Victoria Falls Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay for Every Budget

Choosing where to stay at Victoria Falls significantly impacts your entire experience. The right accommodation puts you within walking distance of the falls, provides easy access to activities, and sets the tone for your adventure—whether that's budget backpacker vibes, mid-range comfort, or ultra-luxury pampering.

This comprehensive guide covers every accommodation option at Victoria Falls, from $15/night dorm beds to $2,000/night luxury lodges, across both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides. By the end, you'll know exactly where to book based on your budget, travel style, and priorities.

Zimbabwe vs Zambia: Which Side to Stay On?

Zimbabwe Side (Victoria Falls Town)

Advantages:

• More accommodation options at all price points
• Better walkability (most hotels within 20 minutes of falls)
• More restaurants, bars, and nightlife
• Generally better value for money
• Easier access to town amenities
• More backpacker/budget options

Disadvantages:

• Can feel more touristy and developed
• Some budget areas feel less safe at night
• More urban environment
• Less "wilderness" feel

Best For: Budget travelers, those wanting walkable access, social atmosphere seekers

Zambia Side (Livingstone)

Advantages:

• More luxury lodges with "safari" atmosphere
• Generally quieter and less developed
• Exclusive access to Devil's Pool
• More riverside properties
• Better for combining falls with safari experiences
• Often more personalized service

Disadvantages:

• Generally more expensive
• More spread out (need transport)
• Fewer mid-range options
• Less nightlife and dining variety
• Requires crossing border for Zimbabwe-side activities

Best For: Luxury travelers, those seeking exclusivity, honeymoons, safari combinations

Budget Accommodations ($15-50/night)

Zimbabwe Side Budget

Victoria Falls Rest Camp & Lodges

$30-60/night

The best budget option in Victoria Falls Town, offering everything from camping to self-catering lodges.

What You Get:

• Camping sites: $15-20/person
• Dorm beds: $25-30/night
• Private rooms: $40-60/night
• Self-catering lodges: $50-80/night
• Swimming pool, bar, restaurant
• Kitchen facilities
• On-site activity booking desk
• Walking distance to falls (15 minutes)

Best For: Backpackers, budget families, self-caterers

Shoestrings Backpackers

$20-45/night

Victoria Falls' most social backpacker hostel with legendary parties and excellent facilities.

What You Get:

• Dorm beds: $20-25/night
• Private rooms: $40-45/night
• Swimming pool and bar
• Daily BBQ dinners
• Activity booking desk
• Social atmosphere
• Kitchen facilities
• Free breakfast

Best For: Solo travelers, party seekers, meeting other travelers

N1 Hotel & Campsite

$25-50/night

Budget hotel option with surprisingly good facilities given the price.

What You Get:

• Clean, basic rooms
• Air conditioning
• Swimming pool
• Restaurant and bar
• Walking distance to town center
• Affordable on-site restaurant
• Helpful staff

Best For: Budget couples, those wanting hotel amenities on budget

Zambia Side Budget

Jollyboys Backpackers (Livingstone)

$18-40/night

Award-winning backpacker hostel consistently rated best in Livingstone.

What You Get:

• Dorm beds: $18-22/night
• Private rooms: $35-40/night
• Two swimming pools
• Excellent bar and restaurant
• Super social atmosphere
• Activity desk
• Free breakfast
• Cultural village tours

Best For: Budget travelers, social atmosphere, authentic backpacker experience

Fawlty Towers

$20-45/night

Another excellent Livingstone backpacker option with family-friendly atmosphere.

What You Get:

• Various room types
• Pool and bar
• Restaurant
• Activity bookings
• Family-friendly environment
• Quieter than Jollyboys
• Good WiFi

Best For: Budget families, slightly older backpackers

Mid-Range Accommodations ($80-200/night)

Zimbabwe Side Mid-Range

The Kingdom at Victoria Falls

$120-180/night

Excellent mid-range resort with resort amenities at reasonable prices.

