The Victoria Falls River Lodge is a luxury safari experience on the Zambezi River inside the Zambezi National Park and a really great option for those who want to want to be close to the action of the Falls, but want to avoid the business of Vic Falls town.
This is a great lodge for anyone, including families honeymoon couples and even solo travellers.
Location and Accessibility
Victoria Falls River Lodge is in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, so to get there, its easiest to fly into Victoria Falls Airport.
From Vic Falls Airport, you are transferred by road for about 20 minutes by road to the entrance of the Zambezi National Park, and from there your adventure begins!
Once we entered the park, we found ourselves on a dirt road and then turned right and headed into the trees. After a short drive, we stopped and had arrived at the edge of the gorgeous Zambezi River.
We grabbed our luggage, climbed out of the car and hopped onto a speedboat, that took just over 5 minutes or so to reach the lodge.
It was great to be on the water at last! Hippos were in the distance blowing water from their nostrils and a variety of birds were in the air.
As we were now ‘on top’ of the Falls, the spray (or smoke as they say) from the Falls, was rising in the distance.
Finally, the world-famous Victoria Falls!
Accommodation
The rooms are spacious and well-spaced, so you don’t have to worry about the people in the next tent overhearing your conversations.
Each room has a private deck and plunge pool, all overlooking the Zambezi River.
I can only imagine how amazing it must be when it’s hot, sitting in your private pool, mimosa in hand, and watching the wildlife that might wander in front of you.
But even if there isn’t any wildlife, the scenery is gorgeous.
The rooms are spacious with a king bed or twin beds, lounge area, dressing area and a very large bathroom.
They have all the amenities you need such as charging points, mosquito nets over the beds, tea & coffee station, and a fan.
Note: there is only a thin, see-through curtain separating the bathroom from everything else, so if you are travelling with a friend, colleague or family member, you’ll need to remember this.
There are three-bedroomed villas which would be perfect for families, but unfortunately they were full, so I didn’t manage to sneak a peek inside.
Island Treehouse Suites
Another accommodation option at Victoria Falls River Lodge are the island treehouse suites. They have been built on the private Kandahar Island, just across the waters from Victoria Falls River Lodge.
They do operate as an independent retreat, providing guests with an exclusive and personalized experience.
These island treehouse suites are accessible only by boat, and trust me when I say this is relaxing and peaceful and quiet.
Each open-plan suite is elevated on stilts above the Zambezi river, and they all have timber decks, expansive glass windows, and doors that seamlessly bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
This section of the lodge has been designed with two guests sharing, in mind (aged 12 and older); the suites are kitted with luxurious amenities and connected to shared spaces like a lounge, dining area, and a sunset bar via elevated walkways. Perfect for a romantic getaway!
With its own private check-in area, restaurant, and dedicated lodge manager, the Island Treehouse Suites ensure seamless service and a heightened sense of privacy.
Dining & Bar
Back at the main lodge, the Victoria Falls River Lodge, the main dining area is very open which helps it keep cool in summer. We enjoyed an amazing breakfast here with lots of options from the cold buffet, and a hearty cooked hot food for the refuelling we needed for the day!
Dinner was a three course a la carte serious taste experience! The food was really, really good.
The bar area is completely separate to the dining area and built in its own ‘tented” room giving it that lodge feel. It’s also open and faces the river and I’m pretty sure if you’re a group, or a family travelling together, the vibe must be quite amazing clinking glasses, snapping pics, and chatting with the barman about your day’s adventures.
Private dining can also be arranged so if you would like that as an option, simply speak to the lodge manager.
Activities & Experiences
The rates for this lodge are fully inclusive, but always check for yourself what that means as inclusions at different are various do differ.
At this point, the rates include the following (but always double check for yourself):
- Transfers (shared and direct) from/to Victoria Falls Airport (road and boat)
- All meals
- Afternoon tea
- Local beverages
- An optional daily transfer from camp (typically departing at 10h00 and returning at 15h00) to Victoria Falls town if you want to more activities (the adventure activities will really get your heart pumping!)
- A Tour of the Falls (part of daily transfer to town) – you do have to pay the entrance fee yourseslf
- Two game activities i.e. choice of either a morning/afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park, and a sunrise/sunset river cruise per person per day (subject to availability)
- Snacks & local drinks are included on the game drives and/or the sunset river cruises
- Wi-fi
You do need to pay Zambezi National Park Fees which are currently US$15 per person per day
Taking Your Children?
Children of any age are welcome, and the lodge does have activities to cater for them.
Children aged between 4 – 7 years can enjoy a bumble on the Junior Discoveries Drive which is outside of normal game drive times. If you do want to take your kids with you on a game drive in the early morning or into the evening, you will need to book and pay for a private vehicle.
Children 4+ can also go on the river cruises.
Just remember, that the lodge (just like any safari lodge) has the right to refuse activities to any children who can’t behave. If they can’t behave, they unfortunately can’t go.
It’s a safety factor and it’s also just unpleasant for other guests.
Wildlife & Nature
Victoria Falls River Lodge is inside a national park, and the lodge is unfenced which means that ANYTHING can wander into camp at ANY time!
To get from the main area to your room, you are taken in a golf cart which is fun! When you want to head back to the main area, you call reception from the direct-dial phone in your room, and they come and fetch you.
You also can’t walk around at night.
Again, if you have children with you, be responsible.
They can’t run up and down screaming (even if it is with delight) because if there are animals around, it will either scare them off (antelope) or attract them (predators).
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Prime location on the Zambezi River.
- Luxurious accommodations with private pools.
- Personalized service and exclusive activities.
- Fun golf cart trips 🙂
- Cons:
- Remote location might not suit all travelers.
- Some people might not like climbing onto a boat, to then climb onto a vehicle when going to town to enjoy an activity. And the reverse when you head back to the lodge (first the car, and then the boat). You can ask them to do a road transfer straight from the lodge into town, but know that it’s a slow ride as the road is very bumpy.
- It’s completely open so if your child is one who wanders, it might not be the best option (from a safety perspective).
Final Verdict
The Victoria Falls River Lodge Zimbabwe is gorgeous, and I would very happily stay there again.
This is a great option to stay at if you’re combining a safari in Zimbabwe with a stay in Victoria Falls.
If you are planning a trip to Vic Falls, and want a luxury lodge experience, right on the Zambezi River, with a private plunge (that would be amazing in summer!), and have everything included, you seriously cannot go wrong here.
