Bryony Scrooby

Aberfoyle Lodge

For those of you who have never been to the Honde Valley, and Aberfoyle Lodge in particular, you have no idea what you are missing!

Honde Valley is known for its rolling hills, avocado and banana plantations, and the beautiful green Eastern Highlands Tea Plantation. Aberfoyle was initially built in 1960 as a Club for the Tea Estate staff and later converted to a Lodge. Although recently refurbished, it oozes old world charm from the minute you step through the front doors and still has the original wooden floors and large verandahs.

The lodge is at an altitude of 800 metres and is 350kms from Harare, but due to the gradients and sharp turns towards the end of the trip, the journey usually takes about 4hr30m-5hrs. The drive itself is lovely as you travel through the plantations, going over the mountain, through the valley, past friendly villages, and crossing several rivers, including the Pungwe River. If you would rather fly in, there is an airstrip nearby, and the lodge organises transfers.

The main entertainment and reception area is comfortably furnished, and as mentioned above, has recently undergone a refurbishment, ensuring the lodge keeps up with the times. The view of the golf course from the bar verandah is gorgeous, with the added bonus that you might very well see the endangered Palm Nut Vulture flying in to roost! There are 9 rooms, cleverly named and decorated to match the colours of the special bird that the room is named after. They are as below:

Fish Eagle – (executive suite) 1 King
Seedcracker – (honeymoon suite) 1 King
Variable Sunbird – (family room) 2 Singles
Olive Bushshrike – (family room) 1 King
Livingstone’s Turaco – 1 Double
Rock Kestrel – 2 Singles
Narina Trogon – 1 King
Buff-spotted Flufftail – 2 Doubles
Red-faced Crimsonwing – 2 Singles
African Pitta – 1 King
Kingfisher – 1 King
Marsh Tchagra – 2 Singles
Green-backed Woopdpecker – 2 Doubles
Red-throated Twinspot – 1 King
Blue Swallow – 2 Singles

Each room has its own en-suite bathroom, hair-dryer, coffee and tea station, desk, ceiling fans and verandahs overlooking either the golf course (executive suites) or the forest (all standard suites). As well as the rooms, Aberfoyle also offers a self-catering house about 5 minutes drive from the lodge. This is called Hornbill House and consists of four bedrooms:

1 x twin/double bedroom with bathroom en suite – bath only
1 x twin/double bedroom
1 x triple single bedroom

* The rooms are large and can easily accommodate mattresses, if more beds are needed. With panoramic views of the whole estate, you will certainly fall in love with this quaint little house, which has an open plan lounge and dining area. Double doors lead out onto a large verandah. The kitchen is fully equipped and there is a big braai outside the front of the house, which can be lit upon request (guests to bring their own wood or charcoal). There is also a lovely swimming pool on the property and the house is serviced, with a person coming in daily to clean. Eastern Highlands Tea Plantation have their own hydro power, so power is usually very good and there is no generator as Aberfoyle aims to be as environmentally friendly as possible. The property is secure with a fence surrounding the whole area. (Please ensure that you go to check in at the main lodge before going to Hornbill. Check in times are between 2-6pm, strictly not before or after.)

What stands out most about Aberfoyle is the very wide variety of activities on offer thanks to Far and Wide Zimbabwe who has managed Aberfoyle since 2011, and all in such a stunning setting: picturesque 9 hole golf course, Nyawamba Dam, birding, nature walks & mountain hikes, tree canopy tour, Mermaids Pool & bum slide, tea factory tour, mountain biking, white-water rafting, Mutarazi Falls SkyWalk and SkyLine, kayaking, trail biking, fishing (yellow, tiger, bass, bream), pepper gardens and 18 hole putt putt course.

There is also an all-weather tennis court, table tennis, darts, a large 13m x 7m swimming pool with a children’s slide and children’s paddling pool, a squash court and one of the best snooker tables in the country.

The Honde Valley is renowned for its diverse and stunning beauty and its rare butterfly and birdlife. With the area receiving some of the highest rainfalls in Zimbabwe, it ensures the forests stay beautifully green with unique flora and fauna, flowing rivers and many unique species of orchids. As you can see, whether you are a “twitcher,” an adrenaline junkie, or more about the slowing down in life, there is an activity for you here and all in the most charming and beautiful setting.

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For package deals that include accommodation, as well as other lodges, activities and annual event participation in and around the Eastern Highlands, Matopos, Kariba & Vic Falls area.

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What you had to say...

Heartveld Adventures

5.0

Based on 43 reviews

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Julie Foot

05:48 16 Oct 24

Would highly recommend Heartveld Adventures! We booked a houseboat in September through them and... they made the booking process and everything else in between so easy. Thank you Heartveld! 🤗read more

Glenn A Armstrong

07:43 03 Oct 24

Right from when I started researching the trip in November last year, Bryony has been an absolute... star. Nothing was ever too much hassle, especially with the rigours of trying to effect payment then!

