Is an African safari at the top of your travel bucket list? From lavish suites in boutique hotels to authentic experiences sleeping under canvas, there is a wide range of options for where to stay in Victoria Falls.
You can choose between the bustling towns of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River. Check out the following lodge offers on either side of the Victoria Falls. Tell us which makes you want to grab your passport and book your next holiday.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls for a Luxury Lodge Holiday
Imagine awakening to breathtaking views across the deep chasm of the Batoka Gorge or the reverberating sound of honky hippos on the mighty Zambezi River. Each of the following luxurious lodges near Victoria Falls has a unique character that is all their own, so check for your favorite.
The River Club (Zambia)
Picture yourself sipping your morning coffee while watching pods of hippos from your private deck. There are plenty of reasons to stay at The River Club! Each of the four luxury suites at The River Club have their own plunge pool. In addition, all eleven rooms have very spacious interiors, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the surrounding area. But, to be honest, you may not want to leave as the delicious, world-class dining is reason enough to stay put.
The River Club offers exclusive in-house activities such as:
- spa treatments
- sunset cruises
- island picnic lunches,
- fishing.
Alternatively, you can partake in one of the numerous cultural, wildlife and adrenalin activities on offer around Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Safari Club (Zimbabwe)
This lavish Victoria Falls Safari Club focuses on exclusivity and space. The rooms all face the bushveld and are elegantly decorated to blend into the natural environment with a modern, open-plan design.
The central guest area is the hub of Victoria Falls Safari Club where signature gin and tonic cocktails are a signature treat. The lounge and viewing deck overlook the game corridor to the Zambezi River and a wildlife-rich waterhole that often features elephants and buffalo. In addition, Victoria Falls Safari Club guests have exclusive access to the two-tiered swimming pool, sun deck, gazebo, and modern fitness center.
Islands of Siankaba (Zambia)
If you are looking for where to stay in Victoria Falls and you want a unique location, then Island of Siankaba needs to be on your shortlist. Stilted tents across two private islands overlook the Zambezi River. This quaint, elegant tented camp is perfectly secluded but close enough to explore all the things to do in Livingstone. A unique series of walkways and bridges link the two islands together.
Natural materials allow the Islands of Siankaba to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The lodge staff all come from the nearby Simonga Village and have been with the lodge since its inception. This luxurious retreat has outstanding cuisine and personal service.
Island activity highlights include a quiet sundowner cruise, fishing (catch and release), mokoro trips, guided nature walks, or island picnic lunches. Alternatively, join in a cultural tour of nearby villages on foot or bamboo bike, or a visit to a community nursery school.
The Elephant Camp (Zimbabwe)
The focus of The Elephant Camp is to promote awareness of elephants. The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage, in collaboration with The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust provides safety for orphaned and injured elephants. The aim is to rescue and return as many animals as possible back to the wild.
While at the Elephant Camp, guests can visit both the Elephant Sanctuary and the Wildlife Trust and have the pleasure of meeting the animals in person. Moreover, each secluded luxury suite overlooks the Zambezi Gorges and offers a fabulous view of the spray from the Victoria Falls. All suites have a private lounge area and secluded deck with a plunge pool. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy a range of spa treatments in the privacy of your room.
Matetsi Private Game Reserve (Zimbabwe)
The multi-award-winning Matetsi River Lodge faces a private section of the Zambezi River. You can expect a warm Zimbabwean welcome and nothing less than 5-star treatment at Matetsi. The experience begins with a personal butler and highly trained staff that cater to your every whim.
Each gorgeous suite is spacious and secluded with:
- air conditioning
- extra-large king-size beds
- enormous bathtubs
- indoor and outdoor showers
- a private plunge pool on the deck, and
- uninterrupted views of the Zambezi River.
Enjoy an all-inclusive stay with meals, drinks, game drives and safari walks. Water-based activities include sunset or sunrise river cruises, fishing, canoeing, and a guided tour of the Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls town and airport is a mere 40km drive from the lodge.
Top Hotels for Where to Stay in Victoria Falls
If you are checking out where to stay in Victoria Falls and prefer to stay in a larger hotel, rest assured that we have the perfect resort for you. Accommodation in Victoria Falls ranges from incredibly grand to budget-friendly and straightforward.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Zimbabwe)
This 72-room hotel faces the sunset across uninterrupted bushland views and overlooks a waterhole. Regular visitors to the reservoir include elephants, buffalo, kudu, and many other animals and birds. All rooms are generous and bright and have glass sliding doors that open onto a private balcony.
The thatch and timber construction of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is undoubtedly unique and split over several levels. The common areas include:
- The award-winning MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant.
- The aptly-named Buffalo Bar.
- A two-tiered swimming pool.
- A fitness center.
Set on a plateau, this award-winning hotel is only 4km from Victoria Falls town.
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa (Zambia)
Did someone say 4-star comfort only 5km from Victoria Falls? Yes, please! The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa is situated on the Zambezi River and close to Livingstone town making it an ideal retreat when looking for where to stay in Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. This elegant hotel blends into its surroundings, with all 72 air-conditioned rooms boasting a private balcony and river view.
