Zimbabwe wasn't on my 2025 holiday bucket list – until an opportunity came up to visit Zambezi National Park. As a certified member of the travel bug generation, my interest was piqued. Fast forward to now, and I’ve just spent the last week in Zimbabwe (humble brag), and it's hard to believe I ever overlooked this country after the experience I had.
From the moment I arrived at Victoria Falls Safari Club, it epitomised everything I look for in a holiday: beauty, culture, adventure, and indulgence.
The hotel, perched on a plateau of Zambezi National Park, is just 4km from Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. On a windy day, you can feel the falls’ spray from the hotel's airy terraces and it’s surrounded by nature at its most breathtaking.
Baby warthogs trotted past as I walked to breakfast. Herds of elephants gathered at the hotel’s protected waterhole, a scene I watched while dining on dishes crafted by chefs whose creativity rivals anything you’d find in London or Paris. Every aspect of the hotel felt carefully curated, blending luxury with authenticity in a way that felt effortless and unpretentious.
The trip of a lifetime.
What stood out most was how seamlessly the hotel combined conservation and comfort. The property contributes to various conservation projects, including funding anti-poaching patrols and supporting the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Here, you can learn firsthand about the challenges of protecting the country's unique biodiversity. The trust’s lab is one of southern Africa’s best, and its rehabilitation centre provides a sanctuary for animals that cannot return to the wild.
Seeing their work in action was humbling, especially hearing how tourism helps deter poaching. As one conservationist explained, “Having tourists on game drives or boat cruises is a positive presence. A poacher won’t shoot an animal if people are watching.”
Instagram content
This intersection of tourism and conservation makes Victoria Falls feel guilt-free, where I have often wrestled with the ethics of travel. Beyond supporting wildlife, the hotel’s efforts to protect and enhance the natural environment and local community are remarkable. I learned about their solar-powered water pumps that sustain Hwange’s enormous elephant population—a vital solution in a region where climate change threatens water sources. Their training and work experience programmes help local children discover careers and enter higher education. It’s hard not to be inspired by this work, and I found myself leaving with a new appreciation for how sustainable tourism can transform communities and ecosystems.
A five-star retreat with a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Back at the hotel, the luxury was unparalleled. My room featured a king-sized canopy bed, a freestanding tub with views of the bush, and a complimentary mini-bar stocked with local wines.
Instagram content
Every detail was designed for indulgence, from the spa’s tranquil treatment rooms overlooking the bush to the exclusive Safari Club pool, where attentive staff appeared unprompted with cocktails and snacks. The hospitality was a revelation; unlike in the UK, where service jobs are often demeaned as stopgaps, hospitality is a respected career in Zimbabwe. The pride and passion of the staff elevated every moment of my stay.
Instagram content
Dining was another highlight. The Hotel’s estate boasts four restaurants, each offering something unique. The kitchens are brimming with well-travelled and talented chefs who masterfully combine local cuisine, ingredients and cooking methods with international influences that cater to every palate. I started my trip with an authentic meal at the Lodge, trying Sadza with Gango, a traditional dish eaten with your hands. My waiter brought a golden kettle and bowl for a table-side hand wash, kicking off a meal that was both delicious and fun.
Later in the week, homesick for British food, I indulged in a fine dining take on my favourite dish, pie and mash, at the Safari Club. As a self-proclaimed pie-girl, the flaky pastry, the tender, spiced lamb filling, reminiscent of curried goat, and the accompanying dauphinoise potatoes were pure decadence for me. Every dish I tried was exceptional, showing me that Zimbabwean cuisine is as diverse and refined as any of the countries I had as foodie spots on my radar.
And yes, I slept like a log.
Evenings at Victoria Falls were just as magical. The hotel’s on-site Boma is an immersive dinner-and-show experience celebrating local culture with a drum show, singing, and dancing, complete with an ethically sourced exotic meat buffet, traditional face painting and a local fortune teller. It’s a rare offering that felt like an authentic celebration of the culture rather than gimmicky, serving locals and tourists alike.
Beyond the property, the local town is home to stylish bars and pubs that wouldn’t feel out of place in Dalston or Shoreditch, complete with live music and DJs. On one evening, I joined a luxury river cruise, sipping cocktails and watching baby hippopotamuses swim as the sun set over the Zambezi River. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Here's why you should add it to your bucket list.
It’s hard to believe I may never have visited Zimbabwe if it wasn't for this experience. My trip was eye-opening, not just for the stunning landscapes and luxurious accommodations, but for the vibrancy, innovation, and joy I encountered at every turn. Zimbabwe resides in a continent bursting with beauty, culture, and possibility with endless unique experiences to be had and exciting adventures to be discovered.
Rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Club start from $395 per night. For more information, visit victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com.
From Thailand to Tenerife.
