At Zambezi Dusk, fully inclusive means meals, selected drinks, airport transfers, two guided boat safaris a day, two daily activities from the lodge's guided experiences list, and one spa treatment on stays of two nights or more. Bigger trips run by partner operators, such as Devil's Pool, the bungee jump, rafting and the Chobe day trip, are arranged by the lodge but are not all included. This page sets out the detail so you know what you are paying for.
Why the term needs explaining
"Fully inclusive" and "all inclusive" are used loosely in safari travel. At some lodges, they mean every drink, every activity and park fees. At others, they mean meals and little else. Comparing rates without knowing which is which leads to surprises on the final bill.
What the rate covers
Meals
All meals are included, cooked with local ingredients. Tell the lodge about allergies or dietary needs when you book. A small kitchen can plan well with notice, less well on the day.
Selected drinks
Selected drinks are included. The lodge can give you the current list. If you have particular tastes, such as a specific wine or spirit, ask before you travel whether it is on the list or charged separately.
Airport transfers
Transfers to and from Livingstone airport are included. Send the lodge your flight numbers. If you are arriving by road from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or from Kasane in Botswana, agree pickup and any cost in advance; see getting here.
Two boat safaris a day
Two guided boat safaris leave from the lodge every day. This is the heart of a stay on the upper Zambezi: hippos, crocodiles, birds and, in the dry months, elephants crossing to the islands. See Zambezi boat safaris.
Two daily activities
On top of the boat trips, the rate includes two activities a day from the lodge's guided experiences list. The list depends on the season. Ask the lodge for it when you enquire, so you can plan which days to use for what.
A spa treatment
Stays of two nights or more include one complimentary spa treatment, in your suite or outdoors.
The rest of the lodge
The pool, riverside deck, mosquito nets and repellent in every room, and a 24-hour emergency contact come with the stay.
What is arranged, but may cost extra
The lodge works with partner operators for trips it doesn't run itself. These are arranged through the lodge, but not all are included, and availability depends on the season and the river:
- Victoria Falls visits
- Devil's Pool, usually from mid-August into December or early January
- The Chobe day trip, on request
- The bungee jump at the Victoria Falls Bridge
- Tiger fishing
- White water rafting
- Walking with rhinos
- Local market visits
The honest advice: ask the lodge, when you enquire, which of these are covered by your rate and which are charged, and get the prices in writing. They change with the season and the operator.
What is not included
Expect to pay separately for:
- partner activities that aren't covered;
- drinks outside the selected list;
- park and border fees on trips that need them, unless your quote says otherwise;
- visas;
- tips;
- travel insurance and flights.
How payment works
Bookings are confirmed on full, 100% prepayment within three days of booking. That is stricter than many hotels, so be ready to pay once you have your quote.
Once you are at the lodge, the inclusive rate means you are not signing for every meal. Bring cash for extras and tips: US dollars and Zambian kwacha are widely accepted, and cards can be limited in remote areas.
Is fully inclusive good value?
It depends on how you would spend your days anyway. If you would eat at the lodge, take a boat out every day, and want transfers sorted, an inclusive rate usually compares well against a hotel plus meals, cruises and taxis. If you plan to spend every day on paid activities elsewhere and eat in town, you would use less of what you are paying for.
For a side-by-side look, read villa or hotel at Victoria Falls.
Questions to ask before you book
- Which activities are on the guided experiences list for my dates?
- Which partner activities are included, and what do the others cost?
- What is on the selected drinks list?
- Are park fees included for any trips?
- How does the spa treatment work for two of us, or for a group?
- What is the policy on tips?
For more on the rooms and who the lodge suits, see the villa. Answers to other common questions are in the FAQ.