Then the houseboat in Kariba! What an amazing trip we had on the Ponty, and once again Bryony organised transfers and things on the spot, awesome and a big thank you to you and Char, the Ponty was the highlight of our Zim Epic!

I cannot recommend Bryony and Heartveld Adventures enough, was so good to meet you at Charara,

Cheers and thanks again

Glenn and Family.read more

Tatenda Antony Mhene

09:57 13 May 24

Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses

Wils Raubenheimer

12:16 22 Apr 24

Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙

Magda Gillwald

05:03 03 Apr 24

Heartveld Adventures really goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. They really... think of everything that would be needed for a great holiday. We've been on Driftwood Houseboat twice and am going on the African Queen in September 24. Really is an amazing experience with amazing staff, very helpful and caring about your comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much 💖read more

gadgetsnzawesome

08:59 30 Nov 23

Came across Heartveld Adventures blog by chance whilst trying to plan a holiday adventure in... Zimbabwe.Offloaded my thoughts to Bryony, and a well sorted package with more than I asked for was presented.Stopped looking all over the internet for any possible deals, as this was the DEAL.If your intention is to go to Zimbabwe and enjoy its hidden treasures whilst accommodated in places you wouldn't have thought of and known existed, then save yourself the trouble, and get hold of Heartveld Adventures. Their service is what makes the country keeps going.Well done Bryonyread more

Lauren Robertson

15:55 28 Jul 23

We stayed on Karibeer this week in Kariba and it was absolutely brilliant! Outstanding service from... Briony - would highly recommend!read more

Liz Walshe

20:13 28 May 23

When planning our trip to Zimbabwe we came across Bryony by chance using google. Boy were we lucky.... We wanted a houseboat on Kariba and gave the task to Bryony. We’d already got flights from Harare to Kariba booked which she kindly offered to arrange as well. Anyway, from the moment we arrived in Kariba Airport we were in looked after. Transport was arrange to collect our party of 5 and bring us to the Big 5 Lodge for one night. The advice we got was to get on the houseboat early so we had a look around Kariba ready for an early start the next day. We got a lift from the lodge manager to the dam and he gave us a tour of it which was informative and interesting. The Big 5 Lodge was a great suggestion and we had dinner there as well. Up early the next day we were collected and brought to our boat, the Somabhula. We were introduced to our captain Joe, cook Dominic and crew member Witness. These lads were excellent, professional and made our trip stress free. They cooked fabulous food and taught us how to fish. They knew all the good places to go game spotting. We had morning expeditions and evening sundowners and if you’ve never been on a houseboat in Kariba put it top of your to-do/wishlist. When we returned to Kariba Bryony had transportation ready to take us to the airport for our onward trip to Victoria Falls. All this was made possible by Bryony who arranged absolutely everything. This was done by email and Whatsapp from Ireland. Having confidence in a travel agent is imperative and if you need anything arranged in Zimbabwe you won’t find better than Bryony at Heartveld Adventures.read more

Jaimy Oosthuizen

06:37 11 Nov 22

Such a great trip on Osprey, so well organized, great staff and just all round awesome 🤩

Charlene Taylor

10:47 18 Sep 22

I booked a lovely Houseboat holiday through Heartveld. It was a stress free experience, Byrony was... amazing and sorted out the accommodation the night before at Lomagundi Lodge (food was great). I gave Heartveld our budget and expectations and they delivered. I highly recommend using them to book a holiday for you.read more

Bronwyn Shaw

10:09 04 Aug 22

We recently had the most amazing holiday in Zimbabwe. I highly recommend Bryony from Heartveld... Adventures, as she booked our whole holiday and she went above and beyond to make it a really special time! She is very helpful and gave us some great advice for traveling through Zimbabwe.read more

Swerve Upton

18:53 06 Jul 22

From the minute we started our plan to go on a houseboat for a family and friends reunion (post... Covid ) we were put onto Bryony to arrange. She gave us unbridled 5 star service from booking the boat Vunduful and all transfers to and from Harare to Kariba return.
Everything was great and our guests came from 3 different continents to get aboard the Vunduful who had a great crew too.
We had some amazing close up viewings and a fair few bream were caught daily.
Thank you all from the Upton family and friends.
🎣😃🍾🍷🍻👀🦓🦛🐘read more

Kylie Smith

12:26 09 Jun 22

We booked our Kariba trip staying at Wild Heritage through them and had such a pleasant experience.... The trip was amazing and everything was perfect 🤩read more

Kira-Lee Lardner-Burke

07:58 12 May 22

I highly recommend Heartveld Adventures! We booked our Houseboat trip through them and everything... was wonderful!
Thank you!read more

Shannon Williams

08:56 01 Apr 22

After trying to find booking information for Charara Wild Heritage Lodges, I was forwarded a... whatsapp number for Bryony...

