A Guide to the Best Hotels in Victoria Falls

Hotel	Side of the falls	$	Book
The Kingdom Hotel Victoria Falls	Zimbabwe	$$	CLICK HERE
Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls	Zimbabwe	$$$	CLICK HERE
Victoria Falls Safari Suites	Zimbabwe	$$$	CLICK HERE
Victoria Falls Safari Club	Zimbabwe	$$$	CLICK HERE
Tuskers Holiday Home	Zimbabwe	$$	CLICK HERE
Royal Livingstone Hotel	Zambia	$$$	CLICK HERE
David Livingstone Hotel and Spa Lodge	Zambia	$$$	CLICK HERE
Fawlty Towers Backpackers	Zambia	$	CLICK HERE
Olga’s Italian Corner	Zambia	$	CLICK HERE
Kayube River House and Bungalows	Zambia	$$	CLICK HERE
Ngoma Zanga Lodge	Zambia	$	CLICK HERE

Zambia or Zimbabwe

There are hotels to suit all kinds of budgets in both Zambia and Zimbabwe so how do you decide which country is best to stay in.  Don’t worry Passport and Piano is here to help with all the information you need.

Which side of Victoria Falls is best?

Both sides of the falls are worth visiting and if you have the time the ideal answer is to spend a couple of nights in both Zambia and Zimbabwe.  However, if time does not permit this, the following information should help you decide.

Do you want to stay in Zambia or Zimbabwe when booking your Victoria Falls hotel.?

There are hotels near Victoria Falls in both countries.

The closest hotels in Zimbabwe are in Victoria Falls town

Zambia hotels near Victoria Falls are in the town of Livingstone.

Both countries have similar activities such as scenic flights, river cruises, white water rafting. If you want to swim at Devil’s or Angel’s pool Victoria Falls, you can only do this from the Zambian side.  You can read more about that experience here.

Zimbabwe hotels near Victoria Falls

✅Easy to walk to Victoria Falls, the entrance is just 2km from Victoria Falls town

✅The town was made for tourists, so plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes

✅Theres an outdoor market and the Elephant Walk Shopping Centre is in town.

✅Family-friendly resorts

✅Better choice for Backpackers

❌Its busier as its a tourist town

❌Hotels and Lodges don’t overlook the Zambezi River

❌No museums to visit

Zambia hotels near Victoria Falls

✅Better infrastructure in Livingstone

✅The town is more extensive, and you’ll get a feel for local life

✅There are a couple of museums and other points of interest

✅Best for Romantic riverside retreats

✅Incredibly beautiful riverfront lodges

❌Most hotels are at least 10km from Victoria Falls

❌Less dining out options in Livingstone

Reviews of the best Accommodation in Zimbabwe Victoria Falls

In the following reviews, you’ll find all the information you need about the lodges and hotels.  These are the top picks for hotels in this area so be warned they do get fully booked early.

Best hotels- Victoria Falls Zimbabwe side

The first hotel in this review is the closest hotel to Victoria falls on either side. This hotel was built to serve the needs of tourists to Victoria falls, as such its rather large and for that reason it may not suit all travellers.

The Kingdom Hotel Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

The Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls town is the closest hotel to the waterfall, which makes it great for exploring Victoria Falls National Park. Basing yourself here means that you can get quickly and easily to most things within the area. It’s not the best hotel Victoria Falls has to offer, but it gets good ratings, and of course, its location means you can overlook one or two things.

The Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls offers a great place to stay for families. The complex is enormous, with a kids club which is fabulous if your travelling with kids and want to have a little peace.

It also has a casino, spa, a generous swimming pool, an outdoor and indoor bar, restaurants which serve reasonable food and of course free wifi.

There’s an onsite gift shop, and the reception desk is 24 hour. The rooms are spacious at the hotel kingdom, Victoria Falls and have air conditioning, a desk, minibar, TV, hairdryer, safe and tea/coffee making facilities.

Transfers can be arranged from the airport, and family suites are available.

