Victoria Falls Places to Stay 2026: Best Hotels & Lodges (Zambia and Zimbabwe)

After spending time in both Livingstone (Zambia) and Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe), I found that each side has its own perks, and where you stay affects everything from how easily you can visit the falls to which activities you have nearby.

Whether you want luxury Victoria Falls lodges, family-friendly resorts with free-roaming wildlife, or budget backpacker spots, this guide breaks down the top accommodations on both sides of the border.

I’ll also share how to split your stay between the two countries so you can experience both sides of the falls without wasting time crossing back and forth.

Should You Stay in Zambia or Zimbabwe?

Having spent time on both sides of Victoria Falls, I’d say it depends on your budget, the activities you want to do, and how much convenience matters to you. For an in-depth comparison of the two countries, see Victoria Falls: Zambia vs. Zimbabwe

Staying in Livingstone, Zambia

Livingstone is spread out, and you have two main options. You can either stay in central Livingstone (blue area on the map) or pick a quieter riverside property by the Zambezi River (purple area).

Pros of staying in Livingstone, Zambia

• Accommodation is cheaper. The Zambian side of Victoria Falls is generally more affordable than the Zimbabwean side, with plenty of budget-friendly hotels, guesthouses, and backpacker options.
• You can choose between city convenience and riverside relaxation. Stay in central Livingstone for easy access to restaurants, cafes, and shops, or book a lodge along the Zambezi if you’d prefer river views and a quieter setting.
• There are unique viewpoints and activities on this side. Get close to the falls by walking across Knife-Edge Bridge, or hike down to the Boiling Pot. You can also visit Livingstone Island and take a dip in Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool. If animals are your thing, you can go on a rhino-tracking safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Cons of staying in Livingstone, Zambia

• Getting to the falls takes planning. Most accommodations aren’t within walking distance of the entrance, so you’ll need to take a taxi or transfer. From central Livingstone, the drive is around 15 minutes. If you want to stay right next to the falls, expect to pay a premium for the convenience.
• Riverside properties can feel isolated. The peaceful setting comes at a trade-off; many lodges along the Zambezi are outside the town center, so you have limited food options. If you don’t want to make the trek into town, your best bet would be to eat at the hotel restaurant.
• The falls are underwhelming during the dry season. Water levels on the Zambian side start dropping around September, with particularly low flows in October and November. If you’re visiting during these months and want those dramatic waterfall views, I recommend staying on the Zimbabwean side.

Staying in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls Town is more compact than Livingstone, with restaurants, shops, hotels, and tour operators close together.

Pros of staying in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• Getting to the falls is easier. Many hotels and guesthouses are within a 15-20-minute walk of the falls entrance.
• Booking activities is straightforward. There are plenty of operators in town offering helicopter flights, gorge swings, Zambezi River cruises, and other excursions.
• The falls look better during the dry season. Zimbabwe retains more visible water when the Zambian side is running low, so it’s the safer bet if you’re visiting around October or November.

Cons of staying in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

• Accommodation is more expensive. Hotels in convenient locations and luxury properties are usually pricier than comparable stays in Zambia.
• The vendors can get tiring. If you’re wandering around town, expect at least ten vendors to approach you to sell souvenirs or excursions. The hassle is real, and it can definitely wear you down if you’re not prepared.

So which side should you choose?

If convenience is your priority, choose Zimbabwe. Being able to walk to the falls, find somewhere to eat, and book activities nearby makes the trip smoother.

If you’re looking for a peaceful riverside stay or want to save money on accommodation, choose Zambia instead.

My Recommendation: Stay in Both Zambia and Zimbabwe

If you have at least two nights at Victoria Falls, I’d stay in both countries. That’s what I did, and it let me experience two different places without having to cross the border multiple times. Here’s how I’d plan it:

• Arrival: Fly into Livingstone Airport (LVI).
• Night 1: Zambia. Stay in Livingstone and explore the Zambian side of the falls.
• Night 2: Zimbabwe. Cross the Victoria Falls Bridge, explore the Zimbabwean side, and stay in Victoria Falls Town.
• Departure: Leave from Victoria Falls Town.

