The Victoria Falls Hotel

The Victoria Falls Hotel is a classic stay near Victoria Falls. Built for the railway that brought the first tourists to the falls, the hotel still has the Edwardian bones of that era: colonnades, long verandas and gardens that run to the edge of the gorge. Afternoon tea on the Stanley's Terrace, with spray rising behind the bridge, is a Victoria Falls tradition even for those staying elsewhere. The rainforest gate is a short walk along a private path.

Who it suits

• First-time visitors
• History lovers
• Walking to the falls

Location

Victoria Falls town, a short walk from the rainforest entrance. Read our Victoria Falls guide for the best time to visit and how to get there. See our Zimbabwe guide for parks, seasons and getting there.

Getting there

The nearest town is Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia). Fly into Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) or Harry Mwanga Nkumbula Airport, Livingstone (LVI). The Victoria Falls Hotel works well combined with 3 Days Victoria Falls Short Break, 7 Days Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari.

Things to do from The Victoria Falls Hotel

The rainforest entrance to the falls is about ten minutes on foot, so you can walk the viewpoints early before the tour groups arrive and come back for breakfast. The Victoria Falls Bridge, with its bungee jump and bridge tour, is a short walk beyond the hotel gardens. Sunset cruises on the upper Zambezi, helicopter flights and rafting in the Batoka Gorge all collect guests from hotels in town, and Chobe National Park in Botswana is about an hour and a quarter away for a day trip.

How long to stay

Two or three nights is enough for the falls, a river cruise and one big activity. Add a night if you want to cross to the Zambian side or take a day trip to Chobe. Victoria Falls: March–July for thundering water; August–December for clear views, Devil's Pool and rafting.

Other places to stay nearby

• The Royal Livingstone (luxury): On the Zambezi riverbank inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia.
• Tongabezi Lodge (boutique): Upstream on the Zambezi, about 20 minutes from Livingstone.
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (mid-range): On a ridge above a waterhole, 4 km from Victoria Falls town.
• Matetsi Victoria Falls (luxury): A private reserve on the Zambezi, 40 minutes upstream of the falls.

Rates vary by season and room type; ask for current rates and availability.