New places to stay in Victoria Falls

Modern Boutique Lodges are the latest big thing in Victoria Falls.  They all have a story, use renewable energy, and are filled with high quality comfortable furnishings.

Below you will find our first addition of what’s NEW in Victoria Falls.

Pamarah Lodge

An owner-run and operated lodge – who chose the name by combining all the family member’s names together. P –  for Phil, M – for Mornette, R – for Ross, and H- for Holly.  The family dreamt of coming to Africa and owning a lodge and as it turns out the word is similar to the local Shona word Pamhara which means “where to land” so fits in perfectly with how they would like their guests to feel when they arrive at Pamarah.

The Lodge is situated in the leafy suburbs of Victoria Falls.  The owners have put so much thought into every aspect of this quaint little lodge.  While the lodge is furnished with pleasing modern contemporary designs, the family has also carefully selected their favourite historical artefacts and aviation photographs reflecting their passions. This gives it that personal touch, making you feel nostalgic and dreamy about a by-gone era in Africa.

Pamarah Lodge has 14 luxurious en-suite rooms each uniquely designed with their own private entrance. Breakfast is included and they have indoor and outdoor dining areas, all built around already existing trees and branches, stylish hanging chairs and outdoor seating areas around the pool. Last but not least, and keeping up with an inclusive society – wheelchair accessible rooms and living areas.

Pioneers Lodge

Where old world charm & hospitality meets new age convenience. The historic era of the African explorers and pioneers of the great railway across Africa is reflected in the design of this elegant lodge, and perfectly blended with all the modern amenities you would need as travellers.

The Lodge’s design and decor lends to it being light and airy.  It is surrounded by lush gardens, perfectly manicured lawns and boasts 2 large swimming pools on the property.  The heart of the lodge is the centrally located main area.  It is warm and inviting with books and paintings reflecting the history of the area as well as gorgeous garden views from their outdoor dining area. Breakfast is included and you can opt to have all meals on the property or go out to enjoy the great restaurants around town. The saloon style bar serves hot and cold beverages including craft beers made locally, loads of down time can be spent in the bright and comfortable lounge area.

Pioneers lodge has 50 rooms that are spacious and offer open views of the garden while still adhering to giving guests the utmost privacy, serenity and comfort.  Every room is en-suite, air-conditioned and tastefully decorated in a classic style.  This is definitely a very affordable place to stay for those that value comfort and elegance.

A big plus for Pioneers Lodge is their commitment to being environmentally friendly.  The lodge is almost totally off-grid and promotes energy efficiency, reduced water usage and recycling. They also support a variety of charities that take care of anti-poaching, anti-litter and research in order to keep Victoria Falls the pristine destination that it is.

Shongwe Lookout

Shongwe is the local Shona language name for the Victoria Falls, chosen especially because of its unique lookout tower that overlooks the spray of the Victoria falls. Guests and visitors to the lodge enjoy sunrise coffees or sunset cocktails with a gorgeous panoramic view of the area.

This lodge is set up to be intimate and social, with an open plan lounge, bar, dining area right next to their infinity pool. The owners live close by and have a very “hands on” approach to providing excellent service, world class food, carefully landscaped gardens and beautifully decorated rooms. The owners planned the gardens by lying on the bed and making sure the view from the bed into the garden was perfect and that they could not be seen from any other room or from the garden. It is special touches like this that make it one of the most sought after lodges in town.

The lodge currently has 23 rooms, with an even more luxurious extension soon to be revealed, so watch this space! Each room has all the necessary amenities to cater for a comfortable stay, including en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. The deluxe rooms all have inter-leading doors making it a perfect and affordable place for a family holiday! Breakfast in included and you can make use of their on-site restaurant which serves arguably the best food in town –  or you can go out and explore what the other restaurants in town have to offer.

Shongwe Lookout lodge is also a member of Africa’s Eden which is a collaborative with different businesses and in multiple countries in the region all working together towards promoting and conserving the region, supporting charities and small businesses.

528 Victoria Falls Guest House

This guest house is owner run and hosted by Paul & Meredith Fischer. The architecture of the house is modern, unique and timeless despite it being one of the older houses in town. The Fischer’s took it over and really made it their own. They updated and finished every single inch of the grand old house making much a sought after places to stay especially for families and smaller groups.

This house is delight for the eyes in every nook and cranny. Bursts of color in wallpapers, paintings and artefacts reflecting the flora and fauna of the area – painted and/or supplied by local Zimbabwean artist and designers – all blended with a modern retro tiles and chandeliers, giving this lodge a unique edge with an insta-worthy flare.

The house only has 7 (5 doubles & 2 triples) en-suite rooms making it intimate with very hands on service from the owners and their close knit team. Each room is uniquely and beautifully decorated with luxury furnishings make giving you the utmost comfort. Breakfast is included and be enjoyed in open plan light and airy dining room or under the trees in the shady garden around the pool. Other meals can be had across the road at the pizzeria Reynardo’s, or the hosts can make reservations for other the great places to eat in town.

528 is committed to uplifting the local community by creating opportunities of employment either within the lodges or the various art works you see around the house. They advocate for human rights and support various community orientated services such as Mummy Angels and Enviro watch. They also have the modern green energy approach ensuring the use of renewable solar energy within the guest house and leaving as little carbon footprint as possible.

The Palm River Hotel

This hotel is the epitome of a dream come to life for the designers and the architects. A sleek, open, airy, modern and unique hotel with unparalleled views of the Zambezi River from almost anywhere in the hotel, surrounded by towering trees, far away enough from the hustle bustle on the busy little town but close enough to see and sometimes hear the falls. Designed is such a clever way that it feels like the garden is inside the building and the tall glass window let in so much light it feels like you are outdoors. Chic, elegant and classic are the words that come to mind when seeing this lodge. It looks like the ideal spot to get those sought after perfect wedding photographs.

You can choose between luxury rooms, suites and villas – all tastefully decorated in the sleek straight lines, blended in with the forest with their huge big windows and indoor plants, a theme echoed in the décor throughout the hotel.

This hotel is the Sister hotel to Ilala Lodge – the longest standing boutique hotel in Victoria Falls. Ilala lodge has long been known for its excellent service and outstanding fine dining, The Palm River Hotel promises to keep up to these same world class standards and more.

Keep an eye out for our second addition of What’s New in Victoria Falls – More hidden gems coming SOON!