It’s hard to imagine a more iconic bucketlist adventure than the great African safari. After my first visit to Southern Africa, I was hooked. What I imagined would be a “once in a lifetime” experience has become an “at least once a year” obsession.
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Fortunately, there’s no shortage of safari and adventure experience providers in Africa in general, and Southern Africa in particular. I recently had the opportunity to stay at Zimbabwe’s 6000-acre Stanley and Livingstone Game Reserve and I wasn’t disappointed.
Overview
While it offers the classic “Big 5” experience, what really sets the reserve apart is that it’s located just minutes from world famous Victoria Falls. It’s perhaps the only safari lodge in the world situated so close to one of the seven natural wonders of the world. That means exhilarating game drives in the early morning and late afternoon; and a midday to explore the Falls by way of hiking, rafting, bungee jumping and more.
Accommodations
Of the two onsite lodges — the Safari Lodge and Ursula’s Camp — we stayed at the former.
Depending on your preference (and budget), there are 16 suites available: 7 Double Suites, 1 Honeymoon Suite, 4 Twin Suites, and 2 inter-leading Suites (consisting of 1 Double and 1 Twin).
Safari Lodge Suite at Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe
Here, every lodge suite is nearly as spacious as a small home. A large bedroom, oversized Victorian-style bathroom and living room area with all the modern amenities of home all combine to offer plenty of room to spread out and relax after a long day on safari.
The name of the game here is “Hemingway chic” – a purposeful blend of old world colonial and modern influences. Even the bathrooms feature a classic Victorian tub, modern shower and a range of upscale bath products.
Guests needn’t even leave their suite for game-viewing. From each private and secluded patio, guests can enjoy sundowners whilst watching elephants, kudu and waterbuck at the hotel watering hole, no more than 75 feet away.
The lengthy list of amenities includes (among many other things):
- Air-conditioning, mini-bar, personal safe, DVD payer, satellite television and telephone
- Onsite restaurant and bar
- Sun Lounge (seats up to 12 pax for dinner)
- Sundeck Terrace (for breakfast and lunch, weather-permitting)
- Swimming pool (immediately adjacent to the reserve grounds meaning wildlife sightings are possible while you swim!)
- Wifi facilities throughout
A Classic Luxury Safari Experience with a Twist
Guests needn’t venture far from the reserve to find their classic safari experience. The reserve offers the expected two game drives daily — one in the early morning and one in late afternoon — as these are the best times to spot the Big 5, along with a wide variety of antelope and exceptional bird-life.
All drives are conducted in open Land Rovers with expert field guides who reveal the free wildlife in an entirely unique setting. Both drives take guests along the shores of a scenic lake and through basalt planes into teak forests. Afternoon drives of course includes the requisite stop for a sundowner with some snacks and drinks.
Guests interested in a little something different can even opt for a nighttime safari drive. This is special in that you are likely to see nocturnal animals unlike those typically found during the day. The hotel can even arrange for a post-drive dinner in the bush!
Walking with Giants Near The Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe © Mike Richard
For those looking to venture offsite for a little more excitement, the hotel can also arrange tours of Victoria Falls, a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi, extreme sports such as abseiling, bungee jumping and white water rafting, local village tour and helicopter flights. Frankly, they’re happy to assist with anything you like – just name it.
Last Flash of Day Over Victoria Falls, Zambia © Mike Richard
At the end of the day, many guests return to the hotel bar area. It’s a place where guests are encouraged to visit the well-stocked wine cellar with a selection of favorites from France and South Africa. Round out the evening with a luxurious dinner at the onsite restaurant that’s arguably the finest dining experience in Victoria Falls. The emphasis here is on fresh local ingredients, artfully prepared by the hotel’s master-chef.
The Bottom Line
There’s no shortage of options when planning your own African safari. But The Stanley & Livingstone offers stunning luxury accommodations in a truly unique location and promises an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience. We can’t recommend it more highly!