The Best Places To Stay For Your Victoria Falls Holiday

The Best Places To Stay For Your Victoria Falls Holiday

High on the must-see lists of most holiday-makers to Africa are the Victoria Falls and with good reason: you can’t help but be seduced by their majesty and power. When it comes to accommodation, there are various options to choose from on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls, so to help you make the right decision, we've got our Africa specialists to suggest some of their very favourites.

Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe

Popularly known as “the grand old lady of the Falls”, the Victoria Falls Hotel is situated in the Victoria Falls National Park, a world heritage site, and is a member of the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World group.  The Edwardian-style five-star hotel, built in 1904, was recently redecorated and refurbished and now combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new. There are world-class facilities on site, including several excellent restaurants and bars, a fitness room, a beauty spa and even a hair salon, to help you to look and feel your best during your stay. With its combination of history, colonial charm and wonderful service, it is really is the choice for discerning visitors to the Falls.

The Royal Livingstone, Zambia

Located on the banks of the Zambezi River, The Royal Livingstone Hotel is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honour of his queen. Paying tribute to this glorious era, the hotel evokes Victorian elegance and colonial traditions in impeccable style, and offers unforgettable adventures. All of the hotel's luxury rooms and suites feature a private veranda with mighty Zambezi River views. The sights and sounds of river life can be soaked up as you laze in a hammock, enjoy a massage in a waterfront gazebo, or cool off in the pool.

Tongabezi Lodge, Zambia

Very quirky but very charming, Tongabezi Lodge is a romantic hideaway situated on the banks of the Zambezi River just upstream of Victoria Falls. The friendly team at the lodge welcomes guests to a selection of houses and cottages, each beautifully styled with furniture and artifacts from all over Africa. Guests can dine beside the river or on their private terrace. Privately owned and run, Tongabezi combines an exclusive ambience with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the people of Zambia.

Matetsi River Lodge, Zimbabwe

Upstream from Victoria Falls and situated on a private game reserve, Matetsi River Lodge is a haven of tranquillity that enjoys 15 kilometres of exclusive river frontage. The falls themselves and the various activities in the area, such as helicopter trips, are easily accessible and guests can also enjoy game drives and walks on the 50,000 hectare reserve where elephants, lions and more can be found. The lodge is actually two camps each with nine suites and its own guest area overlooking the river.  The two camps share a central lodge area with a swimming pool, gym and wine cellar. If you are looking for a bit more privacy then they also have the River House which can accommodate four adults and four children and has a swimming pool, a private chef, a butler and a dedicated guide and vehicle.

The Elephant Camp, Zimbabwe

Situated on a private concession within the Victoria Falls National Park and bounded by the Masuwe River and the Zambezi gorges, The Elephant Camp has breathtaking views across the bush towards the spray from the Victoria Falls as well as the spectacular gorges which separate Zimbabwe and Zambia. Accommodation consists of 12 gorge facing luxury tented suites that each boast private lounge areas, inside and outside showers and private viewing decks and plunge pools. Undoubtedly, the big attraction of the camp as its name suggests is its elephant interaction programme, which allows guests to get up close and personal with these amazing creatures.