With so much on offer in the vibrant city of Victoria Falls and the opening up of travel once again, accommodation that caters to all kinds of travellers and provides warm hospitality and exceptional care is often on top of the list for most visitors and a gem in my book! Having travelled from rainy Harare, you can imagine my delight upon arrival to clear blue skies and perfect weather in Victoria Falls and then to my accommodation of choice- Nkosi Guest lodge. This elegant and modern, family-run lodge is tucked away in a quiet suburb of Victoria Falls with exceptional landscaped gardens and a sprawl of lush vegetation that makes it a perfect choice for a tranquil getaway. Hoteliers and owners Mike and Alex Johnson, through their vast years of experience and passion in the hospitality industry, are transforming their accommodation units into affordable but luxurious highlights of any escape; they have created Nkosi Lodge with this in mind, ensuring that it is contemporary, comfortable and lavish with an exclusive personalised touch that celebrates their love for Zimbabwe while catering to a variety of travellers. Nkosi Guest Lodge is currently the superior accommodation option under the Bayete Collection which includes Bayete Guest Lodge and PheZulu Guest Lodge, Nkosi has 24 well-positioned rooms in a garden setting that affords the guests wonderful garden views. This old house turned lodge was a project done during the dreaded COVID years and officially opened in January 2022. Its architectural design of high ceilings allow for more natural light to enter, enriching the atmosphere while giving warmth to the different parts of the lodge. There is also beautiful stonework around the lodge that adds character and an old-fashioned opulence, my favourite being the stone wall that acts as the backdrop to the pool. This wall doubles as a water feature that creates a relaxing tropical feel.
This architectural design is further complemented by the interior of the lodge which is a celebration of African elegance and ethnic chic. From the main area through to the restaurant the use of wooden furniture with dark and light brown shades adds an artisanal characteristic to the décor. In support of local artisans, the walls flank artwork by Tami Walker and Brian Ashbee, while the various pottery has been made by the local Gwai potters in Bulawayo adding a unique touch. I found this space very relaxing during my lunch, with a gentle wind blowing, sounds of the waterfall birds chirping, floral scents, and the clear blue sky set the tone for a relaxed and positive afternoon, just what you need for your mental health! It also helps that the food was delicious, and the service exceptional! Many of the Nkosi team members have worked with the Johnson family for years, and this has given them vast years of experience in service delivery and clearly shows in how well you are received and served. Being a solo traveller, I appreciated the stories shared by the staff and their interest in my day and well-being, it truly feels as though you are part of the family. The owners aim is to ensure that each stay is memorable for every visitor, whether one is travelling for business or pleasure. With this in mind, they have gone a step further and prioritised accessibility for the wheelchair traveller, ramps are found all around the lodge and 2 of the 24 rooms are dedicated to this.
The wheelchairaccessible rooms are spacious and allow for better movement and all the facilities within these rooms have been lowered to give the guest their independence. This move by Nkosi was inspired by “Suzanne Stays,” an Australian wheelchair user who is redefining travel with a disability. Being one of the very few lodges in Victoria Falls that are wheelchair compliant, it goes to show that this family-run lodge truly believes in travel for all. Entering my superior suite was like walking into a serene haven, the rooms are tastefully decorated with a contemporary clean look that is not overpowering, which includes all the comforts you may need to make your stay enjoyable. I appreciated the attention to detail throughout the room, from a personalised welcome note to a very comfortable king-size bed that provided a good night’s rest. The room also comes with a work desk and fast internet allowing you to finish up any work you may have! The bathroom in the superior room that I stayed in, was both luxurious and indulgent with a tropical feel. There is an option of a bath or walk-in shower, the Victorian bath is under a pendant light and a marvelous painting by Tami Walker that creates a beautiful lush backdrop. The walk-in shower comes with a large shower head and makes for an enjoyable shower experience before you head out on an adventure. Each aspect has been created with your needs in mind and the team is always available to ensure you have the best experience. Nkosi lodge has amazing rates at the moment and I would like to encourage you to book and stay at this incredible gem where you arrive as a guest and leave as family! See you on the road.