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. Having said that, it might not be for everyone in terms of being very well manicured and with a colonial theme for the design. The views are absolutely stunning (the best by far!), the grounds are immaculate, giving guests areas to escape the crowds. A real bonus is the fantastic hosting by the owner Peter Jones – dinner is always entertaining and you really do feel part of a home, especially when Peter's in camp.
The River Club - The Details
The River Club is located 30 minutes upstream from Victoria Falls in Southern Zambia. Situated on a high bank looking over the Zambezi, the River Club is accessed by Livingstone International airport and is only one hour's drive from Kasane in Botswana.
Edwardian in style the main house has beautiful manicured lawns and the most amazing views down onto a wide stretch of the Zambezi River. Its main area is a well-appointed residence, with a comfortable lounge, large dining room, impressive library and wide veranda on which breakfasts and teas are taken. Lush gardens (where midday meals are often served) spread out beneath the trees and a croquet court is an ideal venue for a Pimm's-soaked croquet game. The pool seems part of the river itself, while a secluded deck with hammocks and loungers provides respite. A wellness centre houses a treatment room for manicures, pedicures, facials and massages as well as a sauna, jacuzzi and mini gym with electronic exercise equipment.
The ten recently rennovated luxury chalets are spread out amongst the riverine vegetation, comprising luxurious bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, most being split-level. Their originality stems from the fact that one side is completely open to the river, so that there is an uninterrupted vista of the Zambezi and its far bank from both bed and ball and claw bathtub, brimming with bubbles. Each room looks west into glorious African sunsets and all have a concertina screen door or window across the front of the bedroom and/or bathroom.
Activities include sundowner cruises, visits to the Victoria Falls, Simonga Village, local markets and Livingstone town. Also on offer is a variety of adrenaline-loaded activities at extra cost: white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, and helicopter flights over the Falls.
Although The River Club is not a traditional safari camp, elephants can often be seen in the Zambezi National Park opposite and hippo are regularly seen and heard in the river itself. Game drives are also offered into the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where there is an abundance of general game species like buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala. There is rich bird life in the area, including several rarer species. You can take leisurely nature trails around the lodge, boat cruises and island walks. The Zambezi river offers ample fishing opportunities too.