For more details, check out my Victoria Falls itinerary and my guide to crossing the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Best Places to Stay in Livingstone, Zambia

Property	Price Tier	Distance to Falls Gate	Vibe
The Royal Livingstone	Ultra Luxury ($$$$)	10-min walk (Private gate)	Classic luxury
Avani Victoria Falls Resort	Mid-High ($$-$$$)	5-min walk (Private gate)	Vibrant family resort
Victoria Falls Waterfront	Budget-Mid ($–$$)	15-min drive	Casual riverfront lodge
Jollyboys Backpackers	Budget Hostel ($)	15-min drive	Social backpacker hub

1. The Royal Livingstone by Anantara

Best for: high-end travelers, those celebrating special occasions

If you’re looking to splurge, I recommend The Royal Livingstone. This hotel is in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park within walking distance of the falls, and guests don’t have to pay the usual $20 entrance fee.

What really sets this hotel apart is the service. Every room comes with a dedicated staff member who can help with things like unpacking your bags, pressing your clothes, booking excursions, or even arranging a private dinner by the river. The rooms also have private balconies or terraces, and the property has beautiful riverside spots where you can sit back and enjoy the views.

The Zambezi River is also a big part of the appeal. You can spend an afternoon by the riverfront pool, book a spa treatment outdoors, or enjoy afternoon tea with views of the river (and sometimes see hippos).

Of course, all that luxury comes at a hefty price tag. If you’re going to be out on excursions from morning to evening, you probably won’t get enough out of the amenities to justify the cost. But for a honeymoon, anniversary, or trip where you want to treat yourself, this hotel is the one I’d look at.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Royal Livingstone

2. Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Best for: families, groups, and a resort-style holiday

If you want to stay close to Victoria Falls without spending a fortune, Avani Victoria Falls Resort is a great option. Like its sister property, The Royal Livingstone, it’s a short walk from the falls, and you don’t have to pay the entrance fee.

In my opinion, one of the coolest perks is that zebras and other wildlife roam freely around the property, giving you a chance to see some animals without doing a safari.

The resort has a large swimming pool, restaurants, a gym, and family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club. This makes it a good choice if you’re traveling with children or want a comfortable resort where you can relax between excursions.

Compared to The Royal Livingstone, Avani has a more casual, family-oriented feel. The rooms and amenities are comfortable, but the focus is more on the resort experience than personalized luxury.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Avani Victoria Falls Resort

3. Victoria Falls Waterfront

Best for: mid-range travelers looking for an affordable riverside stay

The Victoria Falls Waterfront hotel sits on the banks of the Zambezi River, just outside central Livingstone. It’s a good option if you want river views and a quieter setting without paying premium prices like you would at Avani or The Royal Livingstone.

One thing I like about this property is the range of accommodation options. You can book a more expensive chalet or save money with a safari-style tent. I stayed in a standard room myself and paid $126.48 for one night at the end of July 2026.

The property has a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and plenty of outdoor seating overlooking the river. My favorite part was watching the sunset over the Zambezi. It was such a relaxing way to end the day after exploring Victoria Falls.

The on-site restaurant has an extensive selection, from Western dishes to more traditional ones, and the staff was also really friendly.

The main trade-off is the location. You’ll need to arrange transportation to reach Victoria Falls and central Livingstone, so it’s not the most convenient option. I also noticed quite a few flies and mosquitoes in the evening, so if bugs bother you, I’d consider staying in the town center away from the river.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Victoria Falls Waterfront

4. Jollyboys Backpackers

Best for: budget travelers and solo backpackers

If you’re traveling solo or trying to keep costs down, I’d choose Jollyboys. It’s right in the middle of Livingstone, so you’ll have plenty of restaurants, cafes, shops, and other conveniences nearby.

They also offer free airport pickup from Livingstone Airport (LVI) and a free morning shuttle to the Victoria Falls entrance. These perks are especially great if you’re traveling solo and don’t want to spend extra money figuring out transportation.

