Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Falls, is the old capital of Zambia and the hive of activity in the area nowadays. With a cluster of larger hotels around the Falls themselves and stunning river lodges upstream, Livingstone also has a colonial town centre lined with fascinating, if somewhat decaying, Victorian buildings. Livingstone is our destination of choice for travellers visiting Victoria Falls.
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning the 'smoke that thunders', is the world's largest curtain of falling water. When the Zambezi is at its highest (from March to May) an awesome 5 million cubic metres of water thunder over these falls - creating so much spray that it looks like thick smoke and leaves you, 100 metres up, completely soaked! At 1.7km in width and between 90 and 107 metres in height, Victoria Falls truly deserves its place as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Some will argue that the area has become an archetypal tourist trap: pretty much every adrenalin-inducing activity possible is available here, with hawkers pushing bunjee jumps, gorge swings, lion walks and white water rafting at every possible meeting with tourists. However, if you are able to look beyond the crowds you will find a beautiful area, and one of the world's most stunning natural features. The key is to stay away from Victoria Falls town, up river on either side of the falls themselves, and enjoy the peace and calm of such a magical river. These are some of the most beautiful river settings for lodges, and are completely undisturbed by the crowds that Victoria Falls draws in. Livingstone: Accommodation choices
The most famous lodges on the Zambian side of the Falls are the River Club and Tongabezi. Both are super expensive but super good! The River Club has the best views of any lodge and has an Edwardian charm that adds to the eccentricity – croquet, Pimms and walks with the owners' Labradors are encouraged! Tongabezi is right next door, but is at river level so does not have such great views. What ‘Tonga’ lacks in views it makes up for with five absolutely mind-blowing open fronted suites. You will not be disappointed with a stay in either lodge. Tongabezi’s little sister Sindabezi is a beautiful small lodge on an island in the middle of the river. It is remarkably well priced for what it offers and one of the most charismatic lodges in the country. Wilderness Safaris run Toka Leya that is located closer to the Falls than the three lodges already mentioned. It has the advantage of location, but in our view is overpriced for what it offers and lacks the character of Sindabezi, Tongabezi and the River Club. The final lodge to talk about is the Royal Livingstone which is certainly more hotel than small lodge! With over 150 rooms it is far from small, and as much as we would love to hate it….we absolutely love it!
Recommended lodges in this area:
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
The River Club is in our view the finest property at Victoria Falls. Quite an honour considering the quality of the competition! What really sets this place apart from all its competitors is not so much the quality of the rooms but the character and atmosphere in camp.
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Overall the Royal Livingstone is a remarkably nice but large hotel with great food, great pool and good service. The location is the closest location to the Falls and with Zebra literally walking around the swimming pool there is something really special about this hotel.
Livingstone and Victoria Falls
Built years ago in a design that was totally unique across Africa, Tongabezi is an old favourite due to its longstanding fresh approach to lodge design. They then continued to give our clients unbelievable stays - we even had a phrase in the office which described clients best trips as ‘Tongabezi moments’!
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