What You Get:

• Spacious rooms with air conditioning
• Multiple swimming pools
• Several restaurants and bars
• Spa facilities
• Gym and tennis courts
• Walking distance to falls (10 minutes)
• Live entertainment
• Family-friendly

Best For: Families, those wanting resort amenities without luxury prices

Ilala Lodge

$180-250/night

Best mid-range location—directly adjacent to Victoria Falls entrance.

What You Get:

• Prime location (3-minute walk to falls)
• Elegant rooms with colonial charm
• Excellent restaurant
• Pool overlooking falls spray
• Professional service
• Good gift shop
• Sunset views of the bridge

Best For: Those prioritizing location, romantic getaways

Cresta Sprayview Hotel

$100-150/night

Solid mid-range option with good amenities and proximity to falls.

What You Get:

• 10-minute walk to falls
• Pool and restaurant
• Comfortable rooms
• Good value for money
• Adequate facilities
• Walking distance to town

Best For: Budget-conscious travelers wanting comfort

A'Zambezi River Lodge

$150-220/night

Beautiful riverside property with excellent views and atmosphere.

What You Get:

• Riverside location (5km from town)
• Spectacular Zambezi River views
• Swimming pool
• Excellent restaurant
• Sunset deck
• Transfer shuttle to town
• Thatched chalets
• Wildlife visits property (elephants, warthogs)

Best For: Those wanting nature setting without safari prices

Zambia Side Mid-Range

Avani Victoria Falls Resort

$150-200/night

Modern resort with good facilities and reasonable rates.

What You Get:

• Contemporary rooms
• Large pool area
• Multiple dining options
• Spa
• Walking distance to falls
• Modern amenities
• International brand reliability

Best For: Those wanting modern facilities, families

Maramba River Lodge

$100-160/night

Excellent value riverside property near Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

What You Get:

• Riverside chalets
• Pool and restaurant
• Wildlife viewing from property
• Quiet, natural setting
• Good value
• 10 minutes from falls
• Traditional African style

Best For: Nature lovers, budget safari atmosphere

Luxury Accommodations ($300-1000+/night)

Zimbabwe Side Luxury

The Victoria Falls Hotel

$400-800/night

The "Grand Old Lady" of Victoria Falls—iconic colonial-era luxury.

What You Get:

• Historic elegance and prestige
• Prime location walking to falls
• Formal afternoon tea on terrace
• Multiple restaurants including fine dining
• Beautiful gardens
• Stanley's Terrace for sundowners
• Pool and spa
• Old-world service
• Direct falls access

Best For: History lovers, classic luxury, special occasions

Why Book Here: The most iconic accommodation at Victoria Falls with unparalleled historical significance. If you want the "classic" Victoria Falls luxury experience, this is it.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

$300-500/night

Luxury lodge with spectacular views overlooking wildlife waterhole.

What You Get:

• Stunning Zambezi gorge views
• Waterhole viewing platform (elephants daily)
• Multiple dining venues
• Two pools
• Spa
• Excellent service
• Free shuttle to falls
• Contemporary African design

Best For: Wildlife lovers, sunset enthusiasts, families

Elephant Camp

$800-1500/night

Ultra-exclusive tented camp with only 12 rooms and elephant experiences.

What You Get:

• Only 12 luxury tents
• Elephant interactions
• All-inclusive (meals, activities)
• Private plunge pools
• Butler service
• Exceptional cuisine
• Intimate atmosphere
• Exclusive elephant encounters

Best For: Ultimate luxury, elephant enthusiasts, honeymoons

Zambia Side Luxury

The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel by Anantara

$600-2500+/night

Consistently rated among Africa's finest hotels with exceptional location.