At breakfast, there is an option of à la carte or continental buffet, and special diets such as vegetarian and gluten-free can be accommodated. The lodge can also cater to strict kosher guests if requested in advance. The onsite fitness centre is well equipped, and there’s a golf course nearby.

For more information and to book this hotel CLICK HERE

Ilala Lodge Hotel, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Just 1.2 miles from Victoria Falls this family-run falls lodge is a short walk away from the waterfall. The expansive gardens are beautiful, and the hotel looks out towards Victoria Falls. You can even hear the waterfall from your room, and if you’re in the grounds, you may also feel the spray.

The rooms are pristine and kept beautifully clean as is the outdoor swimming pool. Each room is spacious, and there are lots of little touches which are pleasing, such as the free cookie jar, insect repellent, free bottled water and complimentary wifi. There are USB charging points in the room which is helpful and a handy mini-fridge.

Each room opens out onto a balcony or patio area, and the sunset over the garden is stunning. The food in the onsite restaurant is delicious, and it’s served under candlelight in the gardens.

If your an adrenaline seeker there’s plenty of activities nearby including the gorge swing, White water rafting and bungee jumping. Helicopter flights over the falls can also be arranged.

From this Vic falls hotel you can easily walk to the border post with Zambia and admire the view from the bridge. At the end of the garden, there’s a water hole where you may be lucky enough to spot an elephant or a warthog. There’s also a short cut through to the Elephant walk shopping centre.

 CLICK HERE to get the latest prices on the Ilala Lodge Hotel Victoria Falls.

Best Lodges in Zimbabwe Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Zimbabwe

This Victoria Falls safari lodge is on the outskirts of town, but there is a free shuttle service to Elephant’s walk shopping centre and the waterfall. It’s a great place to stay with families as there is a babysitting service and a children’s playground.

The outdoor swimming pool overlooks a waterhole where you can spot an abundance of wildlife. The MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant also has stunning views over the national park, and you can enjoy watching the animals while eating meals. A continental breakfast is included, and you can arrange for it to be delivered to your suite.

The safari suites also arrange themed dinner shows which are great for family entertainment with traditional African drumming, tribal dances and storytelling to participate in. They also have vulture feeding each day at 1 pm which is an exciting experience.

Other activities within the resort include a spa, fitness room, nature trails to explore and a bird hive. The suites are reasonably sized, and the bathrooms have bathtubs. Each unit also has a flat screen tv, a seating area, free access to wifi and a coffee machine.

The master bedroom is upstairs in the lodge with glass sliding doors onto a balcony. The view is magnificent, and the sunsets are stunning. Close by excursions include the Big Tree at Victoria Falls and the Crocodile Park.

For more information or to book now CLICK HERE

Victoria Falls Safari Club, Zimbabwe

This is one of the best 5-star hotels in Zimbabwe and is in the grounds of the award-winning Safari Lodge. If you don’t fancy one of the Victoria safari suites this premium boutique hotel is a great alternative.

The hotel has a fabulous viewing deck overlooking the game corridor to the Zambezi River. At the watering hole, you can expect to see elephants, zebra and giraffes daily and if you want a close encounter with a vulture, you can feed them as one of the activities.

Each room has what you would expect from luxury hotels in Victoria Falls. You’ll find a Nespresso machine, a mini bar, international plug sockets and free toiletries. There’s a turndown service at 6 pm, and of course, the mosquito nets are carefully placed over the beds.

Room service is available if you don’t fancy eating at the exquisite open-air restaurant. There’s a free shuttle service to Victoria Falls town, and the staff are accommodating. Safari Club offers an excellent combination for those looking to visit Victoria Falls and see the local game on the doorstep.

For the latest prices on this luxury, lodge click CLICK HERE.

Tuskers Holiday Home, Zimbabwe

For larger families or groups hotels at Victoria Falls can be an expensive option, and a villa can be a more affordable option.

Tuskers Holiday home is close to Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe. Everything is within walking distance including Victoria Falls.

