Extraordinary Africa>Zimbabwe>Victoria Falls>Shongwe Lookout
Tucked into a leafy suburb just a kilometre from downtown Vic Falls, Shongwe Lookout is close enough to all the excitement yet peaceful enough to feel like a retreat. What makes it stand out, though, is its lookout tower — a two‑tiered platform rising above the treetops, giving you dreamy views of the Zambezi River and the mist drifting up from the Falls. It’s an ideal spot for morning coffee or sunset cocktails – we love the novelty of the intercom system and pulley that allows you to order drinks and nibbles without having to miss a moment of the magical view.
What’s Shongwe Lookout really like?
With 23 rooms arranged around lush gardens and an inviting infinity pool, it’s small enough to feel intimate even on a short stay to tick Vic Falls off your bucket list. There are three room types: Studio Rooms – light, peaceful spaces with two single beds and a modern shower room; Deluxe Rooms with a king‑sized bed, double vanity, bath and shower, and the most spacious of all, Executive Rooms, offering king beds, both bath and shower and private verandas overlooking the gardens. All rooms have air‑conditioning as well as tea and coffee facilities but there aren’t TVs in the room – not a deal breaker for us but worth mentioning, nonetheless.
The lodge’s facilities are surprisingly generous for its size, and despite being a newer build, it also packs in some personality thanks to local artwork and handcrafted touches adding colour and soul. There’s a decent restaurant – found in the property’s semi-tented Kuhlangana Area, meaning ‘a place of gathering’ in Ndebele. With a menu that blends local Zimbabwean ingredients and European influences, you can expect hearty food with a little local flair. The bar serves excellent local wines and Mushe Coffee whilst the breakfasts are generous, with options ranging from continental to full English.
What can I do at Shongwe Lookout?
The location is ideal for all ages looking to explore, with easy access to the waterfall itself as well as the national park. From the lodge, you can enjoy guided tours of the Falls, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, game drives, helicopter flights, village visits, white‑water rafting and cultural experiences. Guests also have access to the Mvula Spa next door. The property is welcoming to kids of all ages but doesn’t cater specifically for wee ones so we’d say it’s better for tweens and teens who are a little more self-sufficient.
Giving back at Shongwe:
The lodge supports local artisans by showcasing their work throughout the property whilst also contributing to community projects in Victoria Falls and partnering with local suppliers to reduce its environmental footprint. As part of the Shongwe Selection, they also partner with local initiatives such as the Ele Collection that pays groups of women to collect plastic waste, which is then recycled into saleable builder’s aggregate.
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