What You Get:

• Direct Zambezi River frontage
• Prime falls access
• 173 luxurious rooms and suites
• Private Devil's Pool access (seasonal)
• Award-winning spa
• Multiple fine dining venues
• Butler service in suites
• Zebras graze on lawns
• Royal Livingstone Express sunset train
• Exceptional service

Best For: Ultimate luxury, honeymoons, special celebrations

Why Book Here: The pinnacle of Victoria Falls luxury with unmatched location and service.

Tongabezi Lodge

$600-1500/night (all-inclusive)

Romantic riverside retreat famous for unique accommodations and service.

What You Get:

• Unique houses and cottages (individually designed)
• Famous "Treehouse" and "Honeymoon House"
• All-inclusive (meals, drinks, activities)
• Gourmet cuisine
• Private dining options
• Complimentary canoeing and village visits
• Only 12 accommodations
• Private sampan cruises
• Exceptional personalized service

Best For: Honeymoons, romantic getaways, unique experiences

Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma

$700-1800/night (all-inclusive)

Contemporary luxury with stunning river views and intimate atmosphere.

What You Get:

• Only 12 exclusive treehouses
• Contemporary African design
• Private plunge pools
• Excellent spa
• Gourmet dining with personalized menus
• Complimentary activities
• Art gallery
• Intimate, exclusive atmosphere

Best For: Contemporary design lovers, spa enthusiasts, exclusivity

Safari Lodges (Combining Falls + Safari)

Matetsi River Lodge

$800-2000+/night (all-inclusive)

Ultimate combination of Victoria Falls access and private safari reserve.

Location: 40km upstream from Victoria Falls in private game reserve

What You Get:

• Only 18 suites across two intimate camps
• Private 50,000-acre game reserve
• Excellent wildlife viewing
• Contemporary African design
• River views with private plunge pools
• Exceptional cuisine and wine cellar
• All-inclusive (meals, drinks, activities)
• Complimentary game drives and river cruises
• Helicopter transfers available
• Falls visits included

Best For: Safari + falls combination, privacy, contemporary luxury

Why Book Here: Best property for combining Victoria Falls with serious safari experiences.

Stanley & Livingstone

$500-900/night (all-inclusive)

Boutique luxury lodge on private game reserve near Victoria Falls.

What You Get:

• 16 suites on private reserve
• Game drives on property
• All-inclusive
• Colonial-style luxury
• Personal butler service
• Excellent cuisine
• Intimate atmosphere
• 10 minutes from falls

Best For: Boutique luxury, game viewing, privacy

Location Strategy

Walking Distance to Falls

Zimbabwe Side:

• Victoria Falls Hotel (3 minutes)
• Ilala Lodge (3 minutes)
• The Kingdom (10 minutes)
• Cresta Sprayview (10-15 minutes)

Zambia Side:

• Royal Livingstone (on falls property)
• Avani Resort (15 minutes)

Benefit: Save money on taxis, spontaneous visits, easier logistics

Riverside Properties

Zimbabwe Side:

• A'Zambezi River Lodge
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
• Elephant Camp

Zambia Side:

• Royal Livingstone
• Tongabezi
• Sanctuary Sussi
• Matetsi (upstream)

Benefit: Better views, wildlife, romantic atmosphere

Town Center Access

Zimbabwe Side:

• The Kingdom
• Cresta Sprayview
• Most budget options

Benefit: Easy access to restaurants, shops, nightlife

Booking Strategy

When to Book in Advance

Peak Season (July-October):

• Book 3-6 months ahead
• Luxury lodges fill up fastest
• Mid-range options book out 2-3 months ahead
• Even budget accommodation gets tight

Shoulder Season (November, May-June):

• 1-2 months ahead for luxury
• Few weeks for mid-range
• Walk-ins possible for budget

Low Season (January-April, December):

• 2-4 weeks ahead sufficient
• Last-minute deals possible
• More flexibility

How to Get Best Rates

Best Rates:

1. Book Direct: Many lodges offer "book direct" rates
2. Stay Longer: 4+ night stays often get discounts
3. Package Deals: Accommodation + activities bundles
4. Low Season: 30-50% discounts in green season
5. Last Minute: Sometimes excellent deals (risky in peak season)

