A New Chapter in Luxury Safari: Vlei by 7 Star Lodges Opening in Zimbabwe, 2027
- dtucker61
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
At 7 Star Lodges, our mission has always been to reimagine the safari experience — blending the raw beauty of Africa with unmatched luxury, comfort, and service. We are delighted to share that this vision will soon extend into Zimbabwe, with the opening of our newest property: Vlei by 7 Star Lodges, projected to welcome guests from mid-2027.

A Destination Like No Other
Zimbabwe is a land of extraordinary contrasts — from the thundering majesty of Victoria Falls, to the vast savannas teeming with wildlife, to its warm and welcoming people. With Vlei, we are creating a lodge that captures the essence of this remarkable country, offering guests both adventure and tranquility in equal measure.
Positioned for accessibility and exclusivity, Vlei is just a 30-minute flight from Victoria Falls or a one-hour flight from Harare, making it a convenient yet secluded retreat for global travelers seeking the best of Africa.
A Collection of Exquisite Suites
Vlei will feature a carefully curated range of accommodations, each designed with a blend of contemporary elegance and authentic African character. Guests will be able to choose from:
4 Standard Guest Suites – thoughtfully designed for couples or solo travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the wilderness without sacrificing comfort.
2 Family Guest Suites – spacious retreats perfect for families, with room to unwind, connect, and share unforgettable safari memories together.
The Presidential Guest Suite – offering elevated privacy, luxury finishes, and expansive views, ideal for those seeking indulgence on a grand scale.
The Royal Guest Suite – the crown jewel of Vlei, a one-of-a-kind sanctuary that embodies opulence, exclusivity, and sophistication.
Every suite will be crafted to celebrate the surrounding environment, with natural materials, discreet luxury woven into the guest experience, and wide-open views of the vlei below from its elevated position.
Signature 7 Star Facilities
Vlei will mirror many of the guest facilities that have made Oase by 7 Star Lodges an international benchmark for luxury safaris. Among these will be:
A Cinema, offering intimate private screenings under the African sky.
A Bush Cooking Studio, where our chefs will showcase culinary traditions and invite guests to try their hand at authentic, fire-based cooking.
A sophisticated Gin Bar, the perfect setting for pre-dinner cocktails or relaxed evenings with friends.
Four separate restaurants, each with its own unique identity, including a fine dining restaurant that fuses classical techniques with African flavors, ensuring every meal is a journey in itself.
Legendary Service, Our Signature
What truly distinguishes 7 Star Lodges is not just our settings or our facilities — it is our people. Guests at Vlei will experience the same legendary service that Oase has become renowned for worldwide: warm, intuitive, and deeply personal. Every member of the Vlei team will be dedicated to anticipating needs before they are spoken, ensuring that each guest’s stay feels effortless, bespoke, and extraordinary.
A Gateway to Zimbabwe’s Wonders
While the lodge itself promises an oasis of luxury, Vlei will also serve as a gateway to Zimbabwe’s natural and cultural treasures. From guided game drives across vast savannas to day trips exploring local heritage, guests will have the opportunity to connect deeply with the land and its people.
Opening Mid-2027
Vlei by 7 Star Lodges is more than a lodge — it is a promise of adventure, luxury, and unforgettable memories. As the opening approaches, we look forward to sharing more details and welcoming our guests to a destination where the wild heart of Africa meets the refined spirit of 7 Star Lodges.
The journey continues. And we cannot wait for you to be part of it.





If it is to be anything like what we received when staying at 7 Star Lodge @ Hoedspruit then guests are in for a wonderful experience. Chris & Janine Carlson, Tasmania ,Australia