Mosi-oa-Tunya: "The Smoke That Thunders"
More than just a waterfall
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, one of Southern Africa’s most iconic destinations, is easily reachable if you’re already visiting South Africa. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated a selection of our favorite lodges and hotels based on personal visits and firsthand experience. We recommend spending two to four nights in the area to get the most out of your visit. Beyond the Falls, there are many worthwhile adventure, cultural, and safari experiences to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a family or multi-generational holiday, a honeymoon, or a solo trip, we can offer personalized advice in choosing the ideal options for your Victoria Falls experience.
The Palm River Hotel
The Palm River Hotel (Zimbabwe)
The Palm River Hotel is the upmarket sister of Ilala Lodge, situated 4 kilometers upstream from Victoria Falls. The Hotel is located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River.
- Closest airport: Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe: +/- 25 minute drive (transfers will be arranged)
- Perfect for: Families, couples & groups (children of all ages welcome)
- Budget: From USD 354 per person per night
- Earthstompers rating: Luxury lodge (5 star)
- Exclusivity: Big hotel; 73 rooms
Tsowa Safari Island
Tsowa Safari Island (Zimbabwe)
Tsowa Safari Island is situated in Zambezi National Park, upstream from Victoria Falls. This is a surreal place, immersed in the river ecosystem, and set apart from the busy world.
- Closest airport: Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe: +/- 1 hour drive (4×4 game viewer and boat transfers included)
- Perfect for: Couples & small groups (children older than 12 welcome)
- Budget: USD 480 per person per night
- Earthstompers rating: Luxury (5 star)
- Exclusivity: Small lodge; 8 suites
528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
528 Victoria Falls Boutique Hotel, Zimbabwe is a small owner run Boutique Hotel situated in the leafy suburb of Victoria Falls only 3 kilometres from the mighty Victoria Falls.
- Closest airport: Victoria falls Airport, +/- 25 minutes’ drive (transfers will be arranged)
- Perfect for: Families, couples & small groups – children of all ages welcome
- Budget: From $175 per person per night
- Earthstompers rating: Classic lodge (4 star)
- Exclusivity: Small lodge; 8 rooms
Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge
Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge (Zimbabwe)
Shongwe Lookout Guest Lodge, Zimbabwe. This colourful & stylish is tucked away in a green suburb of Victoria Falls, just a 10-minute stroll from the Falls themselves. Relax in comfort and take in breathtaking views of the Zambezi River and sunset from the iconic Lookout Tower.
- Closest airport: Victoria falls Airport, +/- 25 minutes’ drive (transfers will be arranged)
- Perfect for: Couples & small groups – children of all ages welcome
- Budget: $140
- Earthstompers rating: Classic lodge (3 star)
- Exclusivity: Medium lodge; 23 rooms
Chundukwa River Lodge
Chundukwa River Lodge (Zambia)
Chundukwa River Lodge, Zambia, Chundukwa River Lodge is a small owner run lodge, perfectly situated on the green banks of the Zambezi River.
- Closest airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone, Zambia, +/- 30 minutes’ drive (transfers included)
- Perfect for: Couples, small exclusive use groups and families – children 10 years and older welcome
- Budget: $580 (fully inclusive)
- Earthstompers rating: Classic lodge (4 star)
- Exclusivity: Small lodge; 5 riverside chalets and 1 family cottage
Waterberry Lodge
Waterberry Lodge (Zambia)
Waterberry Lodge, Zambia, Waterberry is a small friendly and colourful lodge, situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River overlooking the National Park on the other side of the river.
- Closest airport: Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone, Zambia, +/- 30 minutes’ drive (transfers included)
- Perfect for: Couples, small exclusive use groups and families – children of all ages welcome
- Budget: $662 (fully inclusive)
- Earthstompers rating: Classic lodge (4 star)
- Exclusivity: Small lodge; 5 riverside chalets and 1 family cottage
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
How to get to Victoria Falls
Zimbabwe: Fly into Victoria Falls International Airport.
From Cape Town we recommend Airlink. Connections through Johannesburg are also possible.
From Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) we recommend Airlink or Fastjet.
From Kruger (Kruger Mpumalanga National Airport) we recommend Fastjet. Connections through Johannesburg are also possible.
Zambia: Fly into Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone.
From Cape Town we recommend Proflight or Kenya Airways for direct flights. Connections through Johannesburg with Airlink are also possible.
From Johannesburg (OR Tambo International Airport) we recommend Airlink for direct flights.
From Kruger (Hoedspruit, Skukuza and Kruger Mpumalanga National Airport), guests need to connect through Johannesburg.
You can also fly into Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, then take a road transfer to Zambia lodges.
Earthstompers ratings
The above lodges range from 3 to 5-star graded, though some choose not to undergo official star grading. Because each lodge offers a unique experience, it can be challenging to gauge their quality at a glance. To make it easier for our guests to find the perfect fit, we’ve developed our own rating system based on personal experience:
- Rustic: Unrated or 3-star (basic, rustic lodges)
- Classic: Unrated or 4-star
- Luxury: 5-star
- Superior Luxury: 5-star+
- Premium: 5-star++
What to do in the Victoria Falls area
- Mission #1 is to see the falls themselves! We recommend a guided tour to the Falls. Pro tip: See the Falls from both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides if you have time.
- For the more adventurous, try swimming in Devil’s Pool, a natural pool right on the edge of the Falls. This is seasonal, when water is at its lowest between August and December (Zambia).
- Livingstone Island Tour, a view of the Falls like no other (Zambia)
- Seeing Victoria Falls by helicopter is the only way you can get a sense of the scale of this natural wonder. Pro tip: On Zambia’s side you can also fly in the river gorge, this is an amazing experience.
- Join a Zambezi River cruise, which is a great way to watch an African sunset. See hippo & crocodile, and herds of elephant crossing the iconic Zambezi, all while sipping gin & tonics.
- Enjoy a sunrise experience on the famous Bamba Tram. This guided 90-minute trip will take you through the Zambezi National Park onto the iconic Victoria Falls suspension bridge with stunning views over the Victoria Falls at sunrise.
- Bushtracks Express Steam Train, Zimbabwe. Experience yesteryear’s elegance: a luxury steam train journey, sunset drinks on the Victoria Falls Bridge, and gourmet dining in tranquil wilderness.
- Enjoy a local lunch or dinner at Dusty Road in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
- Enjoy lunch and views over the river gorge from Lookout Cafe, Zimbabwe.
- Do a local village visit while in Zambia or Zimbabwe. These can include experiences like a visit to a local market, cooking lunch with a local family in the village, which is an unforgettable glimpse into local life.
- Enjoy catch and release tiger fishing on the mighty Zambezi River. Pro tip: On the Zambian side you will be fishing in the Zambezi National Park, this is a much quieter part of the park with wildlife sightings possible. Dream moment: Catching a tiger fish while a herd of elephant are grazing on the banks of the river!
There are many more activities on offer, such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or Chobe day trips. Please chat to us about options.
Zimbabwe and Zambia – so much more than just Victoria Falls
There is so much more to discover in Zambia and Zimbabwe than just the iconic Victoria Falls. Think remote, off-the-beaten-track wildlife destinations with not another person in sight. These are truly wild African experiences, featuring a small but exceptional selection of wildlife camps and lodges spread throughout each country’s national parks.
Zambia destinations:
Kafue National Park, South Luangwa National Park, and Lower Zambezi National Park.
Zimbabwe destinations:
Hwange National Park, Mana Pools National Park, Lake Kariba, and Matusadona National Park.
Contact our consultants to help you arrange an unforgettable African adventure through Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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