Guests can choose different dining experiences at the Kalai Restaurant or The Ujiji Bar & Restaurant. Make sure to relax in the Health and Beauty Spa or swim in the rim-flow pool at the edge of the Zambezi River. End your busy day with a relaxing sunset cruise aboard their Lady Livingstone.
Ilala Lodge Hotel (Zimbabwe)
Ilala Lodge Hotel is a 73-room family-run hotel and takes the prize for being the closest to Victoria Falls National Park and Victoria Falls Bridge. In fact, guests can feel the spray from Victoria Falls from all parts of the hotel at certain times of the year. Each room is spacious, well-decorated, and offers luxury and comfort.
Dine al-fresco while listening to the background thunder of the Victoria Falls at the award-winning Palm Restaurant. Ilala Lodge Hotel has its own fleet of sunset cruise boats – The Ra-Ikane fleet – offering a selection of cruises and private charters.
Mbano Manor Hotel (Zimbabwe)
This luxury boutique hotel has 18 suites set in a teak forest and offers world-class service. Ideally situated, Mbano Manor provides easy access and a quiet refuge from the bustling town of Victoria Falls. The bungalow-style suites are the ultimate in luxury and bask in natural light. However, the traditional teak shutters and generous verandas with forest views will be a welcomed treat if you’re after privacy.
A’Zambezi River Lodge (Zimbabwe)
Can you picture yourself sliding back your bedroom curtains to find a hippo munching on the lawn in front of your room? At A’Zambezi River Lodge, this isn’t an uncommon evening occurrence. The hotel consists of 50 rooms set in a double-story building and situated on the banks of the Zambezi River. Surrounded by well-maintained gardens and lush lawns, it often has wildlife visitors.
A’Zambezi River Lodge is 5km upstream from Victoria Falls with a regular shuttle bus to and from town. The hotel recently undertook a complete refurbishment, so everything is fresh and new. A’Zambezi is a great family hotel with a lovely pool area and outdoor dining at the Amulonga Restaurant. Each evening the hotel has traditional dancers and musicians around a fire pit near the restaurant.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls for Upmarket Guest Houses
Over the past few years, several upmarket guest houses have opened in Victoria Falls, offering affordable comfort and more personal touch. Most are small and family-owned and suitable for family holidays while maintaining privacy.
528 | Victoria Falls Guest House (Zimbabwe)
528 | Victoria Falls oozes with Instagram-worthy details at every turn. The unique boutique guest house is located in a quiet, residential suburb only 3km from Victoria Falls and town. With only seven en-suite, air-conditioned rooms, the small size allows for personalized service by the owners.
528 | Victoria Falls is tastefully decorated in rich colors and textures and showcases many talented Zimbabwean artisans. Delicious breakfasts are served with views across the pool and lush garden. The Treetops Bar is a highlight and the perfect place to end a busy day watching the sunset above the tree canopy.
Batonka Guest Lodge (Zimbabwe)
Batonka Guest Lodge is set in abundant gardens within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. However, the secluded location makes you forget that town is on your doorstep. Batonka’s 27 air-conditioned rooms are decorated in a contemporary style, mixing colonial and African textures. You can expect superb personalized, friendly service from this lodge.
The Bayete Collection (Zimbabwe)
The Bayete Collection includes three different lodges set in the leafy residential area of Victoria Falls:
- Bayete Guest Lodge
- Nkosi Guest Lodge, and
- Phezulu Guest Lodge.
All are within walking distance of the town center and close to all activities.
Under the Bayete Collection, each of the three lodges boasts stylishly decorated en-suite rooms with local artwork on display. Enjoy the well-established gardens and a refreshing swim in the pools. Delicious breakfasts are served in their dining rooms, and other meals can be ordered on request.
Shongwe Lookout (Zimbabwe)
The unique Lookout Tower is at the center of Shongwe, a family-owned guest house. Panoramic views across the town, forest, Zambezi River, and Livingstone in the distance make the Lookout Tower a perfect spot to witness both sunrise and sunset. Call for a signature cocktail or snacks and have it sent to the top of the Tower by a clever pulley system.
Shongwe Lookout, with its 23 beautifully decorated rooms, is within 2km of Victoria Falls and even closer to the town center. Kuhlangana Area (place of gathering) is the dining/bar area offering delicious meals using locally grown vegetables. For budding baristas, taste the best Zimbabwean roasted artisan coffee brewed to perfection by well-trained staff.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls for Family-Friendly Accommodation
How many of our readers have a family photo taken at Victoria Falls from when they were a kid? The clothes might be dated, but the memories of traveling as a family to Africa’s gorgeous landmarks never grow old.
Victoria Falls remains a fantastic destination for a family getaway and creating new memories with the next generation. The following lodge offers stand out as family-friendly options when looking for where to stay in Victoria Falls.
Kayube River Estate (Zambia)
Kayube Estate consists of four options: Kayube Zambezi River House, The River Bungalows, The Boat House, and The Mama Out of Africa. All are located on a private estate on the banks of the Zambezi River.
