Ultimate Guide To Hotels At Victoria Falls

Before an Ultimate guide to Hotels at Victoria Falls may we get to know little or more about the name and historical overview of the Falls which is ranked as one of the most famous natural wonders of the world is detailed in a way that, the Tonga people originally know the falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya which portrays “The smoke that thunders” as an illustration of the mist seen and sound that roars in the process of water following over the cliffs. Over the years the Falls and surrounding community is a denizen area for the Lozi and Tonga natives. 

Geographically Victoria falls roll via the Zambezi River which results to a border between two African countries that’s Zimbabwe and Zambia.

A tidbit, the falls are ranked largest sheet of falling water in the world where by their fall spray can be seen far away approx. to 50km during peak season falls probably February to may.
Dr David Livingstone a European missionary was the first to sight the falls as early as 1855. Since was so affectionate by the stunning waterfalls.

He named them in honor of queen Victoria of Great Britain “Victoria falls”, other more explores, hunters, and colonists followed in his lane after his exploration.
The Victoria falls now fully became a British territory covering all the northern Rhodesia the current Zambia and southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe country.

There were construction of Victoria falls bridge which was completed in 1905 part of Cecil Rhodes dream to build a railway from cape to Cairo which bridge is now well known for bungee jumping and offers scenic views.
There was great development in the mid-20th century were the falls developed as a tourist destination establishing of Victoria falls town in Zimbabwe and Livingstone town in Zambia with improved structures and amenities like the railway, hotels and parks.

Long after in 1989, the stunning Victoria falls were recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site shared by the two countries Zambia and Zimbabwe. Which additionally designated the falls for its unique geological formations well as its cultural significance. The falls resulted in to two national parks one in each country;
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe
Currently the falls are leading top African tourist attractions offering activities like white water rafting, wildlife safaris, cultural communities, waterfall viewing from various points as well as helicopter flights.

A take through in depth about the top safari lodges around Victoria Falls putting much emphasis on the Zimbabwe’s part as well as some celestial options in Zambia too.

Top Notch Luxury Hotels At Victoria Falls

1. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

The lodge is situated on a plateau just 4km from the adventurous Victoria water falls, sighting the Zambezi National Park giving chance to viewing some wildlife like elephants, buffalo, kudu, zebra and many other predators that may visit nearby the lodge, open day and night. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge comprises of various flagship property like Victoria falls safari club and the Victoria Falls safari suites all combined offer memorable African experiences.
Years of experience Victoria falls safari lodge is debatably voted as the Zimbabwe’s best safari lodge by AZTA for over now like 26 years down in service.

Accommodation types and rates
Standard room; There 24-rooms with en suite shower, balcony with sunset or bush views, with amenities like a mini bar on request, Wi-Fi, and good air conditioners.

Waterhole facing rooms; There 42 rooms with similar amenities with the standard rooms additional of a waterhole views and wildlife at door step.

Waterhole facing suite; These are 6 duplex suites which offers a down stairs lounge, a guest toilet which is upstairs, bedroom accompanied with bath and shower.

Dining & Bars
Firstly, is makuwa-kuwa restaurant it’s an award winner with a stunning dinning full of both African and international cuisine. We have buffalo bar, actually this is featured in one of the greatest bars in the world very ideal for sundowners with wildlife views. And lastly is the boma dinner & drum show, this rotates more on the cultural dinner experiences full of traditional foods, drumming, dancing and storytelling.

Overall facilities & amenities
a newly constructed fitness room, just besides the pool deck glass designed which offers the waterhole views.
There two swimming pools with their deck overlooking the waterhole.
Provision of conference spaces to cater for events and meetings.
There steady WIFI internet, a working 24/7-hour reception, shuttle buses for the guests easing transport to the fall’s rainforest as well as its town, a tv lounge and a babysitting service.

Activities
on site there is siduli wildlife hide, it’s a daily “vulture culture” feeding demonstration at 13:00 with a guided bush walk and nature trails.
Off the site activities, always morning and sunset game drives organized in Zambezi National Park, river cruises, white water rafting, cultural village visits and adventure sports like bungee and gorge-swing.

