Reviews of Old Drift Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
12 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Old Drift Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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63% success
57% success
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29% success
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13% success
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"Old Drift Lodge review"
I was greeted by management upon arrival for a discussion of what activities were on offer and which ones I wanted to participate in. Very personal, and lovely people (Irene in particular). Everyone was warm and welcoming and had plenty of time to chat. The food was out of this world. Truly.
With my limited time, I chose a river safari, a game drive and the Lookout Cafe. The river safari was great, and I had the good fortune to have Vusa as my guide, thanks to Expert Africa’s request. I would pass on the Lookout Cafe. Very ‘meh’.
The river safari was a great introduction to Africa, and we saw more animals than I expected. The game drive was also very good. Not the wealth of animals you find in Botswana, but still very good." See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Buffalo
1 sighting
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
2 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
Lion
5 sightings
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
Zebra
2 sightings
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Old Drift is in a superb location a short drive (maybe 30 min) from Victoria Falls airport, and a short distance away from the falls, but it feels very quiet and serene. The rooms are very luxe and comfortable (loved the outdoor shower!) and each room has a private plunge pool and large deck overlooking the Zambezi river. The rooms have heat and A/C, which was great, since the temperatures could vary quite a bit during the course of a day.
Our guide was Fanuel, and he was a fantastic guide and fantastic person. Upon arrival, we went on a late afternoon river boat cruise and saw quite a bit of hippos and crocs (and we drank a lot of alcohol and ate a bunch of snacks!). He took us on several game drives, to Victoria Falls and lunch at the Lookout Cafe. All of those are included in the cost of the booking. As an optional activity, we went to the Wild Horizons elephant sanctuary and had the most amazing interactions with the gentle giants.
The food was so delicious - every single meal. And the staff was top-notch and made us feel special. I'd highly recommend staying at Old Drift for anyone who goes to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls!" See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe; 3n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
"Old Drift Lodge review"
They wanted to ensure you were cared for. The rooms were nice, with air conditioning - but it really struggled to stay cool with the tent siding. The outdoor bathtub, shower and dipping pool were great, as was the view of the river.
The dining was also seated with menu options and was excellent. We enjoyed the boat drive and seeing some different wildlife.
This was also our lodging for Victoria Falls, which was amazing. Our guide here was also amazing and was willing to accomodate us" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 4n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
"Manager"
Hippo
Multiple sightings
"Old Drift Lodge review"
The furnishings and decor are all top quality.
Our guide Richard was knowledgeable, informative and good company. We very much enjoyed our time with him.
Special mention must go to Admire who was our waiter for several of our meals. He was excellent and really went out of his way to make sure we were well looked after." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Sable antelope
1 sighting
Wild dog
1 sighting
"Old Drift Lodge review"
The menu was very simple, and this would be fine but the quality was average at best. There was an impression of restriction on drinks and the servings were small.
Organisation of activities was confused. The first afternoon we chose to not go on the river cruise because we were assured we could do the cruise the second afternoon. When the time came to go on the cruise, it seemed to be a surprise to everyone. We were advised that we could do the morning cruise on day of departure, but when the day came we were told that there was not time to do it.
The river cruise was definitely the highlight of the Lodge. The Victoria Falls walk was similar to the one that we did last year, but the breakfast at the Summit lookout was most enjoyable and views amazing. We received an intimate visit from elephants at our room which was a thrill. They drank the water from our plunge pool and were wonderful to watch." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
“We try hard to keep our food fresh and high-quality and this has led us to breakfast being a cold buffet with fruit, pastries cold meat selection and cheeses, plus a cooked, plated breakfast to order.
Then for both dinner and lunch, we have an à carte menu with a selection of starters, mains and desserts. We’ve flagged the comments from these guests to our Executive Chefs attention for them to address.
I’m sorry if there was any impression that our drinks are restricted in any way: they’re not. We have a barman stationed at the bar at all times and waiters on service at all times.
As you are aware, we not only arrange ‘included’ camp activities, such as walks, cruises and drives, but we also facilitate a wide range of ‘external’ activities, which are available offsite in and around Vic Falls. We try hard to arrange everything when and where requested by every guest, but the logistics take some coordination. We’re sorry if our organisation appeared confused in this case; clearly we need to improve this, and we will.”
"Senior Africa Specialist | Southern Africa & Seychelles"
Elephant
10 sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
"Old Drift Lodge review"
Great guide to view the Victoria Falls. Very accommodating and great staff.
We took the helicopter flight over the falls, and even though it’s expensive, it’s spectacular." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 1n in South Africa
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
1 sighting
Hippo
10 sightings
"Shiny and comfortable, but missing something"
But a few small details keep this place from feeling like what it aspires to be. The food was very much average, and definitely not to the level of the camps and lodges you find in the more remote areas of the country. Also, breakfast was always late being set up in the morning. Their information packets state that a cold breakfast bar should be set up by 7am (it could even have said 630am), but very often they would still be scrambling to get things going at 730." See all these reviews: 18n in Zimbabwe
"Unique in everyway"
Despite my Parkinson's the entire staff family at Old Drift ensured that I got opportunities to get to experience things I never thought I would have the chance to experience again. A very special place to stay which is why I came back again after my "once in a life time" trip last March 2019! Thank you to you all." See all these reviews: 6n in Zimbabwe
Eland
2 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Hippo
10 sightings
Sable antelope
Multiple sightings
Wildebeest
2 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Old Drift Lodge review"
The tented accommodation was exceptional, so very comfortable, it was luxury, I felt like a lottery winner. I was in chalet 9 and the view down the the river wasn't as open as chalet 8 and was in the shade for best part of the afternoon, but didn't detract from the wildness and back to nature feel. Everything in the chalet was well thought out, down to the bath salts for the outside slipper bath, robes slippers and even an ice maker. It was surprisingly bug free, and the turn down service at night covering the huge bed with mosquito nets was ideal.
The restaurant and waiters were fantastic. There was a good variety of game meat on the menu, new to me, and well worth a try. We asked for a high tea one afternoon, it was duly prepared, and delicious. It was nice having a dining table and waiters allocated to us.
I was so pleased to see Old Drift lodge was environmentally friendly, the use of plastics very limited, reusable glass bottles for drinking water.
I don't usually rate hotels as excellent, as in my opinion there is always room for improvement. However on this occasion I can add nothing, because how can you improve on perfection." See all these reviews: 4n in Zimbabwe
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Hippo
Multiple sightings
Zebra
1 sighting
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Ilala Lodge
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Batonka Guest Lodge
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Sprayview Hotel
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The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.
Victoria Falls Club
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Palm River
Palm River Hotel offers a high-quality stay in a picturesque location on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent food and a shuttle to the Victoria Falls.
Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.
Pioneers
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Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Suites
Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.
Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.
Matetsi River House
Situated in the Private Matetsi Reserve Matetsi River House offers families and small groups privacy, game drives and access to the falls.
