Victoria Falls is undoubtedly among the most renowned locations in Africa. Serving as the geographical divider between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls are visible from both nations. Book a stay at a safari lodge in Victoria Falls for the ultimate encounter with this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Victoria Falls is a magnificent spectacle. When the Zambezi River approaches the falls, it spans over 1.2 miles wide and cascades forcefully down a series of gorges. The mist can be observed from more than 12 miles away, and if you visit during a full moon, you’ll be rewarded with an extraordinary lunar rainbow (moonbow). Notable features include the Main Falls, the Devil’s Cataract, and the Devil’s Pool.
In this article, we explore safari lodges on both sides of the border: in the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and in Livingstone, Zambia. If you prefer a more conventional hotel, the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, boasting views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, is all you require. If you’re first heading to Chobe National Park in Botswana, take a look at our curated list of Safari Lodges in Chobe for our selected top safari lodges in the region.
Safari lodges in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
With an increasing array of airlines servicing the Johannesburg/Cape Town-Victoria Falls route, getting to Victoria Falls has never been simpler. Plan your getaway from the bustling city life, and in under two hours, you can kick off your Victoria Falls safari.
There are numerous activities to enjoy in Victoria Falls: helicopter tours above the falls, a full-day safari trip to Chobe, or a visit to Hwange National Park for a day safari excursion. You can also journey to the Devil’s Pool (on the Zambia side) with this tour.
Victoria Falls River Lodge
The breathtaking Victoria Falls River Lodge provides accommodation both on the mainland (in-suites with river vistas) and on the exclusive Kandahar island.
Accessible solely by boat, the island features four private Treehouse Suites, each with its own deck and plunge pool. These suites are perched on the banks of the Zambezi, offering intimate river views. They are connected to the main lodge building via elevated winding walkways.
Victoria Falls River Lodge is the recipient of the 2022 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence – category Best Waterside Hotel.
The lodge also includes two Starbed Treehouses. These treehouses have the same amenities as the suites, with the additional luxury of a rooftop deck featuring a bed, perfect for enjoying the starry African nights!
Victoria Falls River Lodge is situated so close to Victoria Falls that you can see the spray in the distance!
Delight in twice-daily game drives in Zambezi National Park, with chances to spot African wild dogs, leopards, and lions.
Back on the mainland, luxurious thatched tents await you. Featuring a private plunge pool, optional butler service, views over the Zambezi River, and outdoor showers, this encapsulates our idea of paradise.
Activities at Victoria Falls Island Lodge:
– Safari river cruises
– Helicopter sightseeing journeys
– Sunset cruises
– Fishing
– Game drives
Tsowa safari island
Perfectly situated on an island within the Zambezi, Tsowa Safari Island is an upscale tented camp located upstream from Victoria Falls and is part of the esteemed Isibindi Africa Lodges. Tsowa provides an intimate atmosphere by the river, with six safari canvas tents that can host up to 12 guests.
Guests can choose between two varieties of tents, the river view safari tent and the river deck safari tent. Both include indoor and outdoor showers. The tents allow you to immerse yourself in nature and listen to the evening sounds, like the call of a hyena or the hoot of an owl. Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that the Pel’s fishing owl has made its home on the island!
The lodge boasts two interconnected swimming pools and a riverfront fire pit deck, ideal for those stunning nights by the river.
Activities at Tsowa:
– Game drives and island walks
– Birdwatching
– River safaris
– Day trips to Chobe
Victoria Falls Safari Club
The Victoria Falls Safari Club is part of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate but is smaller (20 rooms) and more exclusive. It is ideal for those who wish to be nearer to the falls, as it is only a five-minute drive from the lodge. Experience fine dining and a two-tiered swimming pool including a lap pool and sundeck.
Overlooking the Zambezi National Park with uninterrupted vistas of the bush veld, it genuinely feels like you are in the heart of the wilderness. Most rooms offer a clear sight of the private waterhole. Bring your binoculars and enjoy game spotting from the comfort of your suite. Elephants, buffalo, and waterbuck are among the wildlife you can view.