Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouse | Victoria Falls

The place

There is something about being on an island that is immensely liberating, despite the physical confines. That’s certainly true at this luxury Zimbabwe safari lodge – as we peek out from under the shade of the riverine trees, the sheer volume of water flowing past us serves as a liquid metaphor for the rush of emotions we’re both feeling. We’re not the only guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouse, but it’s easy to believe we could be. The sense of seclusion is almost total: we have our own private slice of the phenomenal view of the Zambezi on its unhurried yet impressive passage by us. Palm trees tower above us, and straggling Vs of birds fly overhead. We’re screened from the other treehouses by the profusion of vegetation that tumbles down to the water. The main lodge is just a short boat ride away (on the mainland) but, inviting though it is, we’re not at all convinced we’ll ever want to leave Kandahar Island.

There is something about being on an island that is immensely liberating, despite the physical confines. That’s certainly true at this luxury Zimbabwe safari lodge – as we peek out from under the shade of the riverine trees, the sheer volume of water flowing past us serves as a liquid metaphor for the rush of emotions we’re both feeling.

We’re not the only guests at Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouse, but it’s easy to believe we could be. The sense of seclusion is almost total: we have our own private slice of the phenomenal view of the Zambezi on its unhurried yet impressive passage by us.

Palm trees tower above us, and straggling Vs of birds fly overhead. We’re screened from the other treehouses by the profusion of vegetation that tumbles down to the water. The main lodge is just a short boat ride away (on the mainland) but, inviting though it is, we’re not at all convinced we’ll ever want to leave Kandahar Island.

The room

Our room must have been designed by a child who became an architect, but never quite grew up. It’s a very stylish version of the ultimate childhood den, and caters perfectly to our hankering after luxury while still allowing our inner children to run wild. It takes us a few moments to tear ourselves away from the continuously changing river views, but when we do, we discover a great many indulgent details, from the coffee machine that somehow doesn’t seem too out of place, to the king-sized bed and rainfall shower. This is easily one of the most stylish lodges we’ve stayed at – the bleached look of the wood and the neutral fabrics provide the perfect foil for the silvery sheen of the river, and the spilled paintbox of the captivating sunsets. Upstairs, next to the sitting area on the rooftop, is the star attraction: a dreamy star bed. Whenever we fancy, we can spend the night up here, making wishes on shooting stars while we listen to the sounds of the African night. From up here we can see the raised walkways that connect us to a luxurious lounge and sunset bar, but given that we have our own deck and private plunge pool, we’re quite content to stay just where we are for now.

Our room must have been designed by a child who became an architect, but never quite grew up. It’s a very stylish version of the ultimate childhood den, and caters perfectly to our hankering after luxury while still allowing our inner children to run wild.

It takes us a few moments to tear ourselves away from the continuously changing river views, but when we do, we discover a great many indulgent details, from the coffee machine that somehow doesn’t seem too out of place, to the king-sized bed and rainfall shower.

This is easily one of the most stylish lodges we’ve stayed at – the bleached look of the wood and the neutral fabrics provide the perfect foil for the silvery sheen of the river, and the spilled paintbox of the captivating sunsets.

Upstairs, next to the sitting area on the rooftop, is the star attraction: a dreamy star bed. Whenever we fancy, we can spend the night up here, making wishes on shooting stars while we listen to the sounds of the African night.

From up here we can see the raised walkways that connect us to a luxurious lounge and sunset bar, but given that we have our own deck and private plunge pool, we’re quite content to stay just where we are for now.

What sets it apart

Several hundred metres of river do a wonderful job of ensuring that Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouse is quite literally set apart – not just from the main lodge, but from the whole of Zimbabwe. As we know that we can request a boat to the mainland at any point, our isolation is not at all oppressive. This luxury Zimbabwe safari lodge is remarkable for its location, and for the way that each guest treehouse or suite is connected to the main area, and yet entirely distinct. We love the way that the designers of the lodge had the courage to build in a modern style, while still using organic materials that feel entirely appropriate. This contemporary look helps the lodge avoid being overwhelmed by its setting – quite a feat, given the magnificence of the river vistas. As a bonus, the generous facilities and amenities make us feel not just welcome, but special. The biggest plus is having two beds to choose between: our luxury downstairs slice of heaven or the magical upstairs star bed.

Several hundred metres of river do a wonderful job of ensuring that Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouse is quite literally set apart – not just from the main lodge, but from the whole of Zimbabwe. As we know that we can request a boat to the mainland at any point, our isolation is not at all oppressive.

This luxury Zimbabwe safari lodge is remarkable for its location, and for the way that each guest treehouse or suite is connected to the main area, and yet entirely distinct. We love the way that the designers of the lodge had the courage to build in a modern style, while still using organic materials that feel entirely appropriate.

This contemporary look helps the lodge avoid being overwhelmed by its setting – quite a feat, given the magnificence of the river vistas. As a bonus, the generous facilities and amenities make us feel not just welcome, but special.

The biggest plus is having two beds to choose between: our luxury downstairs slice of heaven or the magical upstairs star bed.

At a glance

As well as the two Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouses, there are four single-story Island Treehouse suites on the island, without the rooftop areas. Each accommodates two adults, and is sheltered in the treeline along the edge of the island, so that it faces out over a broad stretch of the river and the wooded bank beyond. They have private decks and plunge pools, and are entirely self-contained, but they’re close enough to the main lodge for guests to make use of the facilities there if they wish.
Located on a private island for just 12 guests, private activities (additional cost) and private dining available.
Boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, tours of Victoria Falls, game drives, walking safaris, scenic helicopter and microlight flights (additional cost), bungee jumping (additional cost) and white-water rafting (additional cost).
Adults only (minimum guest age is 16).

As well as the two Victoria Falls River Lodge Starbed Treehouses, there are four single-story Island Treehouse suites on the island, without the rooftop areas. Each accommodates two adults, and is sheltered in the treeline along the edge of the island, so that it faces out over a broad stretch of the river and the wooded bank beyond. They have private decks and plunge pools, and are entirely self-contained, but they’re close enough to the main lodge for guests to make use of the facilities there if they wish.
Located on a private island for just 12 guests, private activities (additional cost) and private dining available.
Boat cruises, canoeing, fishing, tours of Victoria Falls, game drives, walking safaris, scenic helicopter and microlight flights (additional cost), bungee jumping (additional cost) and white-water rafting (additional cost).
Adults only (minimum guest age is 16).

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.
It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.
Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.
However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out more click here.