Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge Reviews

Victoria Falls River Lodge

River Lodge, Kandahar, Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, ZimbabweView hotel details
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls River LodgeVictoria Falls River LodgeVictoria Falls River Lodge
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Guest Reviews of Victoria Falls River Lodge

9.8/10
Outstanding
46 reviews
Verified reviews
Location9.8
Amenities9.8
Service9.8
Cleanliness9.8
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All reviews(46)
Positive reviews(39)
Reviews with photos/video(18)
Negative reviews(1)
TODD W
Stayed in Jul 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Aug 25, 2026
My wife and I stayed 3 nights here and had a wonderful visit. The room was beautiful and very spacious. All of the staff were very friendly and made us feel right at home. The outdoor lobby and dining room were super cool and we saw many animals right from out room or when in the lobby. A family of worthless cam right through the camp on the walk up to out room. We both felt the staff went above and beyond. One day we asked for a banana and they didn't have any so the manager actually got in the safari jeep and drove 50 min round trip into town just to get themand deliver the bananas to our room! If your thinking of booking this place I wouldn't hesitate... you won't be disappointed.
6/15
Response from Property: Dear Todd, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a warm and wonderful review of your stay with us. We are so pleased to hear that the room, the open air dining and lobby areas, and the wildlife encounters all added up to such a memorable three nights. A warthog family wandering through camp is one of those only-in-Africa moments that never gets old! Your kind words about the team mean a great deal. Going above and beyond is something our staff genuinely care about, and the banana story is a perfect example of that spirit. It may seem like a small gesture, but ensuring every guest feels truly looked after is something we take very seriously, no matter what it takes. Thank you once again for your generous recommendation. We very much hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you and your wife back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
Steven W
Stayed in Jul 2026
Family
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Aug 4, 2026
We were touring in Southern Africa and our second stop was Victoria Falls River Lodge. We were delivered to the Lodge by boat driven by Captain Billy who took care of us for our 3 days. The room was huge-it had a king sized bed, couch, chairs table and desk and 2 indoor showers and 2 out door showers and an indoor and an outdoor soaking tub on the expansive deck on the Zambezi River. The food was Epicurean -worthy of the best restaurant. The staff was very friendly courteous and helpful. I've traveled all over Africa and the world and this is one of my favorite places.
6/7
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful review of your stay with us. What a special way to arrive at the lodge, and we are so pleased that Captain Billy took such good care of you throughout your three days. He will be delighted to hear that his warmth and attentiveness made such a lasting impression, and we will be sure to pass on your kind words to him. It is also wonderful to hear that the room, the deck, and the setting along the Zambezi exceeded expectations. The outdoor soaking tub and showers overlooking the river are details we hope every guest gets to truly savour, and it sounds as though you did just that. Your words about the food mean a great deal to our kitchen team, who take enormous pride in every meal they prepare. Knowing that it felt worthy of the very best is the highest compliment they could receive. Coming from a well travelled guest who has explored so much of Africa and the world, to be counted among your favourite places is truly something special. Thank you once again for your generous recommendation, and we very much hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
695annef
Stayed in Apr 2026
Travelling with friends
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on May 21, 2026
Everything about this lodge is amazing! Our tent #8 faced the river, short walk to the main lodge. Super comfortable, nice warm showers, great A/C and lovely staff. Hippos, crocodiles in front of our place every day! Lots of birds around . Our Tracker Cris and Guide Bec’s were amazing! Attention to details to make sure that our Group of 8 from Alabama were always taking care with a full ice chest of Mimosas and beers! Saw a female lion close by the lodge and lots of hippos, crocodiles ! Elephants on game drives! Visit to the Falls was wet and fun! Wear good shoes! The food at the lodge was delicious and delicious desserts. Amazing staff!!
