Old Drift Lodge

Old Drift Lodge is a close as you will get to nature in an unobtrusive setting. The wonderful interaction with the staff makes the experience worthwhile as they interact with guests without being obtrusive. A special mention to Jeremiah and Solomon rate a special mention among a talented young group of staff. The owners also have a wonderful community support program in place that provides much needed assistance.

Old Drift Lodge – Victoria Falls – November 13th to November 16th, 2024: found in the Zambezi National Park, each of the lodge’s tents overlooks the Zambezi River teeming with hippos and crocodiles and an assortment of birds. The general manager is Himal Nathoo, and his wife Irene, runs the office. They are an exceptionally nice couple; Himal seemed to be everywhere all the time. I was beginning to think he must have some clones. They care deeply about your experience and go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Because of their attitude, staff and guests alike are always in a good mood. We were partnered with another couple, from Atlanta, for our safaris and had the best of times with them. They had come from Londolozi and were comparing the Old Drift Lodge to that experience. I tried to explain that the Old Drift was not like the safari lodges found out on the grasslands or in the mountains; most folks come to Victoria Falls for one thing, to see Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.” Victoria Falls is one of the 7 Wonders of the World; it is incredible and our guide, JB, did an amazing job taking us on an early morning hike around the Falls. JB took us on a safari drive, and we had evening and morning boat safaris with him, on the Zambezi. Exploring the river was incredible and we would have done more, but we were at the end of a four-week adventure and feeling tired. The food at the Old Drift Lodge was very good and when they learned I was a vegetarian, they brought me a separate menu. The Chef visited the tables each night to make sure the offerings were to the liking of the guests. Our last day we visited the Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary; it was nothing short of incredible. We were guided to a “parade” of elephants and introduced to them. We walked with them; we touched them, and we fed them. They are being prepared to be released back into the wild. It was quite an education we received about these big-hearted giants. It was the first day they had rain in quite a while and the streams were full of life; sharp-toothed catfish were trying to spawn, and crocodiles were snatching them up. We saw an eagle swoop down and take a catfish out of the stream- it was like we were watching a National Geographic film. The experience at the Old Victoria Lodge has whet our appetite for a river safari; we hope to plan one soon.

The Old Drift Lodge is everything you would hope for in a bush holiday. The accommodation was marvellous, better than could be imagined, with wonderful views out over the Zambezi. I particularly loved the outside shower. The staff were attentive, without being intrusive and nothing was too much trouble. The food was sublime, without being pretensive and although I do not normally eat breakfast, there was nothing better than to indulge after an early morning drive and the weight I put on will take a little longer to shift than the holiday! The activities were plentiful and varied, with great knowledge being imparted from the guides. There is nothing better then listening to the roar of a lio, whilst snuggled in your bed, or watching elephants eating outside your bedroom window. A truly magical experience.

The Old Drift Lodge was a wonderful location for visiting Chobe. Our ranger, Fanuel was very knowledgeable particularly about the birds within the region. Food and service was excellent and great place to stay and visit Chobe and enjoy the scenes on the Zambizi River