lorerts

Someone suggested that we stay at the Royal Livingstone for our one night in Zambia, but I have read some less-than-glowing reports on this board. It also comes with a high price tag. Any other hotels we should look into? We are also going to be going on safari in Botswana so it's not as important to us to stay in a lodge for this one night. Thanks!

drehburg

Well, if it is only one night, and if you do not mind a little lower scale operation, there are many campsite/lodge operations around. We stayed at the Livingstone Safari Lodge for 5 nights. Rate was $55USD per person, and their dinner ($15pp) was simple but good.

$600 vs $110 - for one night ...

jasher

Hello,

I agonised over my Vic Falls hotel choice for the end of my Botswana trip, and came down to either River Club or the Victoria Falls Hotel. River Club (Zambian side) was my first choice, but it was booked for the nights I wanted so I ended up at the Victoria Falls Hotel (Zim side). I would definitely recommend either over the Royal Livingstone, which is just a large, generic four-star. The River Club is smaller and more exclusive, whereas the Vic Falls Hotel is a historic hotel with some of the best views in the area -- plus a private walkway leading to the falls.

If you're only there for one night, location is paramount -- the Vic Falls Hotel is right beside the falls whereas River Club is further out, so the Vic Falls Hotel may make more sense for you. A lower-priced option would be Ilala Lodge in Victoria Falls -- within walking distance from the falls.

Cheers,
Julian

Favor

Save yourself some money and stay at the Zambezi Sun. Watch the sun go down and have evening drinks beside the Zambezi on the Royal Livingston's deck. Both hotels are on the same property. You are a very short (3-5 minute) walk to the Falls and a nice craft market.

thit_cho

Julian, it is true that the Victoria Falls Hotel has a private pathway leading to the falls, but that doesn't prevent visits from wildlife, and we were stunted by a large troop of baboons, which are fierce when viewed on foot. I have stayed at most of the colonial hotels in Africa (Mount Nelson in Cape Town, Polana in Maputo, Mena House in Cairo, Norfolk in Nairobi) and the Victoria Falls Hotel is the nicest of them all.

lorerts

Thanks everyone. I agree that for one night, location is key and that's why we were even considering the Livingstone, since my understanding is you can walk to the falls from that property. I've also seen some mixed reviews on the Zambezi Sun--Disneyesque/Cancun-like according to some other posts on this site?
We were set on the Zambia side, but maybe now we'll reconsider....
Again, thanks.

net_warrior

I would say the Zambezi sun is North African Disneyland. But if Location is the key, the Zambezi sun is nearer the falls than the Royal Livingstone.