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Old Drift Lodge offers family friendly accommodation with an air of opulence and grace, in a wild and exuberant Zambezi National Park,  Victoria Falls.
Nestled on the enchanting Zambezi River, Old Drift Lodge captures the essence of serenity, surrounded by a tapestry of golden and green foliage that extends as far as the eye can see. The distant horizon is adorned with a misty veil from the majestic 'Mosi-Au-Tunya,' reigning over the skyline in a breathtaking display
Immerse yourself in a harmonious blend of luxury and safari, where elegance meets elephants. Old Drift Lodge is an absolute must-visit for those yearning to witness the unparalleled natural beauty of Victoria Fall
 
It was opened in mid-May 2018, and is one of a handful of camps within Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with regular visits from elephants to the lodge, especially later into the dry season.
 
Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River, the site of Old Drift Lodge was once the original crossing point of the river, dating back to 1898. Known as “Clarke's Drift”, and just 7km upstream from the waterfall, it is the narrowest part of the river in the region, making it the best crossing point.
 
Old Drift Lodge has 14 tented chalets, all slightly raised on wooden decks and spaced out along the riverfront. These chalets are quite contemporary in design, their canvas walls the only real nod to a “tent”. Light-coloured canvas, glass sliding doors and windows and high ceilings all create a well-lit space.
 
Inside, the sizeable open-plan bedroom has a four-poster mosquito net enveloping a king-size or twin beds, plus bedside tables, and a small dressing room behind the bed with large built-in cupboards that house the air conditioning. A seating area affords space for relaxation, with two comfortable armchairs and a small coffee table, a locally made wooden desk and dresser, plus a minibar, tea and coffee station and ice-making machine.
 
Four of the chalets have a second en-suite bedroom (with a shower and toilet) leading off the dressing room. These chalets are ideal for families travelling with children.
 
From the main bedroom, a sliding canvas door opens into the equally spacious en suite bathroom, with twin copper basins, a large glass-screened shower cubicle, and a toilet behind another sliding door. Step outside and you'll find an outside shower, as well as a free-standing ball-and-claw bath on the deck, with canvas curtains should you prefer a little more privacy.
 
A lot of thought has gone into the little touches in each tented chalet, whose amenities include toiletries, dressing gowns and slippers in the bathrooms, along with mosquito repellent and bug spray, a hairdryer and even hair straighteners! There's also a charging station by each desk, and international and USB plug sockets next to the beds.
 
The sliding doors from each chalet open onto a wooden deck, with loungers placed next to a small plunge pool, looking out to the river. Your days will no doubt be filled with activities, but for those spending the afternoon siesta at the lodge, this is a great spot for birdwatching, with plenty of pied kingfishers, bee-eaters and swifts flying past. On our most recent stay, in June 2023, we spotted a substantial warthog and a shy bushbuck too.
 
Linking the chalets to the expansive tented main area are wood-effect walkways, with regular breaks allowing river access along the elephant and hippo highways that are used by all manner of wildlife. Large wooden doors open into the main area itself, with cream canvas walls, whitewashed wood floors and folding glass doors opening the full length of one side. Wrought-iron lights hang over comfortable chairs and sofas, piled with cushions and soft blankets for the colder evenings, and surrounding a central fireplace – which creates a focal point in front of a bar and small library. Friendly staff – ever present but unobtrusive throughout our stay – are on hand to bring drinks and nibbles, attend to guests' queries and offer assistance.
 
In the dining area to the other side of the main tent, tables are placed under ceiling fans, as well as on the deck looking over the river. Outdoor lounge areas, with a mix of wooden and wicker furniture, are shaded by large cream umbrellas on a series of split-level decks leading down to a firepit and jett