safari lodges Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
or the 'smoke that thunders'
Where the mighty Zambezi flows gently pass dreamy riverside safari lodges before cascading a spectacular 107m into a gaping gorge. The sheer crashing drop causes clouds of misty spray or ‘smoke that thunders’ as locals lovingly refer to it.
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On the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and one of the Seven Natural Wonders, this largest curtain of water in the world is best viewed by heli-flip or micro-light.
View the 1708m wide Falls on foot: from the Zimbabwe side for panoramic views of the Falls – from the Zambia side where you can follow a trail to the very top of the Victoria Falls – also location of the Devil’s Pool where you take a dip on the very edge of the Victoria Falls.
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December to March is rainy season with Victoria Falls in high flow.
Highest flow from February to May (and very misty…)
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June to September probably the best time to see the Falls.
Low water season around October to November.
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We suggest spending 2 nights at Victoria Falls.
And did you know, a visit to the Victoria Falls can also include a touch of safari.
add game drives and boat safaris
Either stay in town centre close to the Victoria Falls OR venture 10-20minutes out of town and stay at a scenic Zambezi riverfront lodge offering guided Tours of the Falls but also day and night game drives and game viewing boating safaris.
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It goes like this::
Do a morning game drive and breakfast before heading out for a day tour of the Falls.
Then return to your lodge for a lazy sundowner boat safari watching game drink at the river.
Finally, we freshen up before a lantern lit river-side dinner under a fairytale starry sky.
Pure indulgence – magical Africa.
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NOTE
Once in Victoria Falls, big game reserves like the Okavango Delta, Mana Pools and Hwange are all only a short inter-lodge flight or even an easy road transfer away
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where to stay Victoria Falls
On the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia so stay either side for easy access to Victoria Falls
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Arrive at one of 2 airports – Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls- or Zambia’s Livingstone Airport
A driver will do meet and greet for your transfer to the lodge of your choice
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First up, the Zimbabwe side for those panoramic views of Victoria Falls
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safari lodges Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe offers some iconic game reserves
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The Victoria Falls Park – big game and the Falls the Zambezi National Park close to the Falls and a short flight away the large herds of Hwange National Park or the upright elephants of Mana Pools
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Whether you visit the more well-known Parks or go further afield to more exclusive reserves Zimbabwe offers a rewarding safari experience
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Along with some jaw-dropping river side game lodges
Zimbabwe safari lodges
Island Treehouse suites
Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls Island Treehouse Suites are among the most exclusive and romantic accommodations offered by Victoria Falls River Lodge in Zimbabwe. Set on a private island in the Zambezi River, just upstream from the falls, these suites deliver unmatched privacy and breathtaking views of the river and surrounding wilderness.
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The Island Treehouse Suites are elevated among the trees, designed with open-plan layouts, floor-to-ceiling glass, and expansive decks. Each suite includes a private plunge pool, luxurious bedroom, en-suite bathroom, and outdoor shower. The design emphasizes natural textures and modern elegance, creating a serene atmosphere that feels both indulgent and deeply connected to the river.
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Guests enjoy central lodge facilities such as dining areas, lounges, and riverfront decks, while the island setting ensures seclusion. Activities include sunset cruises, canoeing, fishing, guided game drives in Zambezi National Park, and excursions to Victoria Falls, making the experience a blend of adventure and tranquility.
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The Island Treehouse Suites combine exclusivity, romance, and immersion in nature, making them one of the most extraordinary ways to experience Victoria Falls.
rates
rates 2026
US$ 1 490 to US$ 1 635
per person per night
Victoria Falls Hotel
Victoria Falls
rates
The Victoria Falls Hotel, often called the “Grande Old Dame of Victoria Falls,” is one of Africa’s most iconic and historic hotels. Built in 1904 during the era of the Cape-to-Cairo railway, it has long been a symbol of colonial elegance and timeless luxury. Its location offers sweeping views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the mist rising from the falls themselves, making it a destination that blends history, grandeur, and natural wonder.
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The hotel features 161 rooms and suites, each styled with Edwardian-era charm, polished wood, and classic furnishings. Guests can choose from Standard Rooms to opulent suites, all designed to evoke a sense of old-world sophistication while offering modern comforts.
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Central facilities include elegant lounges, manicured gardens, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and several renowned dining venues. The Livingstone Room is famous for its fine dining and classic atmosphere, while the Stanley’s Terrace is celebrated for its afternoon tea overlooking the bridge and the spray of the falls.