What I like about this property is that it has a swimming pool, communal kitchen, restaurant, bar, and social spaces where you can meet other travelers. You can choose between dorms and private rooms depending on your budget and how much privacy you want.

The main downside is that you’re still around a 15-minute drive from the falls entrance. The free shuttle helps, but you’ll need to plan around its schedule or pay for alternative transportation.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Jollyboys Backpackers

Best Places to Stay in Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe

Property	Price Tier	Distance to Falls Gate	Vibe / Style
The Victoria Falls Hotel	Ultra-Luxury ($$$$)	10-min walk (Private trail)	1904 historic colonial
Ilala Lodge Hotel	Boutique Luxury ($$$)	10-min walk	Safari-chic boutique
Batonka Guest Lodge	Mid-Range ($$)	35-40 min walk or 5-min drive	Quiet suburban eco-lodge
Victoria Falls Rest Camp	Budget/Family ($)	15-20 min walk	Casual & self-catering
Shoestrings Backpackers	Budget Hostel ($)	20-25 min walk	Vibrant, party & social

1. The Victoria Falls Hotel

Best for: high-end travelers who love historic hotels

If you want to splurge on accommodation, consider The Victoria Falls Hotel for a classic luxury experience. Opened in 1904, this historic hotel has an old-world feel, with elegant gardens and arched walkways.

This is the kind of place where the hotel itself is part of the experience. You can enjoy afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace overlooking the bridge or have a drink in the gardens.

Another major perk is the hotel’s convenient access to the falls. A private pedestrian path connects the property to the Victoria Falls Rainforest entrance, making it easy to visit without arranging transportation.

The main downside is the price. You’re paying a premium for the history and prestige. It’d be hard to justify the cost if you’re planning to spend most of your time out exploring. But if you’re celebrating a special occasion or want a memorable stay, this is the place to consider.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: The Victoria Falls Hotel

2. Ilala Lodge Hotel

Best for: mid-to-high-end travelers, safari-goers

Ilala Lodge Hotel has a more intimate, laid-back feel than the grand Victoria Falls Hotel while still delivering an upscale experience.

The biggest draw of this hotel is convenience. Situated right on the border of Victoria Falls National Park along the main road, it’s a quick 10-minute walk to the park entrance and a 5-minute walk to the town center.

One of the more interesting perks is the wildlife. Because the property borders the national park, you can see warthogs, impalas, and sometimes even elephants wander across the hotel lawns.

The main downside is the price, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. But it’s a solid all-rounder, and I think the location makes a strong case for staying here.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Ilala Lodge Hotel

3. Batonka Guest Lodge

Best for: couples, travelers who want a quieter stay

If you’re looking for somewhere a little removed from the tourist strip, I’d consider Batonka Guest Lodge. Tucked away in a peaceful garden, this boutique property feels more like a retreat than a large hotel.

The lodge has comfortable rooms with private patios, a swimming pool, relaxed indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a cozy lounge.

The trade-off is that Batonka isn’t as centrally located as Ilala Lodge. You have to walk 15-20 minutes to town and 35-40 minutes to the falls entrance. If you prefer not to walk, the lodge can arrange a transfer for you.

I’d lean toward Batonka if I wanted a comfortable, peaceful base rather than a hotel right in the middle of the action.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Batonka Guest Lodge

4. Victoria Falls Rest Camp

Best for: budget travelers, campers, and overlanders

If you’re trying to keep accommodation costs down, take a look at Victoria Falls Rest Camp. There’s a variety of lodging options here. You can book everything from safari tents to dorm beds, chalets, and self-catering lodges, depending on your budget and how much comfort you want.

I actually stayed here in a tent as part of my Intrepid overlanding tour. It’s definitely more basic than a traditional hotel, but it did the job well as a place to sleep between activities. The swimming pool was a nice bonus after a long day out, and I took advantage of the well-equipped on-site gym for $10 a day.

