Victoria Falls River Lodge - Island Treehouse Suites — Hotel in Matabeleland North Province

RACIST Manager!

I stayed here June 29th & 30th, 2022. The property is beautiful, the food was great, the service was excellent, and the manager, Saunette, is racist.

My visit turned ugly within minutes of my arrival. I told Saunetter I had an injury and had visited a very nice hospital in Zambia, then followed up a few days later at a walk-in clinic (also in Zambia) that I described as "a little rough." I told Saunette I wanted to get my injury checked once more before spending a week at remote safari camps and she asked, "Do you want a white doctor?" Stunned by the strange question I just said no, and told her I couldn't care less about the race of any doctor. She seemed to assume my doctor at the nice hospital was white, but it was an extremely competent young black lady.

The next day I made it a point to follow-up and told Saunette her question was very inappropriate. I told her that while we have racism in the US, I can't imagine anyone caring about the race of their doctor and it's a question she shouldn't ask. She said, "I guess the people in the US are a little more progressive." to which I said, "I'd just say it's not being backwards." Then she told me she's not racist at all, but thought maybe I was and that's why she asked if I wanted a white doctor. Stunned again, I ended the conversation.

On my last morning I had one more conversation with Saunette on this topic. I explained how much our initial conversation had upset me and tainted my ENTIRE experience. I also explained that if someone were racist and wanted a white doctor they would probably tell her, and she shouldn't go out of her way to accommodate potential racism.

She said she agreed, then said, "I don't care if someone is white, black, purple, or green." I find this as a very common claim from people called out for being racist. She also said, "I can assure you I'm not racist." I told her she can try to tell me she's not racist, but she can in no way "assure" me, especially considering what she said in our initial conversation. She also told me she loves her employees and they'd do anything for her. This is when I shared a conversation I had with one of her employees about her who told me Saunette is racist and they all knew it from Day One.

I also explained I wasn’t trying to hurt or insult her and that I hope she learns and grows from this experience. When she came to the boat to see me off a little later she said she was "Glad we sorted each other out." and I couldn't help wondering how she'd sorted me out. She seemed to have a very hard time not putting her foot in her mouth when we spoke, but maybe she was nervous due to previous conversations. Though it's part of her job, I give her credit for coming out to see me off, I'm sure it wasn’t easy. It was also nice that we had all these conversations in a calm and respectful manner. But it's not enough that Saunette has a professional demeanor while saying very unprofessional things.

So in spite of the beautiful accommodations, amazing views, great food, and excellent service from the rest of the staff, the situation described above is my main memory of this place. In my opinion Saunette should lose her job over this. I know nothing about the owners aside from the fact they're also white South Africans, but obviously there are many white South Africans who are not racist, and I hope that includes the owners. Either they'll support Saunette and let her keep her job, thereby exposing their own racism through tolerance of racism, or they'll do the right thing and send her packing.

Either way, I hope Saunette learns and grows from this experience, but I doubt she will if the only result of this review is a "talking to" from her employers. I hope she doesn't just learn to better conceal her racism, but actually reflects and grows. Racism is learned, which means it can be unlearned. I hope Saunette works to unlearn her racism so she doesn't make her employees feel uncomfortable in any way related to race, and also so she doesn't make such offensive comments to guests / customers...

Victoria Falls River Lodge, Island Treehouse Suites, is one of those places that does not feel real until you are actually standing there. You boat out to your own private island in the Zambezi and suddenly you are living in the middle of the river with hippos grunting and elephants wandering past like it is no big deal. Our suite had a plunge pool and a treehouse deck that looked straight across the water, the kind of view that makes you forget phones even exist. Waking up to the sound of the river and watching the sun set from the pool… ridiculous, in the best way.

The experiences were nonstop. We went out on sunset cruises with crocs sliding into the water and hippos popping up like whack-a-mole, and then into game drives where we saw elephants, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, monkeys, baboons, every kind of antelope, mongoose, and so many birds. We didn’t get lucky with lions or leopards in our three days, but honestly it didn’t matter. Our guide, Melusi, was AMAZING. He made every drive a masterclass, teaching us about the country, the people, the animals, even the trees. It was our first safari and he made it unforgettable.

At the lodge itself, animals just wander by. One morning an elephant was literally on the path to our suite, close enough to hear him breathe. Equal parts WOW and slightly terrifying knowing how smart and powerful they are. Hippos grunted at night, monkeys swung around during the day. You’re basically sharing the island with them.

The people here make the whole experience even better. Romeo was the sweetest butler, Lisa and the rest of the staff were always one step ahead, and everyone treated us with warmth and humor. Meals were so good, from fresh fish and seasonal veggies to springbok and an African BBQ night that was a highlight. The spa and gym are across the water at the main lodge, brand new and stocked, and we even saw a buffalo drinking at the waterhole from the treadmill which is honestly insane.

Of course you have to see Victoria Falls itself. We went in mid August and the water level was medium, still spraying enough to soak us, but with clear views of the gorge. The lodge gives you raincoats so you just laugh through it. Standing there with the thunder of the falls all around is one of those pinch-me life moments.

Every second here was joy, awe, and gratitude rolled together. It is not just a place to stay, it is an experience that wraps around you. We left already plotting when we could come back. Unforgettable does not even begin...

I recently had the pleasure of staying at Victoria Falls River Lodge along the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in warm hospitality that set the tone for our entire stay.

The lodge itself is a beautiful blend of luxury and nature, with breathtaking views of the river and surrounding wildlife. Each day began with the sound of birds singing and the gentle rustle of leaves, creating a serene atmosphere that felt like a true escape.

The food was nothing short of exceptional. Each meal was a culinary delight, showcasing local flavors with a creative twist. From exquisite breakfast spreads to decadent dinners under the stars, every bite was a celebration of taste. The chefs clearly poured their hearts into their dishes, and the presentation was always beautiful.

What truly made our stay remarkable were the guides. Their knowledge and passion for the region shone through every game drive and river excursion. They expertly led us on thrilling adventures, sharing fascinating insights about the wildlife and ecosystems. We encountered everything from majestic elephants to vibrant bird species, each experience enriched by their storytelling and enthusiasm.

A special mention goes to TK, the property manager, whose leadership and attention to detail made all the difference. His dedication to ensuring guests have the best experience possible was evident in every aspect of our stay. From arranging activities to checking in on us regularly, TK and his team created an atmosphere of genuine care and comfort.

In summary, this safari lodge on the Zambezi River is a hidden gem that offers breathtaking surroundings, fantastic food, knowledgeable guides, and unparalleled hospitality—all under the exceptional management of TK. I can’t recommend it highly enough for anyone seeking a magical getaway in one of Africa's most...