Top Lodges along the Zambezi River

The mighty Zambezi River is the largest river to flow into the Indian Ocean and the fourth-longest river in Africa. It is this precise river that supplies the world’s most loved natural wonder - the Victoria Falls. Travelers from far and near come to experience Africa’s biggest attraction and the world’s largest curtain of falling water. Capturing the grandeur of Victoria Falls and providing once in a lifetime experiences, here are the top lodges along the Zambezi River.

Top Lodges along the Zambezi River: Victoria Falls River Lodge

Nestled right alongside the Zambezi River and surrounded by the pristine bushveld of the Zambezi National Park is Victoria Falls River Lodge, offering unique accommodation options and all the luxury comforts. The lodge boasts eight thatched luxury tents, five family tents, four exclusive Island treehouse suites, and a star bed treehouse; making it the ideal destination for couples, families, and even solo travelers. The lodge facilities are exceptional and include a reception, open-plan dining and lounge areas, bar, a swimming pool, travel desk, complimentary Wi-Fi access in the public areas, boutique gift shop, a wood-fired pizza oven for gourmet pizzas and breads, a spa, and a gorgeous viewing deck that looks onto a waterhole. But what makes Victoria Falls River Lodge one of the top lodges along the Zambezi River has to be the number of activities available to guests to enjoy. These include a tour of the iconic Victoria Falls, open-vehicle game drives in the Zambezi National Park, river cruises and canoe safaris on the Zambezi, walking safaris, and fishing. This is over and above the number of activities offered around the Victoria Falls area. The Zambezi National Park is home to a wide variety of animals, including giraffe, lion, and leopard who have access to the park from other surrounding areas. It is common to see elephant and buffalo gathered on the banks of the Zambezi River.

Thorntree River Lodge

Only a short distance from Victoria Falls, right on the edge of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, lies the luxurious Thorntree River Lodge with its modern contemporary design and ten opulent rooms - complete with indoor and outdoor showers, and private plunge pools.  Thorntree River Lodge is one of the top lodges along the Zambezi River due to its state of the art facilities and more exclusive experience. A lounge, open-air dining area, outdoor boma, infinity swimming pool, and viewing deck that all look onto the river, is where you will spend a lot of your time admiring the wildlife. Other lodge facilities include a nearby gym, spa, activity desk, library, bar, and complimentary internet access. A unique feature and favorite amongst guests is the wooden decking that floats on the edge of the river and moves with the water. It creates this feeling of being on a boat, offering complete tranquility and the perfect place to watch the sunset.To top off the incredible lodge offerings, guests can look forward to activities such as visits to Victoria Falls, rhino trekking on foot, game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, cultural village visits, private sunset river cruises, fishing, canoeing, and visits to the Livingstone Museum.

The Royal Livingstone Hotel

Set in one of Africa’s most alluring locations, the colonial-styled Royal Livingstone Hotel is one of the top lodges along the Zambezi River because it is a luxury retreat fit for even the most discerning traveler. The views of the mighty Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are absolutely spectacular, often hearing the thunderous sound of the falls and the spray created by the powerful flow of water belting down the edge of the cliff. With a total of 173 elegant rooms, the hotel is well equipped to cater to the needs of families, couples, and solo travelers alike. To complement the interior finishings of iron chandeliers, polished floors, chrome mirrors, and gorgeous flower arrangements; the hotel offers exceptional facilities which include an activity desk, bar, restaurant, conference center, gym, kids club, laundry service, gym, internet access, and a swimming pool.The Royal Livingstone Hotel is a stone throw away from the falls and has an array of activities on offer, including microlight flights, white water rafting (seasonal), visits to Livingstone Island and Devils Pool (seasonal), helicopter flights, gorge swings, river cruises, canoeing, and even day trips to Chobe National Park for a big five safari experience.

Matetsi River Lodge

Boasting 15 kilometers of exclusive riverfront views, Matetsi River Lodge is one of the top lodges along the Zambezi River to offer a rich wildlife experience in a very exclusive concession. This elegant lodge is within easy reach of the falls and the wide selection of activities on offer. Each of the eighteen contemporary suites are beautifully appointed and positioned perfectly to offer guest privacy and unhindered views of the river. Catering to the needs of families, there are two family suites that are adjoined by a passageway, as well as an exclusive-use villa that can sleep up to eight people - a perfect option for multigenerational families. Matetsi River Lodge prides itself on offering guests a tailored experience and world-class facilities which include a boma, fitness center, safari shop, wine cellar, massage sala, swimming pool, conference center, and various dining areas. The private concession is home to an abundance of wildlife, including large herds of elephant and buffalo, various antelope species, hippo, lion, leopard, wild dog, hyena, and as many as 366 species of bird. Open-vehicle game drives, walking safaris, and canoeing safaris are all part of the experience at Matetsi, along with visits to the falls.

Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge

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Nestled on a river bank, upstream from Victoria Falls, sits Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge - one of the top lodges along the Zambezi River. Each of the ten luxurious suites at the lodge offers the most incredible river views and uninterrupted privacy, making this lodge the perfect destination for those romantic getaways and family vacations. The facilities at Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge exceed the expectations of even the most discerning traveler with a swimming pool, kid's club, restaurant, wine cellar, cocktail bar, tv room, library, complimentary Wi-Fi, an outdoor boma, spa treatments, and a helicopter pad.The close proximity to Victoria Falls means that guests can experience a number of adventure activities. But what makes Royal Chundu Zambezi River Lodge special is the number of river activities included during your stay, including sundowner river cruises, birding safaris, fishing, and canoeing. You will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the falls and a nearby village tour.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Avani Victoria Falls Resort is one of the top lodges along the Zambezi River, positioned within the  Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and only five minutes walk from the mighty Victoria Falls. Staying at Avani Victoria Falls Resort means that you will have unlimited access to this natural wonder and enjoy some incredible animal sightings. Another treat whilst staying at the resort is the boma dinners with traditional dance entertainment which is offered every Friday evening.All of the 212 rooms and suite are tastefully decorated with Zambian arts and crafts, giving it that authentic African feeling.

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The resort offers excellent facilities, including a restaurant that serves international cuisine, a poolside grill and pool bar, activity desk, business center, conference center, nearby gym, kids club, swimming pool, spa, and complimentary internet access. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is home to a variety of animal species, including white rhino, various antelope, giraffe, zebra, and buffalo. Guests to Avani Victoria Falls Resort have their pick of activities, including guided game drives in the park, river cruises, helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, cable car rides over the Batoka Gorge, micro lighting, and white water rafting (seasonal).

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Victoria Falls is undoubtedly a bucket list destination and well worth the visit. With so much to offer travelers, it is no wonder why Victoria Falls is often regarded as the adventure capital. It is a destination that will exceed all your expectations and get you trying out things that would have never thought possible. Let one of our travel experts help you plan a timeless adventure today.