Rates covering [bed & breakfast per night/person]

Green season [January-June] US$280 per night each [single or sharing]
High season [July-December] US $320 for sharing and US $400 single.
There always best offer deals like 3-4 nights that comes with dinner, a vulture experience, falls tour, sunset cruise, with optional airport transfers inclusive spa.

Tidbit Victoria Falls Lodge offers best families, couples and solo tourists seeking comfort and convenience, so ideal to wildlife lovers who want game-viewing without leaving the lodge thus offering a mix of relaxation, adventure and cultural immersion.
Victoria falls safari lodge is best for world class luxurious safari experience with wildlife sighting, cuisines, comfort and more activities just within.

The Elephant Camp At Victoria Falls 

The Elephant Camp at Victoria Falls, is a 5-star luxurious safari camp with a tagline of “where luxury meets wilderness” sited within the Victoria falls national park approx. 10 km from Victoria falls town as well as the Airport, and considered as Zimbabwe’s most enchanting luxury lodge. Overlooking the Batoka Gorge and the falls spray.

The Elephant Lodge offers deep historical experiences where comfort, conservation and connection to nature all in one destination. Originating the name Elephant Camp is due to a waterhole just In Front of the Camp that attracts lots of local wildlife mostly herds of Elephants.

The Elephant Camp is a Lodge that blends seamlessly with nature and split in two sections namely,

The main Elephant camp comprising of 12 spacious luxury suites. And the Elephant camp west which is quit smaller and more intimate option with 4 suites ideal for exclusive  use groups or families.

The either Camp sides are designed observing sustainability living in a concord way that you’re not just staying in the bush rather fully immersed in it. picturing open air decks and panoramic views of the gorge and spray from your private plunge pool.

A Suite[what to expect in a room]; Each suit is just a sanctuary of quiet luxury you wish to enjoy. with the following amenities.

• Indoor and outdoor showers with a gorge views 
• A thrilling plunge pool and sundeck.
• Well functioning air conditioners and fans for comfort.
• Free standing bathtubs.
• Additionally is a mini bar and an espresso machine and thoughtful touches throughout.

Just away ones walk in, it’s vivaciously clear this is not your typical safari lodge. it’s a five star comfort in the wild.

Gourmet Dining

Meals at the elephant camp are a no miss to tourists with an experience of their own.

Starting with breakfast and lunch served al fresco under shady trees fulling immersed by the natures breathe.

The dinners are just elegant affairs with a changing menu of gourmet cuisines often coupled with South African wines.

Guests with dietary needs are well accommodated with prior notice before arrival.

Sundowners feel special here especially when served overlooking the batoka gorge at sunset.

Activities And Wildlife Experiences

The activities at the elephant camp in victoria falls apply in a way that inclusives you pay no extra fee and optional extras may incur. Here is a take through to all these included in your all inclusive package. To note weather and time may be a consideration.

Guided Tour of Victoria Falls. This takes place in the Zimbabwean side through the rainforest walk with expert guides for safety of tourists. 

Victoria Falls Canopy Tour. this tour comes with blast activities like Zip-lining, Rope-Bridges, and Forest trails over the Gorge it’s a no miss season mostly to the Adventures Tourists.

Birding and Nature Walks. The most target market is Birders as well as Nature enthusiast who are taken through guided Wildlife and Bird watching during the Nature Walk across the private concession.

Meet the Elephant Encounter, just as the name portrays Elephants this would leave Wildlife devotees gutted incase the Camp does not signify its importance so there by there’s an organized  visit to the wild horizon Elephant Sanctuary for ethical close ups.

Cocktails and Canapes at Batoka Gorge with an exclusive of sundowner experience.

village tour. guests are given chance to interact with the surrounding rural community with cultural immersion.

Mountain Biking/ Cycling. This is carried out on concession trails and in Victoria town.

On the optional Activities[bookings and extra fees incur]

these thrilling add ons are arranged through the camp to enhance your stay.

