ceiling fan, safe, mini-bar, dressing area and tea/coffee facilities. The family suites offers two inter-leading bedrooms with a main bedroom and a smaller kids’ room, both en suite. And the family suites have the same facilities at the double suites.

The main lodge area has 360-degree views, north facing onto the Zambezi river & south facing onto a water hole. Plus transfers to and from the lodge are by luxury boat. And it only takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes to get to Victoria Falls.

The Zambezi National Park has 56,000 hectares with a variety of wildlife roaming throughout the park and coming to the river to drink and swim. Activities offered at Old Drift Lodge emphasize the rich natural environment. Enjoy exploring the Zambezi National Park on 4x4 game drives, on foot or via game-viewing boat cruises. Complimentary tours to Victoria Falls are also on offer.

The History of Old Drift Lodge

Its name speaks to the rich heritage of the area. A ‘drift' 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. (Now known as Zimbabwe and Zambia. So the site swiftly became the busiest crossing point. Supplies were ferried and cattle swam to the opposite bank. However the settlers eventually abandoned the rustic settlement of Old Drift. As they started relocate to the nearby town of Victoria Falls.

Old Drift Lodge on the map

Rooms

Click on the Green Dot to see Room Images

Luxury Tented Suites

10 Luxury Tented Twin / Double Suites each have an indoor and outdoor shower, outdoor bath with a view, private plunge pool, sleep-out deck and private lounche with tea/coffee station and mini bar

 

Luxury Tented Suites - Family

Each of the 4 Family Suites consists of two spacious interleading bedrooms, an indoor and outdoor shower, outdoor bath with a view, private plunge pool, sleep-out deck and private lounche with tea/coffee station and mini bar

 

Old Drift Lodge – Kate’s review

This is the closest of the riverside lodges (as opposed to town lodges) to Victoria Falls. That means that it is reatively easy to get to the various activities. But it also means that guests will hear noise from nearby villages and also occasional helicopter noise.

This is a solid four stay + option. The rooms are very spacious with sitting room area, bedroom, bathroom with indoor shower, leading out to an outdoor shower and outdoor bath overlooking the river, on an extensive deck.

I loved the Sunken pit, the alfresco dining areas, but the main indoor area was slightly lacking in character, being so large. However you do spend most of your time outside.

They have a great green season with a 3 for 2 long stay offer.

Plus they have now added Starbeds on top of some of the rooms - great concept! This is a winner and not an extra cost.

Cedarberg : Kate Bergh

Special offers

Stay 3 nights, pay 2

Stay 3 nights, pay for only 2 in Green Season (Nov to March)

Excludes: Festive season 20 Dec to 10 Jan

VALID FROM 01/11/2024
VALID UNTIL 31/03/2025

Honeymoon Offer

Bride or Spouse pays only 50%, plus special romantic dinner

Bride or Spouse pays only 50%, plus special romantic dinner (in Green Season only)  

Excludes: Festive Season

VALID FROM 11/01/2024
VALID UNTIL 19/12/2024

Variety of 3 & 4 night Offers

4 Night Package - 2 nights at Old Drift Lodge and 2 nights at The Elephant Camp with free Helicopter Flight of Angels Plus Other Offers - see detail

<strong>3 night packages at Elephant Camp &amp; Wallow Camp</strong> Special rates incl a full day trip to Chobe National Park with a river cruise, lunch and sunset cruise (excludes $25 pp park fees as subject to change) <strong>4 Night Signature Package</strong> - Old Drift Lodge, The Elephant Camp and free Helicopter Flight of Angels 2 nights at Old Drift Lodge &amp; 2 nights at The Elephant Camp) &nbsp; &nbsp;

VALID FROM 10/01/2024
VALID UNTIL 20/12/2024

Family Suitability

Family-friendly all ages

Malaria Rating

Malarial area year-round

Features