There are four bedrooms which offer plenty of space and a fully equipped kitchenette if you want to prepare meals. There’s also a BBQ outside if you wish to use it. Towels, bedding, mosquito nets, tea, coffee are all provided, and there’s a good sized dining table to have breakfast at.

The decor is traditional, and the house is spotlessly clean. There are two bathrooms at the property and a lounge with a TV and satellite. Wifi is free and available throughout the house.

The pool is fantastic, and of course, you get it all to yourself unlike at Victoria Falls hotels and lodges. The host will help you arrange taxi’s if necessary and can organise transport to and from the airport.

Click here for more information on renting this holiday home.

Best Hotels in Victoria Falls -Zambia

Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambia

If you’re seeking Victoria Falls luxury accommodation, this is one of the best 5-star hotels. Victoria Falls is just a 10-minute walk away, and you can see the smoke that thunders from the beautiful gardens.

The hotel sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, and the sundeck is the perfect place to watch the spectacular sunsets. Wildlife, including giraffes and zebras, are regular visitors to the expansive, beautiful grounds and its a real delight to watch them.

Most of the tour operators depart from this hotel so its the perfect location for river cruises and actives at Victoria Falls.
The rooms at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, Victoria Falls are lavishly decorated, with four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets, and you can opt for a river or garden view.

The bathrooms have a separate bathtub, and the suites come with a hot tub and separate lounge. You’ll find a coffee machine, and a large flat screen tv in every room and free access to Wifi. The Royal Livingstone falls hotel also has a casino and a stunning outdoor pool.

The breakfast is fantastic, with a vast variety of options to choose from. It includes a wide selection of freshly squeezed juices, fruits, cheeses, yoghurts, cereals and bread. If you prefer a cooked breakfast, you won’t be disappointed with the vast choice of hot selections including a full English.

In the evening you can enjoy dining at one of the hotels gourmet restaurants and the cocktail bar is an excellent place for a pre-dinner drink. If you can’t afford to stay here, it’s worth visiting as its one of the best hotels in Livingstone Zambia for afternoon tea.

To avoid disappointment, this hotel needs to be booked well in advance.  CLICK HERE to book now.

David Livingstone Hotel and Spa Lodge, Zambia

On the banks of the Zambezi River, this is one of the best hotels in Victoria Falls, Zambia. The lodge is approximately a 10-minute drive from Victoria Falls, and there is a free shuttle service that regularly goes to both Livingstone and the falls.

You can enjoy a cruise down the river on the lodge’s private boat Lady Livingstone or book a relaxing treatment at the spa. The swimming pool is outdoors and surrounded by the hotel’s expansive gardens.

There is also a fine dining restaurant and a more relaxed buffet style restaurant. Special diets can be catered for, and the quality of the food is excellent. The cocktail bar is the perfect place to watch the stunning sunsets over the river Zambezi and if you’re lucky you may even spot a hippo.

The rooms are clean and spacious with free toiletries, a hairdryer, bathrobe and fluffy towels all provided. There’s also a turndown service in which the mosquito nets will be let down, and they’ll be a little chocolate delight placed on your pillow. The bathrooms have twin basins and a separate bathtub.

Bottled water is complimentary in the rooms as is the mosquito spray and plug-in mosquito repellent. Each room has a tv, but you’ll find the view from your balcony provides everything that you might want to watch.

For the latest prices and more information CLICK HERE

Best Budget hotels in Victoria Falls, Zambia

Fawlty Towers Backpackers

Cheap hotels in Victoria Falls are hard to find, but the Fawlty Towers Backpackers offers excellent value. There is a variety of rooms available from ensuite doubles to 8 bedded mixed dorms.

There’s a free shuttle service to the falls each day, and the hotel is conveniently located near the railway museum. Free pickup from the airport can be arranged although they are not able to cater for flight delays. There’s also 24hour security and an onsite salon.

