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Choosing refined places to stay in Victoria Falls
Elegant travelers comparing places to stay in Victoria Falls often begin by weighing the contrast between the drama of the falls and the calm of the river. On the Zimbabwe side, Ilala Lodge and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel sit close to the rainforest entrance, so you can walk to the falls in minutes while still enjoying refined rooms, polished service, and a genuinely good sense of place. This proximity to Victoria Falls means you hear the thunder of the falls, see the spray at sunrise, and still return quickly to shaded gardens, classic suites, and attentive staff.
Across the Zambezi River in Zambia, the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara offers a different style of luxury, with manicured lawns running down to the river and a private path leading towards the viewpoints. Here, guests watch the river drift past while zebras graze on the lawns, then step into cool double rooms and suites that blend colonial inspiration with modern amenities and well considered comforts. For many visitors, these hotels provide a great balance between easy access to Victoria Falls, refined dining, and the option to add river activities or a day safari without sacrificing time in the heart of the destination.
Beyond the flagship properties, Palm River Hotel brings a contemporary feel to the banks of the Zambezi, with river facing rooms and suites that appeal to travelers who value clean lines and modern design. In Victoria Falls town, Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge offers a budget friendly alternative, yet even here private rooms and a lively pool area create a social base for exploring the falls and the surrounding national park. Whether you prefer a classic falls hotel, a riverside lodge, or a guest lodge in the town centre, it is worth taking time to compare prices, locations, and included activities before you enquire or confirm.
Balancing river, safari, and town when you book
When you evaluate places to stay in Victoria Falls, the most important decision is often whether you want to wake up near the falls, along the river, or inside a safari setting. Properties such as Victoria Falls River Lodge and Old Drift Lodge sit within Zambezi National Park, combining a river lodge atmosphere with easy access to game drives, river cruises, and guided visits to the falls. These safari lodge options typically include most activities and meals in their prices, so while nightly rates appear high, the overall value can be very good for travelers who plan to stay active.
Staying in or near falls town gives you flexibility to dine out, walk to markets, and join independent activities, while a river lodge on the banks of the Zambezi offers more seclusion and a stronger sense of wilderness. Matetsi Victoria Falls, set in a vast private concession along the Zambezi River, is a prime example, with generous suites, private plunge pools, and expertly guided game drives that feel both exclusive and deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. For guests who highly recommend immersive wildlife experiences, combining a few nights in town with a stay at a safari lodge can create a well rounded itinerary that balances culture, river, and game.
On the Zambian side, many luxury hotels and lodges integrate shuttles and transfers into their packages, which simplifies movement between the airport, the falls, and the river. If you value seamless logistics, it is worth reading about premium lodges and wildlife focused river adventures in Zambia before you enquire with your chosen property. In every case, ask clearly which activities are included, how many game drives are offered per day, and whether visits to Victoria Falls or the nearby national park require extra payment during high or low season.
Understanding seasons, prices, and value for money
Seasonality shapes both the character of Victoria Falls and the prices you will pay for hotels, lodges, and guest lodge stays. During the dry season, when skies are clear and game viewing in Zambezi National Park is at its best, luxury safari lodge rates tend to be highest and availability at top properties such as The Elephant Camp or Matetsi Victoria Falls can be tight. Travelers who plan ahead and compare prices across several places to stay in Victoria Falls often secure better value, especially if they are flexible on exact travel dates within the same season.
In the green season, when the Zambezi River runs fuller and the rainforest around the falls feels lush, some river lodge and safari lodge properties introduce low season offers that make high end suites more accessible. This can be an excellent time to enjoy falls safari activities, river cruises, and game drives with fewer vehicles in the national park, while still returning to spacious rooms or double suites that feel thoroughly private and serene. However, water levels and spray intensity change through the year, so it is wise to enquire in advance about current conditions on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of Victoria Falls.