White Water Rafting. It’s so fascinating to water lovers having an experience of a tackle Grade 5 rapids below the Falls.

Game Drives. This gives chance to explorer the private Victoria Falls Game reserve for the Big 5 and Rhino spotting.

Elephant Art Safari. It’s a paint alongside rescued Elephants.

Chobe Day Trip. Provision for a day safari in Botswana’s Chobe National Park.

Scenic helicopter. [Flight of Angels]. This enables one to view Victoria Falls at aerial views over the falls.

Zambezi Royal sunset cruise. A thrilling luxury river cruise with canapes and drinks are provided.

And lastly, a private spa treatment is administered in suite wellness sessions.

How it all fits in to your stay?

Included activities are scheduled throughout your stay rotating so guests enjoy a variety and the optional extras, like rafting or helicopter flights are typically one time events and require advance bookings for preparations, and most activities accommodates families and couples with flexibility across morning and late afternoon time slots.

Wrap Up

Whether you are after Wildlife, Adventure, Culture or Relaxation, the camp provides thoughtfully curated mix of complementary and premium experiences all anchored in conservation. From walking with rescued elephants to high adrenaline rafting or an iconic helicopter flight, there’s something for every traveler.

The Victoria Falls Hotel [a timeless jewel by the smoke that thunders]

The Victoria Falls Hotel is nestled just a stone’s throw from one of the seven natural wonders of the World, the hotel offers a rare combination of colonial grandeur, modern luxury and unbeatable proximity to the majestic Victoria Falls. “Known as the grand old lady of the Falls” this historical hotel is more than just a place to stay just like a journey back to a golden age travel.

Victoria Falls Hotel is a legacy of Elegance Since 1904

The Hotel was first opened in the 1904 during the height of the British Colonial era, where the Hotel was originally built to accommodate workers building the Cape to Cairo railway. Over the years the hotel has got a reputation of hosting important figures like both presidents and a number of celebrities, with many more adventurers all over the globe. Today stepping to the hotel feels like entering a time capsule, just thick of polished brass, period furniture, high ceilings and walls lined with black and white photos that portray story of bygone era. and despite its vintage charm the hotel has now been upgraded to meet modern expectations take an example of air conditioned rooms, super fast Wi-fi, spa services as well as gourmet dining are some of the luxuries that are now adjusted to the classic architecture.

Activities & Adventures

Choosing to stay at Victoria Falls Hotel feels like staying right at the heart of one of the African adventure capitals, from bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge to sunset cruises on the Zambezi river, White water rafting, Helicopter flights over the Falls and Cultural village tours.

Dinning

The Hotel boasts several fine dining options including the iconic Livingstone room, where one can enjoy a formal multicourse dinner with a dress code that nods to the hotels regal past. for a more relaxed experience, the Jungle Junction restaurant offers lively cultural performances alongside a diverse buffet under the stars. One shouldn’t leave without trying a gin and tonic on the veranda it’s practically a rite of passage at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

Why should one stay at Victoria Falls Hotel?

The experience of unmatched history being one of the oldest hotels in Africa with a story behind every corner.

A prime location of just a 10 minutes walk to Victoria Falls with direct access from the Hotel.

Old-world charm meets modern luxury, this allow one to enjoy five star comfort in a heritage setting.

So wow, a photographers paradise just from architecture to nature and Wildlife it’s all in one place.

A wrap

Whether your a romantic couple, a solo explorer or a family on safari, The Victoria Falls Hotel offers an unforgettable experience rooted in history and natural wonder making it not just a place to sleep but a destination itself.

Cresta Sprayview Hotel

Location

Cresta sprayview Hotel is located 1.4 km from the Victoria rain forest entrance. During rainy season there is always a result of high water volumes that leads the Victoria Falls flood, resulting to mist like spray of water seen vividly from the Hotel premises, rising high just as a column of smoke. To represent the Victoria Falls local name Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning the Smoke that Thunders. The Hotel is suited on 8 acres of groomed grounds, activating a relaxation mode to guests with Alfresco dining and the gross swimming area making it ideal for cross cut kinds of people can be honeymooners or international tourists.

