The Sunday News
Rumbidzai Mbewe
LOCATED 80km west of Victoria Falls, Imbabala offers the chance to unwind as well as experience some of the best wildlife viewing and bird watching in the region, in the seclusion of a private national park concession. This 2 000-hectare area has 14km of private Zambezi river frontage and borders the Chobe Forest Reserve, which is renowned for its large elephant population.
The main building is a charming thatched structure, consisting of a lounge, dining room and bar area. This offers views of both the river and a nearby waterhole which attracts wildlife throughout the year. There is a swimming pool and al fresco eating area nestle under classic riverine trees. There are no fences to prevent animal movement, so you can expect to see wildlife and wonderful birdlife along the river bank, as well as in and around the lodge.
There are eight individual thatch lodges at Imbabala Safari Lodge that can accommodate up to 18 guests. All are uniquely decorated and beautifully positioned with spacious verandas opening on to sweeping views of the Zambezi River. The lodge offers exclusive accommodation for only 20 guests in nine individual stone and thatch lodges with en-suite facilities. Imbabala has one family lodge, (Sleeps four), four double and three twin-bedded lodges. All doubles can be converted to twins on request and vice versa.
The activities at the lodge centre around tracking wildlife on morning, afternoon and night safari drives in open 4×4 safari vehicles in the Imbabala Private Concession Area. Guests get to explore the Zambezi River by boat which affords them an exclusive river experience. Bird watching is exceptional, as birdlife is prolific and varied, ranging from water birds to shy forest dwellers. Walking safaris and fishing excursions to find renowned tiger fish are available by prior arrangement. For guests spending a longer time at Imbabala, day trips to Victoria Falls and the Chobe National Park are available at an additional charge.
Game drives are available daily from Imbabala. Guests can choose a morning, afternoon or night drive to get their feel of the wonderful game viewing that is available there. All drives are conducted in open-backed 4×4 vehicles that are suited to the terrain and are perfect to afford the best views of the game. You will obviously enjoy morning tea, coffee and snacks or evening drinks and snacks depending on which drive you are on.
Imbabala offers guests the chance to experience a walking safari. A professional guide will show you some of the large and small wildlife at the private concession area, highlighting species that might get missed if on a drive. The chance to get up close and personal with the larger species is also very exciting and who can ever forget their first elephant encounter while walking.
All guests can go on either morning or afternoon Zambezi River Safaris on the pontoon boat. Often being treated to the sight of wildlife at the water’s edge and water-loving birdlife, this is a popular activity and also often provides incredible African Zambezi sunset photo opportunities.
