For months there were rumours going around Kariba of a new lodge opening up where the old Kushinga Lodge used to be on Mica Point. I’ve always been one to find out for myself, so I started investigating and sure enough, the group that operates Zambezi Cruise and Safaris had taken up the challenge of opening up a new lodge called Kariba Safari Lodge (KSL) in the rumoured location.
I soon made comms with the new management and invited myself around to see the lodge, having never actually been to the old Kushinga lodge before. I didn’t know what to expect but oh my gosh, what a jaw dropping location, the view from the main entertainment area is totally out of this world! I knew I just had to get this lodge on my website and share it with the world.
Not long after the lodge opened, Woody and I were invited on a familiarisation tour, and we jumped at the chance, we were not disappointed. Upon arrival at the main reception area, we were greeted by Tafadzwa and the head barman, with our welcome drink and snacks. I have to admit that this was the first lodge we had been to where we got snacks as well as a welcome drink, and both were delicious. The welcome drink also being the best we’ve had on all our travels, a compliment to the food and beverages department for sure.
Jonathan, of the housekeeping department, soon organised delivery of our bags to the suite we had been allocated, and made sure we had everything we needed before discreetly departing. The first thing I noticed when viewing the suites, as well as the lodge rooms, was the attention to detail when it came to interior decorating and design. Everywhere you looked, there were little touches that stood out, from the leaf design on the curtains in the room matching the plaster headboard, to the twin stone hippos greeting you at reception and the huge wooden crocodile near the pool. I was so impressed I had to ask who the decorator was, and where the items had come from. Apparently, Clair travelled all over Zimbabwe in her search for out-of-the-ordinary and unique items she has found and placed at the lodge. All I can say is well done Clair!
Anyway, I digress, back to our stay at KSL. After an hour or so to chill and unpack, it was time for lunch up in the open-plan dining room overlooking the gorgeous teak wooden deck. Although it was a rainy day, the view was still amazing and we enjoyed watching various houseboats and speedboats go by from our vantage point, while eating our meal. After lunch we retired to our suite to relax for a couple hours. I called “dibs” on the hanging basket chair on our verandah, and happily spent the afternoon in it reading my book, while Woody read and dozed on the built-in bench.
Before dinner we took a walk down to the beach at the bottom of the hill. It was not easy, as the walkways have a lot of steps due to the steepness of the hill, but well worth it to sit and have a sundowner on the beach. The lodge has plans to put in a swimming cage, with a diameter of 15 metres, that allows you to swim directly in the lake without fear of crocodiles or hippos.I don’t know if I am brave enough to do that, but it sure will be a memorable experience!
Dinner was served out on the deck under the stars, since the rain had stopped. The staff are all newly trained and really do their very best to ensure your every wish is catered for. They served our meal promptly, while we watched the lights of the kapenta boats light up across the lake, just like strings of fairy lights. It was the perfect ending to a lovely day.
Following a good night’s sleep on the very comfortable beds, we had our last meal in the dining area before packing up and heading home. We felt thoroughly spoilt and totally relaxed and ready to take on the world again.
If you are looking for a special treat, and a little piece of paradise, then treat yourself to a stay at Kariba Safari Lodge. I can guarantee that this lodge is going to be a huge success, and will get booked up very quickly once the word gets out, so best book ASAP in order not to miss out!
My personal rating of:
- Best welcome drink
- Best Interior and exterior decorating
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