Rooms & amenities.

In total they around 64 rooms, categorized in standard double,(standard double bed for 2 guests )executive suites(with a queen sized bed and sitting area, 2 guests) and family rooms. with facilities like, satellite tv, air conditioners, Wi-fi, catering, mini bar, toiletries, stationery. With extras like tiled floors and local artwork giving them a blend of modern comforts and African vibes.

Cuisines

A terrace restaurant with two bars namely the retro inspired railway cocktail bar, and the livelier rainforest bar both offering snacks, drinks, and Wi-fi. Breakfast includes fresh omelets, juice, coffee and dinner options range from homestyle to international fare under the stars beside the sparkling pool.

Cresta Sprayview Hotel is home of comfort and affordability making it first choice for families, honeymooners as well as business travelers. it’s centrally located offering adventure vibes with can be experienced while sipping a cocktail along the pool side. Cresta Spray Hotel indeed feels less like a Hotel and more of your own Safari foothold in the heart of Victoria Falls.

Old Drift Lodge

Overview

Old Drift Lodge is a new elegant tented lodge along side the Zambezi river in Zambezi national park a bush paradise that exudes an old world charm. Nestled just 7 km from Victoria Falls.

Suit And Amenities

Old drift lodge has got only 10 double rooms and 4 family tented suites each stretched on wooden decks and enwrapped in canvas which embodies an intimate, eco conscious safari feel. The suites interior is made up twin beds, mosquito nets, air conditioners, ceiling fans, writing desk and a lounge area. Adding on luxurious bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers, free standing baths well as a private plunge pools overlooking the river.

Activities

All activities are inclusive on the package. starting with a twice a day game drive, river safaris, walking safaris and a guided tour of Victoria Falls with lunch at Lookout Cafe. Expect Helicopter Flights, canoeing, whitewater rafting, zip lining, gorge swings, village visits are paid for activities with early booking with the Lodge. One may get chance to view Wildlife like Elephants, Giraffes and Zebras which may often pass near the Lodge.

Rates & Booking

Booking a stay comes with accommodation, meals, house drinks, airport and town shuttles which run daily and night rates range from $700-900 USD per person depending on the season.

Wrap Up

Guests will love unique canvas suites with private plunge pools and open air bathtubs, which makes the lodge a luxuries adventure ideal for travelers seeking authenticity without sacrificing comfort. Aim at a minimum of 3 nights stay so as to balance between exploring the falls and enjoying the bush  serenity.

Palm River Hotel

Riverside Elegance & Prime Location

It’s just a 4 km distance from the iconic Victoria Falls, where the hotel thrives a peaceful spot on the banks of the Zambezi river where one may hear a distant roar of the falls. 

Accommodation

Palm river hotel features a total of 73 rooms and suites including deluxe rooms fully established with balconies overlooking the river, AC, en suite bathrooms and satellite TV. Suites include Deluxe, Executive, Honeymoon, and the grand Presidential Suite, and the palm river villa with an exclusive retreat with a kitchen, private pool, lounge, 3 bedroom and free roaming wildlife on its patio.

Cuisines & Riverside Nights

There is a main restaurant at the grand hall with high ceilings , sliding doors opening to the riverfront, serving à la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner inspired by local ingredients. Riverside dining experience dine under the stars on the river’s edge, enjoying Zimbabwean barbecue fare. Lastly is an afternoon tea complimentary afternoon tea and an outdoor bar open from 10am to 10pm.

Activities

A 34 m deep pool with a lap and splash zone overlooking the Zambezi and nighttime wildlife sightings, A Spa alongside  a river offering aromatherapy, massages, manicures & pedicures. A Gym fully equipped with weights all with scenic views and artistic decoration. Curio shop and trails on site boutique and shaded paths through bushland. 