The location is another plus. It’s a 5-minute walk into town for restaurants and shops, and a 15-20-minute walk to the falls entrance. The main thing I’d keep in mind is that your experience will depend quite a bit on what you book. A tent and a lodge room offer very different levels of comfort.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Victoria Falls Rest Camp

5. Shoestrings Backpackers

Best for: solo travelers and backpackers

If you’re traveling solo and want to meet other people, I would choose Shoestrings Backpackers. It has dorm rooms, private rooms, family rooms, and dome tents, so you can choose how much privacy you want without missing out on the social side of staying in a hostel.

Shoestrings has a colorful feel with a central bar, swimming pool, outdoor pizza oven, and communal spaces decorated with local art and murals. There’s plenty going on, including events and live music.

The falls are a little farther away than Victoria Falls Rest Camp, taking roughly 20-25 minutes to walk to the entrance. Shoestrings can also get noisy, particularly around the bar and during events.

If you’re a light sleeper or want somewhere peaceful to recharge after a full day out, I’d look at one of the other choices. But if you’re traveling solo, enjoy a lively social scene, and want to keep costs down, Shoestrings is a good fit.

Click Here for Prices & Availability: Shoestrings Backpackers

How Much Does Victoria Falls Accommodation Cost?

Accommodation prices vary quite a bit depending on where you stay, the season, and how much comfort you want. You can save money in a dorm or campsite, or spend significantly more on a luxury hotel with direct access to the falls.

As a rough guide:

• Budget: Hostels, dorms, and campsites.
• Mid-range: Private guesthouse rooms and comfortable hotels.
• Luxury: Full-service resorts, boutique lodges, and historic hotels.

Tips for Booking Victoria Falls Accommodation

If you’re going to be out all day, you probably don’t need a fancy Victoria Falls hotel. But if you want a relaxing getaway where you can enjoy river views, a pool, and nice dining, spending more on lodging makes sense. Here are a few things I’d keep in mind before booking:

• Check how you’ll get around. Not every property is within walking distance of the falls or town. A cheaper hotel farther away might not be such a bargain once you factor in taxi rides.
• Think about the time of year. Water levels change throughout the year and affect both the views and which activities are available. If Devil’s Pool or Livingstone Island is high on your list, check whether they’re operating during your dates.
• Choose your location based on your plans. If you want restaurants and shops nearby, stay in central Livingstone or Victoria Falls Town. If you’d rather wake up beside the river, look at the more secluded properties next to the Zambezi.
• Book ahead if you have your heart set on a particular hotel. This is especially important if you’re visiting during a busy period or want to stay at one of the luxury properties.
• Don’t forget to factor in activities. It’s easy to get carried away with accommodation, but Victoria Falls has plenty of experiences that can add up quickly (e.g. gorge swing, Devil’s Pool, helicopter flight). Decide what’s important to you before spending most of your budget on a hotel.

Victoria Falls Places to Stay: Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to stay in Zambia or Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls?

It depends. Staying in Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) is better for walkability, town convenience, and impressive year-round waterfall views. Staying in Livingstone (Zambia) is better for tranquil riverfront safari lodges or affordable town center accommodation.

How many nights should you stay at Victoria Falls?

I’d recommend at least two nights if you want to explore both sides without rushing. That gives you time to see the falls in each country and fit in other activities. If you only have one night, pick the side that best matches your plans to keep things simple.

Which side of Victoria Falls has the best hotels?

Both sides have exceptional accommodation. Zimbabwe offers historic hotels and walkable town lodges like The Victoria Falls Hotel and Ilala Lodge, while Zambia gives you riverfront resort properties like Avani Victoria Falls Resort and The Royal Livingstone.

Can you walk to Victoria Falls from Livingstone?

Not from the town center. Central Livingstone is about a 15-minute drive from the falls, so you’ll need a taxi or transfer. The exceptions are The Royal Livingstone and Avani Victoria Falls Resort, which are inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and a short walk from the falls.

Which Victoria Falls hotels include free entry to the falls?

On the Zambia side, guests at The Royal Livingstone and Avani Victoria Falls Resort don’t have to pay the usual $20 entrance fee. Everyone else pays at the gate: $20 on the Zambia side and $58 on the Zimbabwe side (as of 2026).