Bernie Van Der Linde- Bernie Van Der Linde
- Masuwe Lodge, Zimbabwe
- This article contains adverts
“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” – Ernest Hemingway
Zimbabwe, a country once shrouded in political uncertainty, is redeeming itself as one of Africa’s most captivating travel destinations. With its vibrant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people, the nation is once again inviting travellers to explore its wonders. Among these hidden gems is Masuwe Lodge, a secluded retreat just 5 km from the iconic Victoria Falls. Here, the untamed beauty of the African bush blends effortlessly with luxurious comfort, offering an exclusive escape for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity.
Masuwe Lodge: A Welcome That Warms the Soul
From the moment we arrived, Masuwe Lodge felt like a home away from home—except this home was nestled in the heart of the African wilderness. Stepping out of our transport vehicle, we were greeted by the melodic voices of the staff singing in welcome, a tradition that instantly set the tone for the heartfelt hospitality that awaited us. As we received cool facecloths and sipped on their refreshing signature mocktail, the stress of the outside world melted away.
The lodge’s design seamlessly blends with the surrounding bush, using earthy tones, natural textures, and open spaces to create an ambience that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to nature. The main lounge, with its thatched roof and open-air concept, invites the outside in, allowing guests to fully become one with the wild beauty of Zimbabwe.
A safari stay in Zimbabwe where nature is your neighbour
Our tented suite at Masuwe Lodge was the perfect balance of safari charm and modern comfort. The twin beds, draped in crisp premium linens, provided a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. Thoughtful touches such as a coffee station, bathrobes, air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and luxury amenities ensured that we never felt far from indulgence.
But the real showstopper was the private patio, offering uninterrupted views of the bush. Each morning, we woke to the sounds of birdsong, sipping coffee as our eyes scanned the open landscape in front of us to spot passing by wildlife—a scene straight out of an African dream. At night, the distant calls of lions and the rustling of unseen creatures reminded us that we were merely guests in this untamed paradise.
A Secluded Haven, Yet Close to the Falls
One of Masuwe Lodge’s greatest advantages is its seclusion from the tourist bustle of Victoria Falls. Unlike lodges in town, Masuwe offers a tranquil escape where guests can experience the serenity of the African wilderness. And yet, for those who wish to explore Victoria Falls town and the falls, it is a short 5 km journey away.
For an unforgettable aerial perspective, the lodge partners with MJAir, providing guests with helicopter flights over Victoria Falls. The journey to the helipad and back is seamlessly arranged, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders before returning to their peaceful retreat.
The Safari Experience: A Brush with the Wild at Masuwe Lodge
Masuwe Lodge offers a variety of safari activities, including game drives, guided bush walks, and excursions to Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park. During our stay, heavy rains had transformed the landscape, making many of these experiences inaccessible—but that didn’t diminish the magic of the lodge itself.
Even from the comfort of the pool deck or while enjoying breakfast, we spotted antelopes and a dazzling array of bird species. One of the staff members, Arnold, delighted us with stories about the resident wildlife, his deep knowledge bringing the bush to life even as we relaxed.
Dining: Unpretentious Home-Style meals at Masuwe Lodge
At Masuwe Lodge, meals are prepared with care, offering a home-style approach to safari dining. While the menu isn’t extravagant, it is wholesome and satisfying. We enjoyed steak with vegetables and a freshly made pizza, served in an intimate setting that encouraged conversation and connection.
Evenings were especially memorable. Sitting around the fire pit under a starlit sky, we exchanged stories with the friendly staff, the distant roar of lions serving as a soundtrack to our African adventure.
In closing, Why Masuwe Lodge is the Perfect Victoria Falls Retreat
Masuwe Lodge is more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. The blend of luxury, seclusion, and proximity to Victoria Falls makes it an ideal choice for those seeking an authentic yet comfortable safari escape.
For those wanting to explore Zimbabwe beyond Masuwe, Travel Buddies Lifestyle offers custom-designed Victoria Falls itineraries, complete with dining recommendations, must-see attractions, and personalized activity planning. Whether you dream of helicopter flights over the falls, a romantic sunset cruise on the Zambezi, or discovering the vibrant local markets, we can craft the perfect journey for you.
Zimbabwe is calling. Will you answer?
More about Africa
Please give us feedback on this travel blog
Did you find the information you were looking for? Please leave a comment below. Your comments ensure that we give you relevant information to make your trip more enjoyable.
Your travel buddies, Bernie and Petra
4 Comments
Thank you for the information.
I really enjoy reading and learning about places that people have been too. Makes you want to go and experience that too.
New bucket list unlocked. Wow, it looks amazing 🤩
Hi Catlien
Thank you for leaving a comment. We hope you will prioritize this adventure and make it happen sooner than later.
Hi Olivia
Thank you for following our adventures. Your comment is very valuable and makes us even more excited to share hidden gems.
Kind Regards Bernie and Petra