Wrap

Palm River Hotel is so elegant in of well appointed rooms with river views built on balconies and great launchpad for river cruises and falls excursions. making it ideal for couples, families and business travelers wanting comfort next to the Zambezi.

Mid Range Hotels

Shearwater Explorers Village

The Hotel is just 400m from Victoria Falls just a short walkable distance to the iconic falls where one can even feel the spray of the falls in the morning. 

Accommodation 

there are deluxe chalets well equipped with AC, en suite bathrooms, plush bedding, and coffee facilities. standard rooms comes in with same amenities, serviced dome tents with twin beds, linen, with shared facilities lastly is provision for camping spaces.

Amenities and Facilities

an open air restaurant and bar overlooking the garden, reliable Wi-fi, swimming pool, as well as safari style vibes comprised of gardens with birdlife and a waterhole with wild animals.

 A wrap

Shearwater Explorers Village delivers a great trifecta with an excellent location, full services and adventure support all wrapped in warm hospitality. it’s good for those intending wildlife sighting thus a strong Mid range place to stay at near the Falls.

Ilala Lodge Hotel

Ilala Lodge is a Mid range gem in Victoria Falls positioned on Mosi-oa-Tunya drive just an 8 minutes walk to the Victoria Falls entrance, bordering a National Park, there is often host of Wildlife like warthogs, impalas, and even elephants may wander by. 

Accommodation

In total there are 73 rooms across multiple wings ranging from classic, delux, executive suites and premium strathern suite. all rooms feature en suite bathrooms, air conditioners, fans, free Wi-fi and satellite tv. they are arranged in a way that upper floors have balconies and lower floors are open to stunning gardens well as deluxe and executive rooms include minibars and an espresso machines.

Cuisines 

There is a cassia restaurant an award winner for fine dining a-la-carte venue with indoor and al-fresco seating and a poolside bar well for serving cocktails on the pool side from 10am to 10pm.

Facilities and Service 

There is a large shallow entry pool and a plunge pool non a deck overlooking gardens and falls mist, spa that offers full service beauty like massages, manicures and pedicures. a conference center which can accommodate up to 40 guests with Wi-fi, projector and hospital services.

Rates

Pricing varies from the type of room one orders for, where classic rooms us $246-258 per person and deluxe rooms go for about us $284-329 per person.

The Hotel is best for mature couples, families and Wildlife enthusiasts seeking for convenience to the falls.

Backpackers Lodges

Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge

The Hotel is a vital Backpackers choice in the heart of Victoria Falls considering budget travellers since 1997. Providing perfect services and most importantly affordable accommodation or camping area. Its a social hostel with dorms, private rooms, pool, bar with rates as low as US $18-30 for the dorms to private rooms and a walkable distance to Victoria town and the Falls.

Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge

Victoria Falls backpackers lodge is an award winning rustic thatched buildings on the tropical gardens, for a distance of 3km away from Victoria Falls railway station. It comprises of dorms, funs and shared bathrooms ranging from US $18 furthermore private rooms a little upgraded from the dorms with A frame bungalows US $25 in addition to camping is also available. There activities like zip lining and dinner cruises can be arranged. The lodge provides free parking, outdoor pool and a playground. 

N1 Hotel & Campsite

N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls is located on Adam stander drive, about 10-20 minutes walk from the Victoria Falls entrance and close to town shops, the Hotel offers accommodation running 24 hours and rates here vary according to room type like standard, delux, twin and family rooms then dormitories and campsite with rates ranging from as low as US$25 per person in dorms to US$40 in standard rooms and over US$99 for double rooms. There is an outdoor pool surrounded by loungers, on site restaurant and an added conveniences like laundry services, airport shuttle and free parking. In a wrap the Hotel is ideal for backpackers seeking low budget as well as those seeking an immaculate simple place close to the falls.

conclusion

Above is an ultimate guide to hotels at Victoria Falls whether your seeking five-star luxury with panoramic views or cost friendly accommodation options for every kind of traveler with the thunder of the falls never far away with a wide range of activities nearby, your stay will be a lovely experience. You can book your safari with Kubwa Five Safaris.