Where championship fairways meet the Big Five, the Elephant Hills Resort at Victoria Falls is the ultimate African escape. The Global Golfer navigates the unique hazards of a Gary Player course shared with wildlife, while The Spa Traveller finds a sanctuary offering revitalising treatments with the thunderous ‘Smoke that Thunders’ as a backdrop. This is adventure and indulgence, uniquely intertwined.
Arrival: The View that Stops the World
The journey to Elephant Hills Resort is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself. Set on a hill overlooking a sweeping bend of the mighty Zambezi River, just a few kilometers upstream from the majestic Victoria Falls – Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders) – the location is unparalleled.
The resort, a landmark on the Zimbabwean side, welcomes you with a blend of grand architectural scale and a distinct African atmosphere. Stepping onto a balcony, the view immediately captures your attention: the calm, wide river flowing towards the catastrophic drop, and the constant, ethereal plume of spray from the Falls on the horizon. This is luxury defined by its environment.
Guests check in swiftly, often with binoculars in hand. In the lobby, conversations mix safari sightings with tee times. While some head to the activities desk to book helicopter flips over the Falls or a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, others are heading to the on-site Spa for a restorative African-inspired therapy session. The resort buzzes with the energy of a true adventure hub, seamlessly fused with a tranquil leisure destination.
The Golf Experience: A Safari on the Greens (as seen by The Global Golfer)
The 18-hole championship course, designed by the legendary Gary Player, is hands-down one of the most unique rounds of golf available anywhere in the world. This is not just a golf course; it’s an extension of the surrounding bushveld and Zambezi National Park.
Your round starts with a required briefing: look out for kudus, waterbucks, and warthogs, and remember—a free drop is allowed from large animal dung! The course is beautifully maintained with imported Bermuda fairways and Bent Grass greens, but the experience is fundamentally wild.
Following in the footsteps of regional golf greats (the resort hosts the annual Elephant Hills Open), every shot is accompanied by the sound of the African bush. On one hole, a family of warthogs might be rooting around a bunker; on another, you may have to politely wait for a troop of baboons to scamper across the green before lining up your putt. It is a true Golfing Safari.
The course itself is a challenging Par 72, winding through indigenous scrub and along basalt rocks. The most demanding stretch runs through Holes 13 to 15, where water hazards fiercely guard the fairways and greens. The true spectacle, however, is simply playing alongside the incredible, unfenced nature—a truly primal golf experience that provides indelible memories for The Global Golfer.
The Halfway House and Clubhouse offer a welcome break, serving refreshing drinks and light meals, perfect for swapping tales of the day’s wildlife encounters and narrowly-missed eagles.
The Wellness Journey: Tranquility by the Falls (as reviewed by The Spa Traveller)
After a long flight or an exhilarating round dodging impalas, the resort’s on-site Spa and Beauty Salon is a vital sanctuary. Overlooking the lush gardens and with the soft, distant roar of the Falls providing a powerful, natural soundtrack, the atmosphere is profoundly relaxing.
The focus here is on revitalization and pampering, offering a convenient, intimate space for guests to recharge. The treatment menu includes a comprehensive range of therapies:
- Holistic Massages: From Swedish massages to deep tissue treatments, these are expertly administered to release tension built up from travel or a demanding game of golf.
- Beauty & Grooming: A full range of services includes rejuvenating facials, manicures, and pedicures, ensuring guests look as relaxed as they feel before an evening sundowner.
- The African Element: While the resort may not feature a traditional thermal suite, the immersive natural setting is its signature feature. Taking a treatment here connects you directly to the soothing, wild energy of the region.
Post-treatment, the relaxation continues at the three large outdoor swimming pools, offering expansive views over the resort grounds and beyond to the Zambezi—the ideal place for a tranquil float while sipping a freshly made juice.
Zambezi Dining & Adventure
Dining at Elephant Hills is an extension of the setting. The Kasibi Terrace and Mapopoma Lounge (meaning ‘place of constant spray’ in Tonga) offer spectacular views of the Zambezi River and the Falls’ mist. Dining focuses on fresh, often local, ingredients, serving an international buffet and à la carte options that cater to all tastes, from the discerning spa-goer to the hungry golfer.
Beyond the course and the spa, the resort acts as a launchpad for the world-famous Victoria Falls adventure activities:
- Flight of the Angels: Helicopter tours over the Falls.
- Sunset Cruises: Elegant sundowners on the Zambezi River.
- Adrenaline Fix: White-water rafting, bungee jumping, and gorge swings are all easily arranged via the on-site activities desk.
Elephant Hills Resort provides an extraordinary, luxurious base where African adventure, championship golf, and restorative wellness converge, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.
The Spa Traveller Insider: Elephant Hills Spa Essentials
| Feature | Description | Recommendation |
| Healing Location | The spa’s proximity to the Falls means treatments are backed by the natural, soothing rhythm of the ‘Smoke that Thunders.’ | Request a treatment room with a garden view for maximum tranquility and natural light. |
| Massages for Recovery | The spa offers a full complement of massages, including Hot Stone and Swedish therapy. | Book a post-golf Swedish Massage to target back and shoulder tension after walking the course. |
| Holistic Grooming | Full salon services, including facials, manicures, and pedicures, ensure you are polished for evening sundowners. | Combine a facial with a manicure for a complete pre-safari glow-up. |
| Post-Treatment Soak | The resort features three outdoor swimming pools overlooking the lush grounds and river. | Spend an hour by the pool after your treatment for an optimal cool-down and relaxation period. |
The Global Golfer Insider: Elephant Hills Course Strategy
| Feature | Challenge | Pro Tip |
| The Wildlife Factor | The course is unfenced, meaning wildlife (warthog, kudu, waterbuck, baboons) frequently crosses fairways and greens. | Treat it like a rule. Always check the line of play before swinging. Take the allowed free drop from large animal dung! (Elephant) |
| Gary Player Design | A challenging Par 72, measuring around 6,200m, featuring strategically placed bunkers and water. | Bring extra balls. Holes 13-15 are high-risk, high-reward, with water hazards forcing strategic carries. |
| Caddie Advantage | Local caddies are experienced in navigating the course’s quirks and wildlife movements. | Hire a caddie. Their local knowledge is invaluable for reading the greens and spotting lurking wildlife. |
| Halfway House | Located at the turn, offering light refreshments and drinks. | Plan your hydration. African heat is unforgiving. Ensure you stock up on water or cold drinks here. |