Quick responses and very informative packages received!!

Very impressed with the service we received and lodges were awesome...

Highly recommend indeed

thank youread more

Ruth Dewhurst Hughan

13:29 21 Dec 21

A great stay at Robins Camp. Thanks for efficient booking

Patience Makura

18:54 16 Dec 21

Byrony went out of her way to ensure that our stay at Kariba Safari Lodge was top knotch, she... checked up on us before,during and after the trip, and ensured that all our needs were met. She was ready to assist at any given moment. The staff at KSL were pleasant and we had a fantastic break away from the busy Harare life.

We will definately use Heartveld adventures again for our next getaway they have showed efficiency,proffesionalism and,great customer care.

Well done Byrony keep up the good work!read more

Mandy Wishart Kille

13:54 14 Sep 21

Super trip on Nyati. Great boat and staff!

Chellie Conlon

13:58 23 Aug 21

Had the most fantastic houseboat trip. Bryony made my 40th extra special. I will definitely book... with Heartveld Adventures again.read more

Sandy Woodpulseafrica

09:15 27 Jul 21

Efficient, happy team who go the extra mile to make your holiday go smoothly. Fantastic job, well... done Bryony and teamread more

Kudzanai Ngorima

14:11 14 Jun 21

"Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures" . Our stay at Wild Heritage was amazing. We got to sunbathe ... and watch the breathtaking sunset. It was a pleasure to deal with Byrony who organised everything for us.read more

Marinda Murray Bohnsack

07:47 14 Jun 21

It was an absolute pleasure to deal through Bryony and she made the whole experience seamless and... easy. All arrangements made were perfect and her input and advise were spot on! We experienced some ‘once in a life time’ experiences in Mana Pools and also enjoyed being able to participate in the May Sailing rally on Lake Karibaread more

Debs Grobler

10:51 06 May 21

Bryony of Heartveld Adventures does an amazing job of advising and bookings of lovely... accommodation. Bryony was of great help to us, also checking on us as we travelled. Bryony is excellent and appreciate her service. A BIG thank you Bryony!!!!read more

Sundeep Laxman

11:49 06 Apr 21

Just came back from a Lovely Easter weekend in Victoria Falls booked by Bryony at Heartveld... Adventures.. would highly recommend Using them.. we had so many options given to us, and recommendations for what to try when we arrived.. top quality service, five star communications, and will definitely be using them again.. thanks for helping us create some awesome memories..read more

Jacquie Leigh Marais

10:47 24 Feb 21

Heartveld Adventures are highly recommended, we have used Bryony a few times now and she is... extremely efficient, helpful and friendly! Cant wait for our next trip😀read more

Shannon Corbett

05:33 22 Feb 21

We have used Bryony at Heartveld Adventures on a couple of occasions now and I cannot recommend her... enough!
She makes the effort to know her clients and tries to tailor the experiences for them.
There truly is heart in what she does!read more

Nyasha 'Naj' Juru

11:10 30 Jan 21

Very friendly and professional. These guys will go out of their way to make sure you have a... memorable experience.
Bryony pulled off a great feat by organizing a sunset cruise on the last day of our honeymoon. The lockdown had scared away most families on holiday. We had a boat all to ourselves and we had our honeymoon sunset cruise memory captured. 😄read more

Brian Thomas

15:55 30 Dec 20

Had a great trip on a Houseboat called Ponty out of Binta, arranged by Bryony of Heartveld.... Arrangements were very efficiently handled, Bryony also managed to arrange some extra fuel for me in Binga which was a lifesaver. Thanks Heartveld.read more

Nyasha Madziwa Madziyire

15:22 30 Dec 20

Thanks Bryony for making our Nyanga holiday memorable.

Macdeeln Mehlo

11:40 31 Oct 20

Thank you for making our experience in kariba memorable. Bryony you are a star just a phone call... away.read more

Alan Lock

14:54 25 Aug 20

Just a quick one to say thank you to Heartveld for an amazing trip to Sundowner Lodge in Deka. The... lodge is fantastic with great staff that made the trip even better. The pics are of 2 fish that their guide put us on and we will definitely be going back soon.read more

Mike Oelofsen

09:23 07 Aug 20

Guys! You rock, last year when we where in Zims we decided at the last minute to do a house boat... trip on Kariba, you guys pulled out all the stops to make it happen, then when we arrived a day early, you went that extra mile and got us on a boat.I can not say enough about how good the trip was, or how you came to the party👏👏👏read more

Faith C Muchemwa

02:58 03 Mar 20

The houseboat captain and chef were amazing and very professional❤️

Hannah Bush

18:13 08 Jan 20

Bryony at Heartveld Adventures recently organised the holiday of a lifetime in Kariba for my fiancé... and I.