6/18
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such an enthusiastic and detailed review of your stay with us! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful time. It sounds like the Zambezi delivered in every way, from the hippos and crocodiles right on your doorstep to the elephant sightings on the game drives and that thrilling female lion encounter close to the lodge. Your kind words about Cris and Bec are so lovely to read. They will be thrilled to know that their attention to detail and care made such an impression, and that the group was always well looked after, ice chest and all! We will be sure to pass your warmth on to them and the rest of the team. It is also wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the food and the visit to the Falls. Wet but worth it, as it should be! Thank you once again for choosing to spend your safari adventure with us. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
Fyrfytrdan
Stayed in May 2026
Family
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jun 21, 2026
Absolutely an amazing and beautiful Lodge on the shore of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Amazing staff and great food and drinks. Did beautiful game drives and river tours also where we saw hippos, crocs and more. Elephants came to drink on the shores as we were passing, it was so amazing it almost seemed staged.
6/11
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us, and what a wonderful way to end your time in this part of the world! We are absolutely delighted to hear that Victoria Falls River Lodge provided such a beautiful final chapter to your journey. It is lovely to know that you enjoyed the food, the drinks, and the warmth of our team, along with the game drives and river tours along the Zambezi. That moment with the elephants drinking along the shore as you passed by truly sounds magical. Africa really does have a way of surprising you when you least expect it! Thank you once again for sharing such a special memory. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
Pattivail
Stayed in May 2026
Family
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jun 14, 2026
Amazing Lodge -gorgeous views-The staff was extremely friendly and personable. Our guide, Mike, was so knowledgeable, interesting, kind and fun! Rooms were comfortable, very clean, and well maintained. The river cruise was fabulous and the Game drive off the charts! We were so pleased with our entire experience. PS-Tour of the Falls-outstanding... do the helicopter!!! I highly recommend this Lodge.
6/9
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such an enthusiastic review of your stay with us! We are absolutely delighted to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your time at the lodge, from the views and the comfort of the rooms to the river cruise and the game drive. It is wonderful to know that each experience left such a strong impression. Your kind words about Mike are so lovely to read. He will be thrilled to know that his knowledge, warmth, and energy made the adventures feel so special, and we will be sure to pass your feedback on to him. And we could not agree more about the helicopter over the Falls! There really is nothing quite like seeing the magnificence of Victoria Falls from above, and we are so pleased you took the leap. Thank you once again for your wonderful recommendation. We very much hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
Cammi B
Stayed in May 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Jun 8, 2026
An Unforgettable Luxury Experience at Victoria Falls River Lodge in their Island Treehouse Suite (#6 - it's the best!!!) Our stay at Victoria Falls River Lodge was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. The accommodations were beyond anything we expected. Our "tent" if you could call it that, was enormous—larger than our master suite at home—with a giant, incredibly comfortable bed, a luxurious bathtub, two spacious showers, and a large walk-in closet. Every detail was thoughtfully designed to create a relaxing and elegant experience. What truly elevated our stay was the outstanding service. Our butler, Roy, was phenomenal. He was always available, attentive, and eager to help with anything we needed. Thanks to Roy and the entire staff, we never wanted for a thing and felt completely pampered throughout our visit. The dining experience was equally impressive. Every meal was gourmet quality, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious. We looked forward to every breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From the luxurious accommodations and world-class service to the incredible food and beautiful setting, The Treehouse Suites exceeded our expectations in every way. It was pure luxury and one of the most memorable travel experiences we've ever had. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable stay near Victoria Falls.