The quiet oasis is just 20 km upstream from The Victoria Falls and Livingstone and opposite Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park. It is not unusual to see herds of elephants drinking and playing across the river at sunset. In addition, Hyena, zebra, lion, and hippos are often heard at night.
The private River House provides a luxury self-catering option with housekeeping. The River Bungalows are nestled under large trees right on the banks of the Zambezi River, as is The Boat House. Mama Out of Africa was once the mobile dressing room for the award-winning classic movie, Out of Africa.
Victoria Falls Safari Suite (Zimbabwe)
Victoria Falls Safari Suites nestle on a plateau overlooking a small waterhole, bordering Zambezi National Park and just 4 km from Victoria Falls. They offer luxury, privacy, and space and are perfect for families and small groups looking for where to stay in Victoria Falls. The two and three-bedroom suites provide the ideal balance between comfort and class.
The split-level suites feature a spacious lounge and a private patio. In addition, all suites are within walking distance of the various restaurants and facilities offered by Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.
Pioneers Lodge (Zimbabwe)
A family-friendly property set in expansive gardens with wonderful birdlife and a choice of two swimming pools makes Pioneers Lodge a perfect place to relax. This 50 room lodge is located in a quiet residential suburb and is only 3.5 km from Victoria Falls.
Enjoy well-appointed, air-conditioned rooms with family rooms specifically designed for children. Fantastic home-style meals are served in the dining room set on the generous veranda of the main building.
Where to Stay in Victoria Falls on a Budget
Africa may be known for extravagant safari camps; however, Victoria Falls offers budget-friendly options for the discerning traveler. Stay in Victoria Falls accommodation that is comfortable and offers excellent service.
Shearwater Explorers Village (Zimbabwe)
Shearwater Explorers Village is the ideal base being only 400m from Victoria Falls and located in town but still with a bush frontage. The air-conditioned en-suite chalets are beautifully decorated and offer remarkable comfort while simple by design.
Rooms at Shearwater Village include daily housekeeping and breakfast in the stylish dining room overlooking the pool. Shearwater have been adventure specialists for thirty years, making their activity desk the natural place to plan all your Victoria Falls adventures.
Victoria Falls Waterfront (Zambia)
Victoria Falls Waterfront is located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the banks of the Zambezi River, only 3km upstream from Victoria Falls. It offers budget-friendly accommodation and is also the region’s adventure center.
Various accommodation options are on offer, including:
- executive chalets
- river-facing chalets
- garden-view chalets
- family chalets
- en-suite adventure village rooms
- adventure village tents
- a shady campsite with spotless shared ablutions.
Guests can enjoy the use of two swimming pools. The restaurant/bar is on the river’s edge with unbeatable views of the river and Victoria Falls and is the best sunset spot. Reservations for Victoria Falls Waterfront can be made quickly and easily online.
Lokuthula Self-Catering Lodges (Zimbabwe)
If you are looking for where to stay in Victoria Falls and want both a safari experience and a home away from home, Lokuthula could be just the ticket. Consisting of 31 separate units, each has either 2 or 3 bedrooms and be booked either on a bed and breakfast basis or fully self-catering. Warthogs, monkeys, and impala frequently visit the indigenous gardens of the Safari Lodge property.
Guests have access to a swimming pool, including a paddling pool, a children’s playground, a trampoline, and a volleyball court. The Boma bar and cafe are on the doorstep – be sure to catch the nightly award-winning Boma – Dinner & Drum Show.
Zambezi National Park Lodge Offers
Zambezi National Park has its gate just 5km from Victoria Falls and offers 40km of water frontage along the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River. Its proximity to Victoria Falls and being in the untamed bush make staying within the park an obvious choice.
The Old Drift Lodge (Zimbabwe)
The Old Drift Lodge is situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, 7km upstream from the thundering Victoria Falls. The spacious, luxury en-suite tents have a private deck overlooking the Zambezi River. If that’s not enough of a treat, dive into your own plunge pool and refresh in the outdoor shower and bath. All suites have a private lounge and are fully air-conditioned.
In-house activities at The Old Drift Lodge focus on the immediate surroundings. You can expect guided game drives in the Zambezi National Park and sunset cruises or fishing trips on the Zambezi River. Being a stone’s throw from the town of Victoria Falls means easy access to all activities offered in Victoria Falls.
Chundu Island (Zimbabwe)
If you are genuinely looking to get away from it all, then Chundu Island needs to be on your watch list. The island lodge features eight spacious palm-thatched suites complete with a private deck. This quiet oasis is found in the middle of the Zambezi River, in the heart of the Zambezi National Park. Envision exclusivity, luxury, and privacy.
Chundu Island offers guests prime access to:
- 4×4 safaris
- river cruises
- canoeing
- safari walks
- island walks
- game drives, and
Victoria Falls is an all-year destination with activities and safaris to delight travelers during every season. We have highlighted where to stay in Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, don’t forget to look into the myriad of local adrenaline activities that will have you wanting to book an extra night.