Palm River Hotel

Lodge

Palm River Hotel

Live availability

Palm River Hotel

About the lodge

An overview of Palm River Hotel .

The Palm River Hotel, a 5-star establishment, features 73 luxuriously appointed rooms nestled along the iconic Zambezi River, amidst towering indigenous trees. Located just 4 kilometres from the majestic Victoria Falls, this hotel provides discerning travellers with opulent accommodations and convenient access to explore one of Africa's Natural World Wonders.

Highlights

  • Luxurious accommodation
  • Fully immersive dining experience and authentic African barbecue-style dinner
  • Ra-Ikane River Cruises
  • Riverside Dining Experience

You Should Know

Children aged 4 and older are welcome at the hotel.

The Details

Drawing inspiration from the traditional East-Coast Australian Queenslander design style, the hotel combines modern styles with the old-world charm inherent to Victoria Falls. This fusion of traditional architecture and the landscape of the Zambezi River creates a unique and striking landmark that stands out in Victoria Falls.

Accommodation

60 Deluxe Rooms

Each Deluxe Room features a private balcony offering scenic views of the Zambezi River and the lush gardens. Rooms include a writing desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite TV, air conditioning, and a digital safe. Bathrooms are designed with ample space, featuring an open shower, a double vanity, and all essential amenities to enhance your stay.

2 Deluxe Suites

The Deluxe Suites are situated on the ground level, overlooking the Zambezi River and lush gardens. These suites are ideal for families or couples traveling together. They feature spacious King and Twin rooms, en suite bathrooms, writing desks, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a fully stocked complimentary minibar. Between the bedrooms is a shared lounge and dining area leading onto a large, private veranda.

2 Honeymoon Suites

The Honeymoon Suites offer an idyllic retreat for couples celebrating special occasions, honeymoons, anniversaries, or vow renewals. Surrounded by the romance of Africa, these suites have romantic daybeds and outdoor showers, as well as large balconies with sweeping views of the Zambezi National Park and the mighty Zambezi River. The rooms feature luxurious wooden four-poster king-size beds, writing desks, and lounge chairs. The en suite bathrooms are equipped with a gold bathtub, double showers, and double vanities, complemented by a separate toilet.

3 Executive Suites

The Executive Suites feature a large bedroom connected with a relaxing lounge and a balcony area overlooking the Zambezi River. They are ideal for guests seeking extra privacy and luxury. The rooms include spacious bedrooms with king-size beds, writing desks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. For additional entertainment, the rooms are equipped with satellite televisions. Additional features include air conditioning, fixed luggage storage, bedside reading lights, a fully equipped tea and coffee station, and a fully stocked complimentary minibar. The river-facing balcony, complete with a daybed, provides the perfect place to soak in the serene natural surroundings.

1 Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is the most luxurious room in the collection, enjoying a prime central location within the hotel and offering unique views of the Zambezi River. This expansive suite includes a super king-size bed, a private mini balcony, ample wardrobe and changing spaces, and an opulent bathroom featuring a large bathtub, double vanity, and dual showers accented with elegant brass details. An adjoining lounge, richly finished from floor to ceiling, offers a secluded haven for relaxation. The suite's large balcony, nestled under the canopy of ancient indigenous trees, provides a serene vantage point overlooking the tranquil Zambezi River.

Dining

Palm River Hotel Restaurant - The Grand Dining Hall

The dining hall flows onto a veranda space and an al fresco dining area, sheltered by tall ceilings that merge with the canopy of trees.

Riverside Dining Experience

Enjoy authentic African-style barbecue dining in a stunning setting on the edge of the Zambezi River, guaranteed to create an unforgettable experience. The diverse menu includes traditional Zimbabwean specialties, fresh salads, and flavorful side options. The experience includes return transfers, a welcome drink, and light entertainment by local musicians. Available throughout the year at the Palm River Hotel, weather permitting. A cash bar is available.

Group Riverside Barbecue Dinner

Experience a unique African-style barbecue on the banks of the Zambezi River under the starry African sky. This event offers a three-course barbecue dinner, traditional entertainment, one bottle of water, and one glass of red or white wine, beer, or soft drink per person. A cash bar is available. Requires a minimum of 12 guests and is available at an additional cost.

The Cassia Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel

Centrally located only minutes away from Victoria Falls, The Cassia Restaurant at Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a three-course à la carte dinner with return transfers for Palm River Hotel guests.

Activities

Guests can indulge in a wide range of activities within the historical town of Victoria Falls or revel in the enchantment of the Zambezi River and the rich wildlife that populates this renowned destination.

Ra-Ikane River Cruises

These cruises include breakfast, lunch, and sundowner options, as well as the opportunity for private charters. Each Ra-Ikane boat is staffed with a dedicated crew comprising a knowledgeable captain, guide, and waiter, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable journey. Cruise along the mighty Zambezi River, upstream of Victoria Falls, in a boat that accommodates a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 16 passengers. The smaller size allows for closer navigation to the banks, enhancing bird and wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Breakfast cruises feature a continental breakfast with tea, coffee, and juice.
  • Lunch cruises include a selection of cold meats, cheeses, bread, salads, and beverages.
  • Sunset cruises offer drinks and snacks.

Amenities and Facilities

Complimentary Shuttle Bus

A free shuttle bus operates on a schedule throughout the day, transferring guests between the Palm River Hotel and Victoria Falls town center, with stops at the Victoria Falls Rainforest, Ilala Lodge Hotel, and various craft markets.