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and generous review of your stay with us. We are absolutely thrilled to hear that the Island Treehouse Suite exceeded your expectations in every way. It is wonderful to know that the space, the comfort, and all the little details came together to create something truly special, and that it felt like a home away from home, albeit a rather extraordinary one! Your kind words about Roy are so lovely to read. He will be truly delighted to know that his care and attentiveness made such a meaningful difference to your stay. Our butlers take great pride in ensuring every guest feels completely looked after, and it means a great deal to know that Roy embodied that so fully during your time with us. It is also wonderful to hear that the dining experience left such a lasting impression. Our kitchen team pour so much passion into every meal, and knowing that each sitting was something to look forward to is the greatest compliment they could receive. Thank you once again for your wonderful recommendation. We very much hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the island in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
michelefA2623IS
Stayed in Apr 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on May 27, 2026
WOW! We stayed at the smaller Malachite location in a Tented Suite. It was quite beautiful with stunning views of the river. Very Romantic! The Staff were all spectacular, everyone we encountered was incredibly personable and friendly. The Main lodge area was so luxurious and high end, and the food was some of the best we had on our vacation. would definitely recommend the Lodge as a great location to explore Victoria Falls. They offer Sunset River Cruise which was quite spectacular, and a Safari ride on their property. We also had our guide take us for the Tour of Victoria Falls. One thing to note- this is not a walled in compound, so there are wild animals around including at your Room/Tent. You have to be escorted to and from the main lodge, you cannot wander yourself at all.
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a lovely review of your stay at Malachite Tented Suites. We are absolutely delighted to hear that the experience felt so romantic and special. The tented suites along the Zambezi have a quality all of their own, and it is wonderful to know that the views, the atmosphere, and the overall setting resonated so deeply with you both. Your kind words about our team are so lovely to read. We will be sure to share them with everyone at Malachite, who take such pride in creating a warm and personal experience for every guest. It is also great to hear that the sunset river cruise, the safari, and the tour of Victoria Falls all added to what sounds like a truly memorable stay. As a lodge situated within Zambezi National Park, the safety and wellbeing of our guests is always our highest priority. Our team is on hand at all times to escort guests safely throughout the property, ensuring that the magic of being truly immersed in nature can be enjoyed with complete peace of mind. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
LJ B
Stayed in Apr 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on May 23, 2026
Our experience was over the top fabulous. The property is perfect for the outdoor experience. The accommodation ms were clean, spacious and luxurious. The staff are kind, welcoming, and thoughtful. The food was amazing. We highly recommend this property!!
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that your stay felt fabulous in every way. It is wonderful to know that the accommodation, the food, and the warmth of our team all came together to create such a memorable experience. Our staff take great pride in ensuring every guest feels genuinely welcomed and well cared for, and it means a great deal to know that shone through during your time with us. Thank you so much for your kind recommendation. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
JimEdinburghNewTown
Stayed in Apr 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on May 6, 2026
We stayed in Room 5 on The Island. The deck is literally over the Zambezi River, the sunrise was sensational and the room fabulous with folding and sliding doors that opened the entire place up to appreciate Africa. Lisa, Reeves and guide Jamie were outstanding. We stayed 3 nights and I know it's a cliche but 'just didn't want to leave'. Victoria Falls trip and heli-tour were superb. Jamie hosted us for this and a sunrise cruise and game drive, all of which were outstanding. He and Reeves are exemplary. The main areas of both The River Lodge and Island Lodge are very very well appointed. Luxurious. Idyllic. The river is the star, and the lodge compliments it perfectly. I would not hesitate to recommend staying here. We have stayed in many African lodges and this one has got everything. The suite, the food, the staff, the public areas. 10/10.
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a wonderful and detailed review of your stay with us. We are absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your time on the Island. There is something truly special about waking up to a sunrise over the Zambezi from that deck, and it is wonderful to know that those moments stayed with you. Your description of the river as the star, with the lodge simply complementing it, is something that really resonates with us. Your kind words about Lisa, Reeves, and Jamie are so lovely to read. They will be thrilled to know the impression they made, and we will be sure to share your feedback with them. Jamie in particular clearly went above and beyond in hosting the Victoria Falls trip, heli-tour, sunrise cruise, and game drive, and it is a joy to hear that each of those experiences felt so special. Coming from guests who have stayed in many African lodges, a 10/10 means a great deal to our entire team, who pour so much care into every detail of the experience. We very much hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the lodge in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
486margieg
Stayed in Apr 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on May 4, 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Victoria Falls River lodge. We were in expert hands and taken on numerous game drives, a visit to Victoria Falls and local venues. What an introduction to Africas animals!! We appreciate all the care and attention we had. A great start to a big African adventure.
