The Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall and sits where the wide Zambezi River drops away 100 meters into a narrow gorge. With such diversity on its doorstep, nothing can compare to exploring the majestical African Bush by an open vehicle at sunrise, watching the sunset over one of nature’s breathtaking wonders of the world, and at the end of the day relaxing in one of the best safari lodges near Victoria Falls.
1. The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, Zambia
Bask in the graceful safari-style Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, only steps from one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Sweeping Zambezi River and savannah views stretch from every veranda as you relax in elegance.
Wake up to the sight of zebras wandering the Livingstone hotel grounds. Raise a glass at sunset to the marvelous waterfall thundering to its depths as you recline in style. Relax on shady verandas overlooking manicured lawns. Surrender to relaxation with spa therapies under the shade of monkey trees on the banks of the river.
The Royal Livingstone is located on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, overlooking the Zambezi River and directly accessing the Victoria Falls.
When staying at this fantastic hotel, Highlights include unlimited complimentary access to Victoria Falls, just five minutes walk away, along with wildlife roaming the grounds and massage experiences beside the Zambezi River.
A host of restaurants around the hotel and beyond celebrate the flavors of Europe and Africa. Among the many Livingstone, Zambia restaurants, dine on a restored steam locomotive on a journey across the Victoria Falls. Experience an authentic African feast by firelight or partake in a traditional high tea or take in magnificent sunsets and cocktails overlooking the Zambezi River.
2. Old Drift Lodge
Upstream of the iconic Victoria Falls, on the banks of the Zambezi River, lies Old Drift Lodge. The lodge boasts luxury accommodation overlooking the pristine Zambezi National Park, a mere 7 kilometers from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Old Drift Lodge is nestled within a wild paradise frequented by elephant, buffalo, herds of sable, eland, zebra, giraffe, kudu, waterbuck, and impala.
The main lodge area has 360-degree views, North facing onto the Zambezi & South facing a water hole. A 7 kilometer stretch of river flows between the camp and the town of Victoria Falls, making Old Drift Lodge the closest lodge within the National Park to Victoria Falls.
The spacious canvas en-suite rooms exhibit an air of elegance that blends in seamlessly with the natural environment. The suites are resplendent with stylish furnishings and fittings, accentuated by an indoor and outdoor shower, private plunge pool, and bath with a view.
3. Sindabezi Island Chalets at Tongabezi
Located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, Sindabezi Island at Tongabezi is an exclusive camp on its very own private isle on the Zambezi River and the best luxury site from where Victoria Falls can comfortably be explored. The Wi-Fi-free peaceful sanctuary that is Sindabezi Island boasts five truly luxurious and breathtaking island chalets, all perched on stilted wooden decks offering the best views imaginable across the flood plains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park.
Getting to Sindabezi Island Chalets at Tongabezi is straightforward – the closest airport being Livingstone Airport, a 35-minute drive from the lodge. British Airways and South African Airways fly into Livingstone from Johannesburg, South Africa daily, and Kenya Airways also flies from Nairobi into Livingstone 3 times weekly.
Upon arrival, nothing can prepare you for the amazing wildlife you will see from your open-sided chalet. Watching the Zambezi River quietly flow by your eco-friendly chalet is simply out of this world. After a day of exploring, return to this tranquil haven for a nice hot outdoor shower, followed by a delicious gourmet meal. Settle down under the starry skies by the picturesque campfire and absorb the sights and sounds of the African Bush surrounding you. Spectacular!
4. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Situated only 4km from Victoria Falls and surrounded by African Bush as far as you can see, lies the beautiful Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. The Falls lie across the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Sunsets from the Buffalo bar viewing deck are a sight to behold, as are the striking views from the bedrooms – some of them overlooking the waterhole frequented by elephants, buffalo, and other wildlife and birds.
5. Stanley Safari Lodge
Found in the town Livingstone, Stanley Safari Lodge is an elegant and luxurious getaway and only three kilometers from the Victoria Falls. Easy to get it by road, it can be found 25 minutes from Livingstone Airport.
Set on a hill bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and overlooking the unspoiled bush, the ten uniquely designed chalets are all open design, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wonders of the true African Bush.
6. Masuwe Lodge
Masuwe Lodge borders Zambezi National Park and is just 7km (4.4 miles) from Victoria Falls.
Animals roam freely around the natural bushland, and your eyes will be treated to frequent sightings of the local wildlife, including impala and hyenas. Lit at night-time, the small waterhole just in front of the lodge presents a truly magical experience once the sun has gone down.
7. The Elephant Camp
With its 12 luxury suites under canvas, The Elephant Camp Main really puts you at one with nature.
Situated approximately 10km from Victoria Falls, this all-inclusive camp perched on a hill offers spectacular panoramic views. Rooms boast a private plunge pool and decking area, and the gorge is the place to spend the evening watching the sunset whilst sipping a cocktail.
8. Shongwe Lodge Lookout
Located around 2km from Victoria Falls Waterfall, Shongwe Lodge Lookout consists of 23 beautifully furnished rooms set in the suburbs of Victoria Falls.
The rooms surround their unique Lookout Tower, which offers amazing views of the Zambezi River, and the magical mist rising from Victoria Falls. A true African delight.
9. Mpala Jena
Inside Zambezi National Park and 10 miles from Victoria Falls, you will find four all-inclusive tented suites or a two-bedroom tented villa overlooking the stunning Zambezi River shoreline.
Using recycled materials and solar power for electricity, Mpala Jena is one of the most eco-friendly sites you will find. Offering bespoke safari tours and guided walks, this all-inclusive camp is truly exquisite.
10. Matetsi Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a 40km downriver from Matetsi Victoria Falls, which can be found between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the Zambezi River.
Matetsi boasts a Private Game Reserve of 55 000 hectares of protected and unspoiled wilderness. The game drives are out of this world, not to mention the incredible food and staff.
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