Afternoon Tea

Enjoy an array of sweet treats, teas, and coffees daily from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM with an awe-inspiring view of the Zambezi River. This is complimentary for all in-house guests.

Spa

Relax in the luxurious spa, with views of the Zambezi River, offering a variety of treatments including aromatherapy, massages, manicures, and pedicures inspired by the natural surroundings.

Outdoor Bar

Set under a canopy of trees, the outdoor bar serves a wide range of beverages, from local and imported drinks to specialty coffees and fresh juices, available daily from 10 AM to 10 PM.

On-site Gymnasium

The newly completed gymnasium is set within the hotel's indigenous gardens and features state-of-the-art equipment, providing guests a unique wellness experience in the wild. Access is complimentary for all guests of the Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel.

Price Includes

  • Complimentary three-course dinner at The Palm River Hotel (excludes drinks)
  • Complimentary three-course dinner at The Cassia Restaurant (at Ilala Lodge Hotel) with return transfers (excludes drinks)
  • Minibar stocked with two beers, two cokes, two sugar-free soft drinks, one red wine, and chocolates
  • Mineral water replenished twice daily

The same as booking direct

Rates and pricing.

Show prices in

Per person sharing, per night. Final pricing depends on dates, room category and party size.

Valid until 31 Mar 2027

Why book through us

You pay the lodge's rate, never a markup. What you get on top is a specialist who knows Palm River Hotel personally, looks after every detail of the trip, and stays reachable on WhatsApp from the moment you enquire to the day you come home.

By season

Green season

1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027

All Inclusive - Daily breakfast, minibar with a selection of beers, soft drinks, red & white wine, chocolates, afternoon tea served in the restaurant daily and a shuttle bus to Victoria Falls Town

Rates are per person sharing, per night. A single supplement may apply for solo travellers. We offer a price match guarantee, just ask your safari specialist.

Family policies

Travelling with children.

What our safari specialists know about bringing children to Palm River Hotel: minimum ages, activities, family rooms and child rates, current as of May 2026. They plan family trips here all the time, so anything below that needs arranging, they will sort. For the bigger picture, see our guide to safari with children .

Minimum ages

Stay
All ages
Game drives
6+
Walking safari
12+

Programmes & care

Kids' programme

Accommodation

Family unit available.

Child rates

Children 3 and under free when sharing with parents/paying guests. Child sharing and child single rates published for ages 4–11 in Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Suites. Rooms accommodate a maximum of 2 guests, or 2 plus an infant in a cot.

Notable exceptions

  • Hotel is a Victoria Falls property (not a safari camp) and welcomes children of all ages to stay, with interleading Deluxe Rooms and family-friendly Deluxe Suites (minimum 3 pax per suite). The Ngwana Club caters to children of all ages with safari-related activities. Babysitting is not offered, but staff can assist with child-friendly daytime activities via the Ngwana Club. African Bush Camps supplier-wide rules apply to their safari camps (not necessarily this hotel): children under 16 must share with an adult; children under 6 are not permitted on game drives with other guests and require a private vehicle (extra cost); Expedition Experiences require children to be 12+.

Sleep-outs

Under the stars.

Star beds, sleep-out hides, walking sleep-outs and overnight platforms documented at Palm River Hotel.

Sleep-out hide

Somalisa Sleepout

The Somalisa Sleepout is a bookable overnight sleep-out experience available to guests staying at Somalisa Camp, Somalisa Acacia, or Somalisa Expeditions for a minimum of 3 nights. A private vehicle must be booked for the duration of the camp stay. Limited to a maximum of two guests (FIT bookings only), and available seasonally from 1 August to 30 November.

Minimum stay: 3 nights at any Somalisa Experience. Private vehicle required for duration of stay. Maximum 2 guests. FIT bookings only. Season: 1 Aug – 30 Nov. Closest airstrip: Manga Airstrip; closest international airport: VFA.

Availability
Seasonal Aug 01 – Nov 30; advance booking required; subject to availability

Sleep-out

Lady Jacqueline Overnight Cruise and Sleepout

The Lady Jacqueline is a boat on Lake Kariba offering an Overnight Cruise and Sleepout experience. Included for international guests staying at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge for a minimum of 3 nights. The vessel accommodates up to 8 guests, requires a minimum of 2 adults, and children under 12 are not permitted for safety reasons. Guests wishing to spend more than one night onboard may enquire for rates.

Minimum stay at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge: 3 nights. Capacity: up to 8 guests. Minimum: 2 adults to book; exclusive use requires minimum 4 adults. Children under 12 not permitted. Available first-come, first-served. Multi-night onboard stays available on enquiry.

Cost
Included for international guests
Availability
Subject to availability; first-come, first-served; advance booking required

Sourced from operator rate sheets and audited by our safari specialists. Prices and availability subject to change. Your specialist confirms at booking.

Speak to a safari specialist

Plan your dream safari at Palm River Hotel .

From your first enquiry to the day you come home, one named safari specialist looks after every detail. We can handle the whole trip, not just the stay at Palm River Hotel : multi-country itineraries, internal flights, road transfers, tipping guidance, travel insurance, the lot. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Example: 14–21 Nov 2027 · 2 adults · departing NYC · Big Five focus.

A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours. Your details stay private. View our privacy policy.

Ready when you are

Let's design your stay.

Your specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours with availability, exact pricing, and suggestions for what to combine it with.

Plan a safari

Begin your adventure with us.

Five short steps. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Step 1 of 5 When