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. What a wonderful way to begin an African adventure! We are so pleased to hear that your stay at Victoria Falls River Lodge served as such a memorable introduction to this incredible part of the world, from the wildlife encounters on the game drives to the awe-inspiring visit to the Falls and the local venues. It is lovely to know that you felt well cared for throughout your time with us. Our team takes great pride in ensuring every guest feels looked after, and your kind words will be shared with them. We hope that the rest of your African journey was equally as special, and that we might have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi one day. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
Cathy G
Stayed in Mar 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Apr 26, 2026
Beautiful River Lodge right on the Zambezi River! We just returned from our first safari trip to Africa celebrating my husband’s 70th birthday. Everything about this place is amazing - from arriving by boat - with the staff waiting on the dock to welcome you - to the amazing animals everywhere. On the first day on the way to the Lodge, we saw several hippos and a large crocodile basking on the shore. The food was delicious and the staff very friendly and attentive. The luxury tents were huge with every amenity possible, including an outdoor shower and freestanding tub over looking the Zambezi River. What an amazing place!
Response from Property: Dear Cathy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us, and what a wonderful occasion to celebrate! We are truly delighted to hear that Victoria Falls River Lodge played a part in marking your husband's 70th birthday in such a special way. It is wonderful to know that from the very first moment you felt the magic of the place, and that the wildlife encounters began almost immediately with hippos and a crocodile on your very first journey in. It is also lovely to hear that you enjoyed the food, the warmth of our team, and the comfort of the tented suites. The outdoor shower and freestanding tub overlooking the Zambezi are details we hope every guest gets to truly savour, and we are so pleased they added to the experience. Thank you once again for choosing to celebrate such a meaningful milestone with us. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you both back to the river in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
168angief
Stayed in Mar 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Apr 21, 2026
The most amazing lodge in every way location facilities drives and most of all the lovely staff
6/10
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the lodge in every way, from the location and facilities to the game drives. Above all, it is especially wonderful to know that our staff left such a lasting impression. They are truly at the heart of everything we do, and feedback like yours means the world to them. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the Zambezi in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
luiso888
Stayed in Mar 2026
Couple
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Apr 9, 2026
Beautiful, very peaceful and friendly staff. Right on the Zambezi river. And lodges are very spacious and amazingly decorated.
Response from Property: Dear Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are so pleased to hear that you enjoyed the tranquility of the lodge and its beautiful setting along the Zambezi. The sense of peace and privacy that the river brings is truly something special, and it is wonderful to know this was a highlight of your stay. It is also lovely to hear that you found the accommodation spacious and beautifully appointed, our team puts a great deal of care into every detail, and feedback like yours is always very much appreciated. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to the river in the future. Warm regards, Management Team Victoria Falls River Lodge
Guest User
Stayed in Aug 2026
Other
10/10
Outstanding
Posted on Sep 7, 2026
We spent two nights in the Treehouse Suites at Victoria Falls River Lodge. We had an amazing time. The suites are beautiful and very well-outfitted with everything you need (including heat and air-conditioning). The island our suites were on was beautiful too- an elephant came on the island while we were there and that was exciting too. We had a butler- Bex and a guide, Cayto (sorry we are likely misspelling his name). Both were great. Bex provided us with wonderful meals and everything else we needed. Chayto took us on an amazing river cruise where we saw our first elephant of the trip, a wonderful tour of Victoria Falls and a great game drive where we saw a huge cape buffalo herd, elephants and giraffes, among other animals. On the trip were our daughter and her husband and me and my husband. It is pretty amazing that even though we are of very different ages- both couples had a fantastic time. Highly, highly recommend!
