THIS 'N THaT
Gorges Lodge - Victoria Falls
Like crashing surf, the sound of the tortured Zambezi echoes through the gorge. Rising and
falling at the whim of the breeze, the mood is carried on sullied air, as the last light of the day
fades on the western horizon. Below, the Zambezi cuts a dark, almost black line at the foot of
the gorge, visible even as dusk seeps through its deepest reaches. Writhing and twisting past
point and rock, its surface ripped by rapids, it falters little as it pushes ever determinedly to
the Indian Ocean.
O
wned by Matupula Safaris, Gorges is possibly one of the more
unique lodges at the Victoria Falls. Located a short distance
from the Falls itself, it perches quite literally on the edge of
the Batoka Gorge - a mystical tortured rent in the earth’s crust more
than 200km long which has been formed over millions of years by
the Zambezi. Every building, from the bar and restaurant, to the 10
lodges strung along the gorge, is quite literally on the cliff edge -some
virtually overhanging it.
Situated only 23km from the Falls (12 of which is on good gravel
road), Gorges is close enough to the main centre to be convenient,
whilst still being far enough away to be remote.
Ten lodges (four of which are double storey) comprising two
or three bedded accommodation, cater to a maximum of 20 guests.
Stretching in a line on either side of the main restaurant complex, the
tropical gardens which wind along the walkways, coupled with the
almost old English style buildings, lend an air of the colonial to the
hostile, but inspiring Batoka.
Tastefully furnished, and finished in a mixture of plaster and
wood panelling, the lodges have their own bathroom and spacious
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bedroom with walk-out balcony overhanging the gorge. Separated
by considerable distance, each lodge enjoys its own private piece of
the gorge.
Constructed using the best of imported materials, the complex
exudes a degree of luxury normally associated with a five star
hotel.
Transfers to and from the Falls (and airport) as well as other
local destinations are available if required. They will arrange tours
or safaris (white water rafting, flight of the angels etc.) on request,
and offer a unique visit to a working village within their CAMPFIRE
area, where little has changed among the local Tonga people over the
centuries. Fishing is not something on the standard menu, though on
one visit to the lodges we did climb down into the gorge (not for the
faint hearted) and tried our luck. The huge boulders and oppressive
heat in the gorge made fishing difficult, but it was an experience.
Several adventure anglers and guides from the area do in fact fish
the gorge often, targeting yellowfish among others. Fly rods are
normally their chosen weapon, and the results in the fast water have
been spectacular.
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