gaynor

We are flying into Livinstone for a 2 night stay in mid August 2008 (flights are booked and non-changeable) as part of a longer trip. We had been considering Tongabezi which was showing availability just prior to us booking the flights, but there is now only availibity for the second night. Which would be the best alternative : Stanley Safari Lodge, Thorntree River Lodge, Sussi Lodge, Songwe Village, or other ? We want to see Victoria falls, obviously, but I don't think we want to stop right by them at the Royal Livingstone or the Zambezi Sun. Lots of activities are not important - the accommodation is, but it doesn't have to be mega luxury, ambience and view are more important to us and we enjoy good food and wine! I suppose I could go for 1 night at the Falls and the other at Tongabezi, but I prefer to stay 2 nights at any one place, really. Following this, we will be flying on to Durban for 7 nights self drive around KwaZulu-Natal for which I am just finalising my initial research. What are your thoughts/advice ?

Thanks,

Gaynor

Marija

We enjoyed Sindabezi which is Tongabezi's island retreat in the Zambezi, about 15 minutes by boat from Tongabezi. For further info see my report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35038385

gaynor

Thanks Marija. Unfortunately, Sindabezi is not available either for the dates that I have, only Tangala House is and that is a 3 night minimum stay. It would be too big and expensive for just 2 of us, anyway.

Gaynor

matnikstym

The Stanley Safari Lodge is quite a distance from the falls and the view is nothing but dried grass and way off in the distance is the falls. It's situated on a hill, hot and miserable. The rooms are beautiful though, food sucked as did the management unless it changed in the last two years. Would not recommend it.

raelond

How about River Club? Beautiful property with wonderful views of the Zambezi River.

waine

second on river club

gaynor

Thanks, I'll have a look at The River Club.

Gaynor