Ankita V
Stayed in Jan 2026
Solo traveller
2.0/10
Posted on Feb 17, 2026
I am a seasoned solo female traveler (47 countries, 300+ hotel stays). This was the most unsafe and emotionally distressing experience of my travel life. Night 1: A male staff member entered my room at 9pm without knocking while I was changing. There is no chain lock, no double lock, and no standard DND sign. Anyone with a master key can enter. In many countries — including the U.S. — this would warrant calling the police. Guests have a legal right to privacy and exclusive use of their room. This was not a minor service error. It was a serious security breach. After this incident, my agency requested a Do Not Disturb sign for basic safety. On-duty manager Ashleigh stated they “don’t do signs” and suggested I should speak to them directly instead of my agents. I received a makeshift sign only after 48 hours of escalation. Meanwhile, construction workers had direct visibility into my private deck, plunge pool, and outdoor shower daily. Privacy is marketed — but not delivered. The plunge pool (a key reason for the premium rate) was repeatedly unusable because elephants drink from it. It was half empty and dirty for days. I could only properly use it on day four. If wildlife regularly renders amenities unusable, guests should be clearly informed before charging ~$1,000 per night. What disturbed me most was leadership’s response. Senior manager Marnix minimized my safety concerns and focused on defending staff rather than addressing the breach. After a man enters a solo woman’s room unannounced, the correct response is empathy, corrective action, and strengthened security — not defensiveness. I ultimately pursued a credit card chargeback and was refunded two nights. That action alone reflects that the experience did not meet reasonable hospitality standards. The only reason this is not 1 star is because the kitchen staff, drivers, and guides were exceptional and kind. The physical property is beautiful. But beautiful scenery does not compensate for compromised room security and dismissive crisis management. If you are a solo female traveler, think carefully. Safety is not a luxury — it is a baseline expectation.
Response from Property: Dear Ankita, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We are very sorry to read that aspects of your stay left you feeling uncomfortable, as this is certainly not the experience we wish any guest to have at Victoria Falls River Lodge. The safety, privacy, and wellbeing of our guests are extremely important to us, and we take concerns of this nature very seriously. With regard to room security, all of our suites are fitted with secure, lockable doors and access to guest accommodation is limited to authorized staff members only. Our team follows clear procedures when entering guest suites, and we regret that the interaction you described caused distress. During your stay, several conversations took place with members of our team as we worked to understand and address the concerns you raised. Our staff made every effort to assist you while you were on site and to provide reassurance wherever possible. During one of these discussions, our Group General Manager also stepped in to support the conversation and ensure that it remained constructive and respectful for everyone involved, as maintaining a professional and respectful environment for both our guests and our team is something we take very seriously. While we worked to support you at the time, we are sorry to hear that the overall experience ultimately did not meet your expectations. Regarding privacy and do-not-disturb measures, our suites are equipped with a Do Not Disturb rope positioned at the entrance of the walkway leading to each suite. This allows guests to indicate when they prefer not to be disturbed. At your request, our team also created and provided an additional door sign for you. Our suites are intentionally designed to offer an immersive safari experience, allowing guests to feel closely connected to the surrounding wilderness and the Zambezi River. As the lodge is located within Zambezi National Park, wildlife moves naturally through the area. Elephants occasionally drinking from plunge pools is a natural part of being in this environment, and our team services and cleans the pools regularly to ensure they remain comfortable for guests to enjoy. We do sincerely appreciate your kind words about our guides, kitchen team, and drivers. They are deeply passionate about what they do and take great pride in creating memorable safari experiences for our guests. Victoria Falls River Lodge has welcomed travelers from around the world for many years, including many solo travelers, and we remain committed to ensuring every guest feels safe, respected, and well cared for throughout their stay. Thank you again for sharing your feedback. We value all comments from our guests and continuously strive to refine and improve the experience we offer. Kind regards, The Victoria Falls River Lodge Management Team