Set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, upstream from the Victoria Falls, the luxury
Victoria Falls River Lodge is a pioneer in many ways.
As the first privately owned lodge to be situated in the Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwean side), Victoria Falls River Lodge is the ideal place from which to explore Victoria Falls as it combines the African Safari experience with one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - the spray of which can be seen in the distance!
The combination of exceptional wildlife viewing, fine dining, personal service, luxurious accommodation, an abundance of nearby adrenaline (and other) activities and several historical attractions ensures an unforgettable experience that will leave guests wanting to return again, and again.
The Victoria Falls River Lodge is divided into several different sections:-.
1. The Mainland Lodge
This has 8 Luxury Tented Suites (canvas-under-thatch - king or twin-bedded). Five of these are Standard Family Suites which can accommodate 2 adults and up to 3 children 17 yrs and younger, with an adjoining children’s alcove typically including a bunk bed and 1 x single bed. Two are Superior Family Suites which are ideal for families with 'adult kids'. There are two bedrooms, the second with flexible sleeping arrangements - a double and ¾ bed.
All the tents are set on raised decks on the banks of the Zambezi River. 1 x camp cot may be placed in the room for a sharing child younger than 3 yrs – at no extra charge. Air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Open plan with sitting area, tea/coffee making facilities, laptop safe, hairdryer, minibar, private deck with plunge pool. Open plan, en-suite bathrooms with freestanding bathtub, twin vanities, indoor & outdoor showers and a private W/C.
The mainland lodge has a spacious, thatched, central dining, sitting, bar & central pool areas with Wi-Fi facilities overlook the Zambezi River. The Toa Spa offers guests the opportunity to truly relax and unwind. The lodge is popular as a Wellness/Safari combo retreat for groups with their own Mindfulness or Yoga guide.
2. Hippo Creek Private Villa available for sole or shared use. Sleeps up to 6 adults and 2 children (17 years or younger). This villa is designed for multi-generational families, friends and smaller groups looking for a more private experience. It has private dining and lounge facilities, 2 twin/king suites and 1 family suite, and a private butler service. Activities, including a tour of the Victoria Falls, bird watching, game viewing and river cruises are included and are private if the villa is taken on a sole use basis.
3. Rapids View Private Villa is designed for multi-generational families, with a main living area and sunset bar, and 2 family suites sleeping 4 adults and 4-6 children, depending on their ages. The views are out over the Zambezi River to a section of rapids upstream from the main lodge, overlooking a popular elephant crossing point. Both rooms have private decks and plunge pools. The villa comes with a butler service. Activities as described above.
4. Kandahar 
Island lies in the middle of the Zambezi River a short boat-transfer across from the mainland lodge. Here, 6 timber and glass Island Treehouse Suites offer a luxury and exclusive retreat - all built on elevated decks nestled into the the thick island vegetation overlooking the River.
Each Island Suite accommodates two guests (king or twin-bedded), with an air-conditioned bedroom, sitting area, and a private deck and plunge pool. The open plan, en-suite bathroom has a freestanding bathtub, spacious vanity area, rain shower and a private W/C. Facilities include tea making facilities, Nespresso coffee machine, laptop safe, hairdryer and mini bar.
Two of the Suites are double-storey Starbed Treehouses with a rooftop sitting area and signature Starbed. The open plan, en-suite bathroom also has a freestanding bathtub, but with twin vanities, twin rain showers and a private W/C.
The main sitting, dining and bar areas are spacious and open-plan, with panoramic views of the river, and a special sunrise-sunset viewing platform. All the suites are connected to the main guest areas by raised walkways through the woodland.
5. Malachite Tented Suites eight canvas-glass and timber suites with a spacious central main area are nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River just 1 mile (1.6 kms) downstream from the main Lodge. These are designed as perfect retreats for couples looking for the ultimate African experience. Each suite offers a California king sized bed, (twin bedded sleeping configurations are also possible on request), comfortable sitting area, open plan bathroom with both interior and exterior showers as well as an outdoor bathtub. The rooms extend out onto a private deck with a plunge pool, day bed, and spectacular panoramic views of the Zambezi River.
Transfers to the Falls can be undertaken by river, using the lodge's powerful speedlaunch, or, in a more leisurely fashion by road through the National Park (an enjoyable 10km-long leisurely game-drive).
Activities include:- sunrise and sunset river cruises on the Zambezi; guided morning and afternoon game drives into the nearby Zambezi National Park; wildlife viewing from your own deck and a guided tour of the Victoria Falls.
Optional activities (available at an additional cost) include: a guided excursion to Cataract Island at the edge of the Victoria Falls, to explore the spectacular scenery where the "new Falls" is forming, spa treatments, fishing safaris, guided walks, scenic helicopter flights over the Falls, guided canoe safaris, white-water rafting, zip-lining and canopy tours, bungee jumping, bridge swinging and other Victoria Falls Bridge activities, arts and crafts shopping and historical tours in Victoria Falls town.
Related articles:-
MALACHITE LUXURY TENTED SUITES - The inspiration behind their creation (Guest Blog Feb 2024)
Family Fun at Victoria Falls River Lodge (Travel Blog Aug 2023)
Curated wildlife experiences at Victoria Falls (Travel Blog July 2023)
A SAFARI ON WATER - cruising along the Zambezi with Victoria Falls River Lodge (Travel Blog March 2023)
Beat the Heat (Travel Blog Nov 2021)
Bush Bathrooms (Travel Blog, Sept 2021)
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