Budget travelers gravitate towards options like Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge, where dorm beds and simple rooms keep costs down while still placing you close to falls town and its many activities. Mid range hotels and guest lodge properties in and around town centre offer a good compromise, with comfortable rooms, reliable service, and the option to add paid excursions to the falls, the Zambezi River, or nearby game areas. For deeper context on how a stay at Victoria Falls can fit into a broader safari journey, many travelers read about immersive luxury safaris across Zambia before finalizing their plans.
Iconic hotels and lodges around Victoria Falls and Vic Falls town
Some places to stay in Victoria Falls have become destinations in their own right, shaping how travelers imagine the region long before they arrive. The Victoria Falls Hotel, often called the Grand Old Lady, overlooks the second gorge and the bridge, offering manicured lawns, classic suites, and a sense of history that pairs beautifully with afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Many guests highly recommend this falls hotel for its gracious service, refined public rooms, and the way it frames the drama of the falls within a calm, elegant setting.
Nearby, Ilala Lodge offers a more intimate feel, with well appointed rooms and suites that open towards the spray, while wildlife sometimes grazes on the lawns between the hotel and the edge of the national park. Palm River Hotel, set along the banks of the Zambezi, brings a fresh, contemporary aesthetic, with river facing rooms that appeal to travelers who want a modern take on a river lodge without sacrificing proximity to falls town and its restaurants. On the Zambian side, the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara combines direct access to Victoria Falls with polished service, making it a great choice for guests who want to walk to the viewpoints yet return quickly to tranquil gardens and refined dining.
Further upstream, Matetsi Victoria Falls and Old Drift Lodge offer a more secluded safari lodge experience, with suites positioned for river or bush views and a strong emphasis on game drives, river cruises, and guided walks. These properties sit within or near Zambezi National Park and often occupy a private concession, which allows for a quieter, more exclusive style of falls safari away from the busiest viewpoints. Whether you choose a grand falls hotel, a riverside guest lodge, or a remote island lodge, it is worth considering how each setting will shape your time between visits to the falls themselves.
Rivers, islands, and safari experiences on the banks of the Zambezi
For many travelers, the most memorable places to stay in Victoria Falls are those that bring them close to the Zambezi River and its wildlife rich banks. Properties such as Victoria Falls River Lodge, Old Drift Lodge, and other river lodge options position their suites along the water, so you can watch hippos, elephants, and birdlife from your private deck between activities. These lodges typically include a mix of river cruises, game drives in Zambezi National Park, and guided visits to Victoria Falls, creating a seamless blend of river, falls, and safari.
Some safari lodge properties occupy a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi, which allows for more flexible game drives, night drives, and walking activities with fewer vehicles. Guests often highly recommend this style of stay for its sense of space and exclusivity, especially when combined with generous suites, private plunge pools, and attentive guiding that brings the ecosystem to life. Island lodge experiences, where a small number of suites sit on a river island, add another layer of seclusion, with boat transfers, candlelit dinners, and uninterrupted views of the river and the distant spray from the falls.
When comparing river focused properties, pay close attention to what is included in the prices, particularly in high and low season. Some lodges include all activities, meals, and drinks, while others charge separately for game drives, falls visits, or premium beverages, which can affect overall value. To understand how these elements fit into a wider Zambian itinerary that may include other river and wildlife areas, many travelers consult in depth guides to immersive journeys through Africa’s wild heart before they enquire or confirm bookings.
Practical booking tips for luxury and premium stays
Securing the right places to stay in Victoria Falls requires attention to detail, especially for luxury and premium properties that fill quickly in peak season. Travel specialists often advise that you “Book luxury lodges several months ahead especially for dry season (July-October) when availability tight (victoriafallshq.com)”. It is equally important to clarify whether quoted prices are per person or per room, which activities are included, and how transfers between the airport, falls town, and your lodge will be handled.
