Travel Zimbabwe | Victoria Falls River Lodge

A year later, after postponing this trip over 3 times due to Covid-19 lockdowns, we eventually made it to the beautiful Victoria Falls!

From Johannesburg you can fly with Airlink to Livingstone, however, we decided to extend our trip and fly from Johannesburg and stay in Cape Town a couple nights, then fly from Cape Town directly to Victoria Falls with Airlink. Fly Airlink make it really easy to book multiple destination flights. In a short 3 hour flight, I must have experience the landscape changing about 4 different times. Flying over the Karoo into Botswana, over the Kalahari, then over the magnificent Makgadigadi Pans and finally descending over the Zambezi National Park. It was such a beautiful flight.

Upon arrival, we were picked up by Victoria Falls River Lodge and taken to the beautiful Zambezi River. Victoria Falls River Lodge has two luxury lodges on site. One that is situated on the main land of the Zambezi River bank and the other that is just across the way, in the middle of the Zambezi River, on an island. Marc and I decided to give both lodges an opportunity to wow us, and when I say wow, I mean it. Victoria Falls River Lodge really exceeded our expectations!

First we checked into the Luxury Island Treehouse Suites which was absolutely breathtaking. Greeted by the friendliest and most accommodating staff, I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Every meal at both the lodges we were served three courses Lunch and dinner was always paired with a variety of wines to compliment the meal. If you are a foodie like me, then not only is Victoria Falls River Lodge a beautiful destination to stay at but the food prepared and presented by the chefs are phenomenal. 

Every afternoon you can enjoy either a game drive or a sunset cruise. Of course we opted for the sunset cruise as the scenery was a dream. Not only was the champagne flowing but we were greeted by herds of elephants along the river bed as the sun was setting and many pods of hippos in the river, wallowing in the water. Finding words to describe the beauty of the nature on the Zambezi River is very hard to describe as it is certainly the most breathtaking safari experience I have had the pleasure of experiencing. 

Victoria Falls River Lodge also offer morning excursions to the magnificent Victoria Falls with a guided tour by the rangers. I learnt so much on this trip and really valued the information that we were exposed to. Thinking about seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time gives me goosebumps. As you walk around the first corner at the falls, you are blown away by the magnitude of water and beauty that one of the 7 natural wonders of the world has to offer. 

Luxury safari experience at its finest. From the interior decor, which has an arrear of gorgeous Ardmore scatter cushions in the lounges and bedrooms, to the breathtaking sunrise views from your bedroom, this lodge exerts luxury. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or celebrating a special occasion, I cannot recommend Victoria Falls River Lodge enough. A lodge that is worth the visit! 

For more on this trip, follow Fashion Fundi on Instagram.

Book direct on www.flyairlink.com, our FlyAirlink app or your favourite Travel agent.

Travel extraordinary with Airlink’s direct flights, between Cape Town and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Combine iconic Cape Town with the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, or take the opportunity to travel onwards to Hwange National Park to see wild dog, lion, leopard, and cheetah. Travel onwards to other key leisure destinations such as Chobe, the Okavango Delta and the Kruger National Park, https://www.flyairlink.com/destinations/flights-to-victoria-falls

Fashion Fundi 

Written by: Tarryn Candice

Explore Namibia | Shipwreck Lodge | Skeleton Coast

It is not often one gets the opportunity to explore unique destinations in the world.

One such place, the captivating Skeleton Coast off the northern coast of Namibia. The Bushman of the northern interior referred to this region as ‘The land God made in Anger’. Portuguese seafarers of years ago stated to it as ‘The Gates of Hell’. In this hostile and inhospitable environment, you will find one of the most unique and magnificently designed lodges ‘The Shipwreck Lodge’.

Your best way of getting to the Shipwreck Lodge is to fly in via a charted flight. The flight from the city of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital is via top class flight companies that operate from the two main airports, Eros airport, which is regional and international as well as the main hub into Namibia Hosea Kutako International Airport. These independent flight companies will fly you directly to Mowe Bay (German for Gull Bay), where you will be collected by a highly competent guide navigating you over a 1.5 hour journey across rocky terrain, sand dunes & shoreline past shipwrecks and relics of the past to this magical haven. This is when you realize how remote you are from any form of civilization.

Approach: on the last leg of your trip towards the lodge, through the windswept dunes, the unmistakable & inspiring silhouette of the lodge makes its appearance. You are welcomed by Sakkie (the manager) and friendly staff, who make you feel comfortable from the time you arrive, with a cool drink in hand, while you admire your surroundings.

Cuisine: The delicious fare is well prepared from breakfast through to dinner by ‘chef Arron’ and so is the presentation thereof. Every evening you have a selection of a few dishes, prepared by the chef and his team. Vegan meals are also available or other dietary requirements you may have.

Beverages are on tap at any time, from soft drinks through to alcoholic beverages to warm you up after an exciting day out in the barren wilderness. 

Activities: Weather permitting breakfast or lunch is provided al-fresco in the dunes, on the beach or on the dry riverbed of the Hoarusib River (when not coming down in flood during March - April). Known as an ephemeral river, meaning it does not flow for up to 75% of the time, however in areas this river has some surface water at certain times of the year.

Where you likely to see the abundance this region has on offer, is that of the desert Elephant, Springbok, Oryx, desert Lion, Brown Hyena, Jackal, Baboon wonderful bird life amongst others. 

The lodge offers inclusive to your rates sandboarding, quadbike trails through the dunes, fishing for those that are lucky enough to hook and want the chef to prepare their catch of the day. 

Architecture: The exterior theme of the main building, reception, lounge, dining, and patio area is indicative of a shipwreck. With slanted glass panels in the dining area giving, you a feeling of been in a Galion, albeit eclectic and modern in comparison.

The rooms are well appointed, amazingly spacious and comfortable with inspiring architecture, giving you the sense of being inside a ship, including large expanses of windows with a chaise lounge to enjoy the magnificent views. Each room is equipped  with a coffee station and freshly baked biscuits available daily as well as a fireplace for those colder evenings, although the rooms are well insulated from the harsh environment. 

As you settle down for the night, the sound of the wind buffeting against your cabin with the occasional call of the Brown Hyena affords you the opportunity to savour the environment you find yourself in. 

The lodge is designed to have minimal impact on the environment, meaning in this concession should they need to leave the total structural milieu can be disassembled with no physical footprint impacting the ecosystem.

It must be noted that this lodge is a joint venture with Sesfontein and the Purros conservancies known as Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM). Which in short benefits the rural Namibians to financially sustain themselves and manage their natural resources through tourism and through this it has become a highly successful intervention. 

The Shipwreck lodge is highly recommended and we would definitely travel there again.

Fashion Fundi

Written By: Kevin Els