Free tea and coffee are available all day, and in the afternoon the chef serves free pancakes. There’s an onsite braai or barbeque which you can use or ask the chef to cook something for you depending upon your budget. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, and the gardens are beautifully kept.

The deluxe rooms are comfortable, and the showers are fantastic. In the dorms, all beds have a mosquito net, and towels are available with a returnable deposit.

The staff will be happy to help you with anything and the place as a relaxed feel. There’s a good mix of young, old, single travellers and families at the property and you’ll be hard pushed to find a budget hotel, Victoria falls that offers such great value for money.

Don’t miss out on this great budget hotel. Click CLICK HERE to reserve your room now.

Olga’s Italian Corner, Zambia

Olga’s Italian Corner is excellent for those who are travelling on a budget and people who like to give back while travelling.  All profit from this guest house and restaurant goes into the local youth community training centre. 

This centre is an education centre for the vulnerable youth of Livingstone.  If you stay at the guest house, you are welcome to look around the centre.  We did on our visit last March, and the project is certainly a worthwhile cause.

The Italian restaurant is excellent, and the wood-fired pizzas are genuinely up there with the best.  The pasta dishes are also delicious, and the bread is made from authentic dough. 

The rooms are basic, but they are spotless, and the garden is beautiful.  It is a little noisy as it’s in the centre of town and there is a school playground next door which may put some people off.  However, if noise doesn’t bother you this hotel offers excellent value for money and its one of the cheapest places to stay in Livingstone. 

Victoria Falls is approximately 15 minutes walk away, or you can hop in a taxi.  There’s a taxi rank directly outside the hotel and an atm should you need one.

We stayed here after our visit to Botswana.  If your thinking of going on a safari you can read how to plan your self-drive safari in Botswana here.

For the latest prices and more information  CLICK HERE

Best Zambezi River Lodges

Kayube River House and Bungalows, Zambia

If you’re looking for the best self-catering lodges in Victoria Falls area, you should consider Kayube River House. The location of this lodge is stunning, and each bungalow has a veranda on the edge of the Zambezi river.

The magnificent river views can be enjoyed while relaxing on your terrace. On the opposite side of the river to the Zambezi National Park, you may spot some wildlife if you’re lucky. You’ll hear the hippos even if you don’t get to see them.

Each chalet has air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen with a refrigerator, oven and stove. The generously sized beds are positioned so that you can admire the sun rising above the river Zambezi every morning through the large windows.

The housekeeping team service the chalets daily and if you need anything all you have to do is ask. Transport from the airport or Kangazula ferry is available at a small fee, and you’ll receive a warm welcome when you arrive.

When we stayed here all the staff greeted us with a traditional African song, it was the start of a fantastic few days. Karien, the manager, will be happy to help you plan any activities and the lodge has a safari vehicle which you can book to go on a game drive. There’s also a plunge pool should you wish to take a refreshing dip and wifi is available in all public areas.

You can read about our wonderful trip to Livingstone Island that Karien arranged for us here.

For the latest prices and more information CLICK HERE

Ngoma Zanga Lodge, Zambia

This is a beautifully African themed Livingstone lodge. Victoria Falls is approximately 9 km away, and the centre of Livingstone is a short walk. The railway museum in Livingstone is on the doorstep and its very close to the Royal Livingstone Express.

As Vic Falls lodges go, you’ll be hard pushed to find one with a more exquisite interior. The walls are adorned with African artwork, and there are stunning sculptures to admire. Its located in a quiet area of town and breakfast can be enjoyed by the pool.

The staff are accommodating and, nothing is too much bother. The rooms are adequately sized and have free wifi although the signal like many hotels in Victoria Falls is not always great.

The bathrooms are modern, and the rooms have both airconditioning and ceiling fans. A flat-screen tv is provided in each room as is a kettle. The pool is beautifully clean and its a great place for families to stay.

CLICK HERE for the latest hotel prices and more information.

I hope you’ve found this guide to Victoria falls accommodation useful.  You may also be interested in reading how to plan a self-drive safari around Botswana.