Nyala Lodge

Nyala Lodge is a quaint little bush getaway in Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. It’s conveniently close to the falls (6km), the Zambezi River (5 minutes), Livingstone Town (5km) and the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (5 minutes). It’s just off the main road between Livingstone Town and the falls and easily accessible by car. The lodge offers ‘meet and greet’ transfers from the airport.

The rooms are big and airy but lack a bit of personality – especially from the outside. While they aren’t on top of each other, their veranda’s are a bit too exposed for our liking – unless you plan to spend most of your time at the pool or out taking part in some activity – in which case it shouldn’t be a problem. 

The bathrooms are quite unique and something we hadn’t seen anywhere else. The shower (and its surrounding walls) is built out of rocks and the shower ‘head’ itself is a jagged rock that turns the water flow into a cascading waterfall. This is rather nice and makes for a great showering experience. 

Nyala Lodge is run by Sanja, Arthur (in the office) and Harris (Food and Beverage manager). Although they are around – we found the service a bit lacking and less than friendly. If you’re the type of person who’s only interested in finding a place to rest your head, without worrying about personal attention – this place will suit you. 

The lodge is family friendly and the rooms can easily accommodate three beds, which is good for families with odd numbers. The dining and bar area is also right next to the heart shaped pool, allowing parents to keep an eye on the little ones while relaxing in the shade. 

The grounds are surrounded by dense African woodland with abundant birdlife. The lodge is set on a large piece of natural acacia woodland, but is unfortunately well removed from the river – so no river views. It is therefore not quite as tranquil as most of the other properties, but still has some charm to it. 

The lodge has a restaurant that offers good meals. We really liked the interesting blue cheese and pear starter. They have a television with DSTV at the bar, but it was a bit disruptive when we just arrived, as the local ’soapie’ was on full blast. 

The Livingstone/Victoria Falls area is known as the adventure capital of the world - making Nyala Lodge a good base for adventure seekers, sightseers and those looking for a place to rest after a great day’s fun. Game drives are very popular and the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is known for its abundant wildlife ranging from buffalo, elephants, impala, giraffe and the endangered white rhino. The lodge is great for self-drivers as it is easily accessible in both two and four wheel drive vehicles. Transfers to the various activities are usually included and a taxi service is available from the lodge. 

Nyala lodge unfortunately lacks personality and service and it doesn’t have much to offer its guests location wise. But it isn’t all bad. If you’re after a decent, no frills stay at a location close to the popular activities and sights, and you don’t ask for much luxury and personal attention – this place would work for you. 

The rooms at Nyala Lodge consist of 10 thatched chalets and one 3 bedroom unit, all with en-suite bathrooms, fans, tea and coffee stations and mosquito nets. Their waterfall showers are quite unique and built into the rock face walls. The bathrooms are really quite unique and give you a true African feeling.

Each room has a small veranda with chairs, and a stepping stone path to the public areas. Room options include singles, double/twins and one triple room with interleading doors. The beds are nice and big (3/4 beds or queen size) and there are open-sided hanging closets for your clothes. The rooms were a bit dark, but they were in the process of adding new improved light fittings.

In the evenings they offer a great turndown service, which includes the lighting of the mozzie coils and the switching on of the mozzie mats.

Nyala lodge operates on a bed and breakfast basis. The breakfast menu is quite interesting - ranging from scones to a Full Monty and everything in between (the pancake, bacon and maple syrup stack is quite popular).

The restaurant offers an a-la-carte menu and meals range from pub-lunches to full dinners and include dishes such as fish and chips, steak and salad, pork chops and vegetables - all freshly prepared and very delicious.
Their bar is well-stocked but the service is a bit lacking.
 

Location: 
Nyala Lodge is situated in Livingstone off the main road between the town and the falls. It is approximately 5 km from the Victoria Falls and 5 minutes from the Zambezi River. It also borders on the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. 

General facilities:
• Bar/lounge with satellite TV
• Swimming pool
• Activity service with information on all activities in the area and a free planning and booking service

Room facilities:
• En-suite bathrooms
• Waterfall showers
• Fans
• Mosquito nets
• Mosquito coils and mats
• Open sided closets 

Activities:
• White water rafting
• Abseiling 
• Bungi jumping 
• Micro lighting over the Victoria Falls 
• Canoeing 
• Sunset cruises 
• Golfing (at the nearby Zimbabwean Elephant Hills)
• Elephant back safaris
• Walking with lions

Services:
• Meet and greet service
• Confirmation for all onwards flights

Open: Nyala Lodge is open all year long.