On the banks of the Zambezi, only five kilometres from Livingstone, Zambia, lies the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa. From touching down on Friday in Livingstone, to being chauffeured to the airport on Sunday, my days at the David Livingstone were filled with pampering, good food and great hospitality.
Our media group was met at the lodge’s spectacularly large wooden doors with warm towels to wash the travel away and psychedelic cocktails with resembled pan-galactic gargle blasters. Delicious. Keith Rissik, operations manager for Three Cities’ game lodges greeted us with his signature big smile and quick quips, putting his guests instantly at ease.
As I walked through the doors I had to stop and take a moment to drink in the gorgeous surrounds. The David Livingstone Lodge overlooks the Zambezi River and Siloka Island. The lawn gently slopes from the wood and thatch lodge towards an aquamarine pool and a large wooden deck, right on the edge of the river. Keith cautioned us not to sit on the small beachy area in front of the pool – the Zambezi is filled with crocodiles. But he did offer us US$1000 if we could swim from one side of the river and back. Needless to say, no one considered this the best way to make a quick buck.
The 77 rooms of the lodge all have en suite bathrooms and are laid out to give each room a view of the river from their private balconies. Nothing quite beats waking up, looking straight out of your bed and seeing the beauties of the Zambia. The mosquito nets were another new experience for me, never having ventured into malaria areas before. Keith assured as, however, if you wear your Zambezi perfume (insect repellent) at all times, you have nothing to fear. And honestly, he was right. I am one of those people who, if in a room with 100 people and one mosquito, I will be bitten, but I returned from my trip without so much as a red dot.
The food of the lodge was another luxury – breakfast, lunch and dinner were all large buffets with fresh fruit, salads and great hot meals like chicken curry, grilled fish and ribs. If that didn’t satisfy a guest (which I really doubt), the a la carte options were also yummy – pork chops, pesto pasta and all kinds of goodies for desert. Eating on the Gwembe Terrace was a wonderful way to spend a quiet lunch between activities. From here I listened to the calm waters and watched sunbirds flit between the red hot pokers, similarly enjoying lunch.
The lodge is surrounded by the wild Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park and offers activities including lion walks, elephant- and horseback safaris, sunset cruises along the Zambezi and, of course, tours to Victoria Falls.
On Saturday our group took a chilled cruise down the Zambezi on the Lady Livingstone. The three-decked boat provided wonderful views of the river, and we were lucky enough to see an elephant on the banks, as well as many crocodiles, one hippo splashing in the distance and beautiful birds such as goliath herons and pied kingfishers.
Houston Luwndu was our awesome guide. He had so many interesting facts to tell us about the wildlife of the park and their strange habits. Who knew that the sex of a baby crocodile depended on the temperature at which the egg was kept! Houston’s anecdotes about the behavior of the creatures certainly turned the journey from a typical booze cruise into a real learning experience.
I was very sad to have to leave Zambia and The David Livingstone Lodge, but I hope I am able to go back and visit soon. The friendly staff, excellent accommodations and uniquely African experiences will surely be the highlight of many people’s trips after me.
Contact
David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa
Central Reservations tel 0861-000-333,
Lodge tel +260-213-324601
Email [email protected]
wwww.dlslandspa.com
With Zambezi Airlines now flying direct to Livingstone from Cape Town, Victoria Falls and the other wonders of Zambia have never been easier to reach.
Read more about Livingstone and the glorious Victoria Falls.
Click here to find out the five most lekker things to do in Livingstone.
Find more accommodation in Livingstone here.
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