When you compare prices across hotels, lodges, and guest lodge options, consider not only the nightly rate but also the value of included meals, game drives, and river activities. A safari lodge in a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi may appear more expensive than a hotel in town, yet the cost of separate activities and transfers can quickly narrow the gap. Travelers who highly recommend specific properties often mention clear communication before arrival, well organized logistics, and staff who respond promptly when they enquire about special requests or accessibility needs.
Safety and comfort also matter, particularly for first time visitors to Victoria Falls, Vic Falls town, or falls Zimbabwe. Reputable hotels and lodges maintain good security, trained guides, and vehicles that are well maintained for game drives and transfers, which contributes to a relaxed stay. Before confirming, read recent reviews, ask about low season maintenance schedules, and verify whether your chosen property is close to town centre, within the national park, or further along the falls river, as this will influence both atmosphere and daily travel time.
Zimbabwe or Zambia side, and how long to stay
Choosing between the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides is central to planning places to stay in Victoria Falls, and many travelers ultimately decide to experience both. As one expert summary notes, “Consider staying on Zimbabwe side for best waterfall views; Zambia for water-based activities like Devil’s Pool (victoriafallsafrica.com)”. This balance reflects the way the main viewpoints, rainforest trails, and classic falls hotel properties cluster around falls Zimbabwe, while the Zambian side excels in close river access and seasonal activities on and above the Zambezi River.
In practical terms, many visitors spend two or three nights near Victoria Falls or Vic Falls town, then add extra nights at a safari lodge or river lodge in Zambezi National Park or another game area. This pattern allows time to walk the viewpoints, enjoy activities such as helicopter flights or sunset cruises, and still fit in several game drives without feeling rushed. If you plan to include an island lodge or a more remote guest lodge on the banks of the Zambezi, consider extending your stay so that travel time does not eat into your relaxation.
When you enquire about multi stop itineraries, ask whether your chosen operator or hotel group can link stays across both sides of the falls, which can simplify visas, transfers, and payments. Some travelers highly recommend working with specialists who understand both falls town and the wider Zambezi National region, as they can advise on low and high season nuances, from spray levels to wildlife movements. For additional context on how Victoria Falls fits into a broader circuit of premium properties with efficient transfers, you may wish to read about Zambian luxury hotels that offer shuttle services and premium comfort before finalizing your plans.
Key statistics for planning your stay
- Typical nightly rate for a budget hostel or dorm bed in the Victoria Falls area is around 15 USD, which suits cost conscious travelers prioritizing location over amenities.
- Luxury lodges near Victoria Falls, including high end safari lodge properties, commonly range from 500 to more than 1,400 USD per person per night on a fully inclusive basis.
- From Ilala Lodge, the walking time to the main Victoria Falls entrance is approximately 3 minutes, offering one of the most convenient hotel locations for independent exploration.
Essential questions about where to stay
Which side should I stay on – Zimbabwe or Zambia ?
Zimbabwe offers the most extensive viewpoints and rainforest trails, making it ideal for travelers who want classic, panoramic views of Victoria Falls in all seasons. Zambia excels in river based activities, seasonal access to unique vantage points such as Devil’s Pool, and often a slightly quieter atmosphere along the Zambezi River. Many visitors split their stay between both sides to enjoy the full range of perspectives, activities, and hotel styles.
How much does a luxury lodge cost per night ?
Luxury lodges in the Victoria Falls region typically cost between 500 and more than 1,400 USD per person per night, especially when they operate on a fully inclusive basis with meals, drinks, and activities. Rates vary according to season, with peak dry months commanding the highest prices and some low season periods offering attractive value. When comparing options, consider what is included, the quality of guiding, and whether the lodge sits within a private concession or a busier section of the national park.
Are there budget accommodation options ?
Yes, budget travelers will find hostels, simple lodges, and campsites on both sides of Victoria Falls, particularly around falls town and Livingstone. Dorm beds often start around 15 to 30 USD per night, while basic private rooms may range from 40 to 70 USD depending on location and season. These options provide a practical base for exploring the falls and joining selected activities, especially for visitors who prefer to allocate more of their budget to experiences rather than accommodation.