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Activities include guided tours of Victoria Falls, sunset cruises on the Zambezi, optional game drives in nearby reserves and cultural excursions. The hotel’s heritage and setting make it not just a place to stay, but an experience steeped in history and romance.
safari lodges Zambia
Zambia – an enormous country spanning 752K sq km (290K sq mile) and dotted with a number of Parks all filled with game and pristine wilderness
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Close to Victoria Falls we have the predator-free Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
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Opposite Zimbabwe’s famed Mana Pools, the well loved Lower Zambezi
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More remote and further afield, the wildlife havens of Kafue and South Luangwa.
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Though we don’t list lodges in all reserves, any lodge in any reserve available on request
Zambia safari lodges
Toka Leya
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Toka Leya Camp is a splendid riverside safari lodge located within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, just upstream from Victoria Falls in Zambia. Nestled among riverine forest and overlooking islands in the Zambezi River, it offers guests a blend of wilderness adventure and luxurious comfort.
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The camp features 12 spacious safari-style tents, raised on wooden decks with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas. The design combines canvas, wood & glass to create an elegant yet natural atmosphere with views stretching across the river.
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Central facilities include a lounge, dining areas, bar, swimming pool, and spa, all positioned to maximize the lodge’s riverside setting. Activities range from game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, boat cruises on the Zambezi, cultural visits, and excursions to Victoria Falls, to rhino tracking and fishing. The lodge also emphasizes sustainability, with eco-friendly practices and community engagement woven into its operations.
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Toka Leya Camp combines riverside tranquility, adventure, and indulgence making it one of Zambia’s most splendid safari lodges – perfect for couples & honeymooners.
rates
rates 2026
US$ 898 to US$1 142
per person per night
Tongabezi River Cottages
Livingstone
Tongabezi Lodge is a romantic and luxurious retreat located on the banks of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls in Zambia. Known for its intimate atmosphere, personalized service and many shaded chill-out nooks around the property, it offers guests a blend of adventure and tranquility with stunning river views.
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The lodge features a mix of accommodations:
River Cottages – Spacious cottages right on the riverbank with spacious private decks overlooking the Zambezi.
Themed Houses – Various unique lay-out options, each iwith ts own distinctive design and character offering privacy and individuality.
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Central facilities include a lounge, dining areas, bar, swimming pool and jetty. Activities range from sunset cruises, canoeing, and fishing to excursions to Victoria Falls, Livingstone Island, and cultural visits. Guests can also enjoy romantic dining experiences, from picnics on sandbanks to candlelit dinners on floating platforms.
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Tongabezi Lodge combines exclusivity, quirky creativity and romance making it one of Zambia’s most celebrated lodges – perfect for couples and honeymooners
rates
rates 2026
US$ 735 to US$ 965
per person sharing
Sindabezi Island Lodge
Sindabezi Island
Sindabezi Island Lodge is an extraordinary and truly unique safari retreat, set on a private island in the middle of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls, Zambia. Accessible only by boat, it offers a rare combination of exclusivity, barefoot luxury, and immersion in nature.
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The lodge features just five open-fronted chalets, each designed to maximize views of the river and surrounding wilderness. Chalets include en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and eco-friendly design that blends seamlessly into the island’s natural setting. With no electricity on the island, evenings are lit by lanterns and the stars, creating an atmosphere of romance and tranquility.
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Central facilities include a lounge, dining area, and sandy riverbank spaces where guests can enjoy meals under the stars or relax by the water. Activities range from sunset cruises, canoeing, and fishing to excursions to Victoria Falls, Livingstone Island, and nearby cultural experiences. Wildlife sightings from the island often include hippos, elephants, and an abundance of birdlife.
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Sindabezi Island Lodge combines remoteness, intimacy, and charm, making it one of Zambia’s most extraordinary safari lodges—perfect for honeymooners, couples, or travelers seeking a truly off-the-grid yet luxurious experience.
rates
rates 2026
US$ 640 to US$ 935
per person sharing
what to do in Victoria Falls
adrenalin rush anyone?
TOUR of the VICTORIA FALLS
Do easy self exploration or do a guided tour of the Victoria Falls & its (sometimes) very wet and damp rain forest.
Most lodges include a tour of the Falls in their daily rates but it can exclude Rain Forest entry fee.
The Zimbabwe side offer panoramic views – Zambia side a trail paradise right at the top of the Falls.
For daredevils, take a hair-raising swim on the edge of the Falls in the infamous Devil’s Pool.
Open between mid-Aug to late Dec, one can swim in this rock pool right on the edge of the Falls,
while looking down the cascading Zambezi into the watery abyss below
IN THE AIR OVER THE FALLS
ON and AROUND THE RIVER
ON and AROUND THE BRIDGE
GAME ENCOUNTERS VICTORIA FALLS
Most of our suggested lodges around Victoria Falls include game drives and/or boat safaris but If staying in town and not at a safari lodge, a selection of excursions offer game encounters – include lions, elephants and rhino encounters.
Victoria Falls
based in Cape Town South Africa
so remember