We visited Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa which is positioned on remote hills overlooking Lake Kariba. We reached the hotel via a small aeroplane and a short 20 minute flight which was brilliant. The scenery flying over Kariba and experience was amazing.

We had a magical stay and after a very warm welcome by the staff we were shown around... WOW! Such an absolutely beautiful place in a stunning setting. The staff there couldn’t have been more helpful and accommodating.

Bumi is a small hotel with only 10 rooms, therefore it has a very intimate feel and so much attention to detail. A must to visit for a romantic, relaxing and yet exciting break away.

The range of activities is outstanding we stayed for 4 nights and went on game drives, game walks, sunset cruises, night time drives, evening sun downers to watch the sunset over the lake and visited the local Tonga village. Our guide ‘Little Max’ was fantastic, very knowledgable and made every effort to ensure we did everything we wanted.

It was often just my Fiancé and I doing the activities, so it was a very personal experience. We were even lucky enough to meet the resident lion pride and to take part in a valiant effort to rescue an elephant stuck along the edge of Lake Kariba. Quite an adventure!

Both my Fiancé and I would like to say a HUGE thank you to Bryony at Heartveld Adventures, who organised this trip for us. We live in the UK and our stay at Bumi was a small but very memorable part of our overall holiday to Zimbabwe where we were visiting family.

Bryony organised every last detail of our trip and ensured that it was completely stress free from start to finish.read more

Amanda Haritatos

06:50 29 Oct 19

Based on a very positive suggestion from a friend of ours, we booked a week at the Kariba Safari... lodge through this amazing team. ��The service and response we received was beyond excellent and deserves a 5-star recognition.

Bryony was extremely helpful, diligent and experienced and helped us plan an amazing family holiday which included several children. Several accommodations were made for our personal comforts and we were blown away by the fast and friendly service.

There really are no words other than to recommend them for any of your travel plans.

Thank you again for an amazing holiday and we are looking forward to the trip you are currently planning for us ☺️read more

Ainsley Barker

17:42 18 Oct 19

Amazing level of service. They went above and beyond to make our Zimbabwe trip so incredible. From... hiring a 4x4 in Harare, to sorting out accommodation in Mana Pools and the super chilled house boat on Kariba...and then all the details in between. Amazing attention to detail and so happy and fun to communicate with. Thank you so much Bryony and team.read more

Ros Cremer

14:48 04 Oct 19

a huge thank you to Bryony for going above and beyond. we had a lovely trip on kariba at very short... notice. many many thanks! xread more

Iqubal Mahomed

13:13 17 Sep 19

We have just spent 4 nights on The Tehilla houseboat.
From the time we started our communication... for the booking it wS very effeciently and professionally handled by Bryony.
The crew on board were exceptional and extremely friendly.
Without a doubt the boat is very comfortable and value for the monies spent.
We will be back! 👌read more

Pieter Pasques

11:44 31 Aug 19

Just want to say a big thank you to Bryony and Heartveld Adventures for the booking of Philipa... Houseboat. We really enjoyed our stay and the staff were excellent with outstanding meals and effort in everything they do. The houseboat was also very economical on fuel and being 100% solar made a big difference as we could run fans etc through the night. It is also very child friendly. Would highly recommend them and we will definitely be back again. Thank you again to Bryony and Bev.read more

Kyrre Håkon Aune Forland

14:38 21 Aug 19

Heartveld were very helpful to us in planning our trip with the Kariba ferry, and transport here... and there in Zimbabwe. We had a wonderful time, and recommend both the ferry, and Heartveld Adventures!read more

Natalie Goldsmith

05:50 16 Jul 19

Bryony and her husband were sooo helpful when we found ourselves stranded at the Kariba Ferry... harbour with a burnt out clutch. They made calls for us, found us accommodation and arranged a taxi to take us and our stuff to the Lomagundi chalets. Thanks a million Bryony if I'm ever in Kariba again I will contact you guys first. 😃read more

Felicity De Wet Garbers

09:01 15 Jul 19

A huge thank you to Bryony for efficiently handling our booking on Karibeer. Smooth sailing......... All the way. Three amazing days spent on Karibeer, relaxing, reading, game watching and generally re-charging. The staff were always friendly, happy to help and kept us fed and watered. The sunsets were an experience that will not be forgotten and this should be on everyone's bucket list. Highly recommendedread more

Shamiso Matsa

18:11 29 Jan 19

My experience with Heartveld Adventures was one of the best I’ve had. I was assisted by Bryoni from... the bookings right up to the end of the holiday. I was assisted in picking the best holiday for me and my family. Everything about the holiday was perfect, I couldn’t have faulted a single thing. Lots of activities for the kids and adults as well as lovely meals. I would recommend Heartveld Adventures to anyone. Thank you for your amazing support. We definitely will be back 😃read more

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