Avoid:

• Third-party booking sites (often higher, no perks)
• Peak season last-minute (prices inflated)
• Single-night stays (miss multiple-night discounts)

Special Considerations

Families

Best Zimbabwe Options:

• The Kingdom (family rooms, pools, activities)
• Victoria Falls Rest Camp (self-catering, budget)
• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (wildlife, family-friendly)

Best Zambia Options:

• Avani Resort (modern, family facilities)
• Maramba River Lodge (budget safari atmosphere)

Look For:

• Family rooms or interconnecting rooms
• Multiple pools
• Kid-friendly dining
• Activity booking desks
• Self-catering options for picky eaters

Honeymoons

Best Zimbabwe Options:

• Victoria Falls Hotel (classic romance, history)
• Elephant Camp (ultra-exclusive, unique)
• A'Zambezi (romantic river setting)

Best Zambia Options:

• Tongabezi (THE honeymoon lodge)
• Royal Livingstone (ultimate luxury, service)
• Sanctuary Sussi (contemporary romance)

Look For:

• Private plunge pools
• Romantic dining options
• Spa facilities
• Exclusive atmosphere
• Special honeymoon packages

Solo Travelers

Best Options:

• Shoestrings Backpackers (social, budget)
• Jollyboys (social, excellent atmosphere)
• The Kingdom (good solo facilities, social areas)

Look For:

• Social common areas
• Activity desks (meet others on tours)
• Bar/restaurant on-site
• Dorm options to save money
• Good WiFi

Remote Workers/Long Stays

Best Options:

• Victoria Falls Rest Camp (self-catering lodges)
• A'Zambezi (quiet, good WiFi, monthly rates)
• Cresta Sprayview (reliable WiFi, work-friendly)

Look For:

• Fast, reliable WiFi
• Desk space in rooms
• Quiet environment
• Weekly/monthly rates
• Self-catering options
• Good coffee!

Seasonal Pricing Guide

Peak Season (July-October)

• Budget: $20-50/night
• Mid-Range: $100-250/night
• Luxury: $400-2500/night

Shoulder Season (November, May-June)

• Budget: $15-40/night
• Mid-Range: $80-180/night
• Luxury: $300-1500/night

Low Season (December-April)

• Budget: $12-35/night
• Mid-Range: $60-150/night
• Luxury: $250-1000/night

Note: Prices vary widely within categories based on specific property, room type, and exact dates.

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Value

A'Zambezi River Lodge - Beautiful riverside setting, excellent facilities, mid-range pricing, true African atmosphere without luxury price tag.

Best Budget

Victoria Falls Rest Camp (Zimbabwe) or Jollyboys (Zambia) - Excellent facilities, great locations, social atmosphere.

Best Mid-Range

Ilala Lodge - Unbeatable location, quality service, reasonable rates for the convenience and elegance.

Best Luxury

Royal Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls Hotel (Zimbabwe) - Both iconic, both exceptional, choose based on modern vs. classic preference.

Best for Families

The Kingdom - Resort amenities, family rooms, walking distance to falls, excellent value.

Best for Honeymoons

Tongabezi - Uniquely romantic, exceptional service, intimate atmosphere, unforgettable experience.

Best Safari + Falls Combo

Matetsi River Lodge - Private reserve, contemporary luxury, excellent game viewing, falls access.

Ready to Book Your Victoria Falls Accommodation?

Start planning your perfect stay:

• Browse Activities: Plan what you'll do during your stay
• Contact Us: Get personalized accommodation recommendations
• Best Time to Visit: Match accommodation to your travel dates
• 3-Day Itinerary: See how accommodation fits your plans
• Budget Guide: Calculate total trip costs

Remember: Your accommodation choice shapes your entire Victoria Falls experience. Choose based on your priorities, whether that's location, luxury, budget, or atmosphere—and book early for peak season travel!