Victoria Falls Hotels 2026: 37 Real Stays From £25

Victoria Falls — Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders" — is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, a mile-wide curtain of the Zambezi thundering into a chasm on the border of two countries. On the Zimbabwe side sits Victoria Falls town; on the Zambia side, the riverside town of Livingstone. The two are barely 15 minutes apart across a single bridge, and the falls are all the more magical because you can experience them from both banks of the great river.

The short answer: below are 37 real, bookable hotels across both sides — from a £25-a-night guest lodge in Livingstone to the grand old Victoria Falls Hotel — every one labelled by side, every one linking to live prices for your dates. We also explain the KAZA UniVisa that lets you see Zimbabwe and Zambia on a single visa. No markups, no booking fees.

Jump to: Luxury lodges & hotels · Mid-range hotels · Budget stays from £25 · FAQs

Zimbabwe Side vs Zambia Side — Which to Choose?

Both sides are wonderful, and they are genuinely different experiences:

• Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls town): the classic, head-on panorama. The rainforest walk here faces the widest stretch of the falls and stays spectacular even in low-water months. The town is compact, walkable and lively, with the most restaurants, craft markets and adventure operators, plus the grand colonial Victoria Falls Hotel. This is the favourite first base for many.
• Zambia side (Livingstone): quieter and more relaxed, strung along the Zambezi riverfront. It gets you closest to the lip of the falls, and it is the home of Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool (seasonal). Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is on its doorstep, and Livingstone Airport is close to town.

You do not have to choose. The KAZA UniVisa (explained further down) covers both countries, so basing on one side and day-tripping to the other — or splitting your stay between them — is easy and popular.

Scout's 3 picks

• Splurge: The Victoria Falls Hotel — the 1904 colonial landmark on the Zimbabwe side, with terrace views toward the bridge and spray.
• Mid-range: Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort — reliable riverfront comfort on the Zambia side, good for families.
• Budget: Victoria Falls Waterfront — Zambezi-side lodge and campsite from about £25 a night in Livingstone.

The Best Luxury Lodges & Hotels at Victoria Falls

These are the dream stays — riverfront safari lodges, colonial grandeur and five-star spas, on both sides of the Zambezi. Prices are per-night from-estimates and rise sharply in peak season; tap any name for live rates.

1. Tongabezi Lodge — Livingstone (Zambia) · 4★ · 5 reviews · from ~£1,786/night. An intimate, romantic riverside lodge upstream of the falls on the Zambian bank of the Zambezi, famous for its open-fronted houses and candlelit dinners on the water. This is a barefoot-luxury honeymoon classic and the top of our price range. It is also a gateway to Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool tours in season.

2. Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 31 reviews · from ~£837/night. A boutique, colonial-style property on the Zimbabwe side set within a private wildlife estate, blending country-house elegance with easy access to the falls. Rooms are plush and the service is polished. A refined, quieter alternative to the bigger town hotels.

3. The Victoria Falls Hotel — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 5★ · 382 reviews · from ~£634/night. The grand colonial landmark of the whole region, open since 1904, with manicured gardens, a legendary terrace looking toward the bridge and the rising spray, and afternoon tea worth crossing the world for. A true bucket-list stay, and within walking distance of the rainforest viewpoints. If a room is beyond budget, book the terrace tea instead.

4. Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara — Livingstone (Zambia) · 5★ · 269 reviews · from ~£582/night. The flagship riverfront five-star on the Zambia side, sitting right on the Zambezi with its own stretch of riverbank and direct walking access to the Zambian falls entrance. Sundowners on the deck as the spray drifts by are the signature moment. Resident zebras and giraffes wander the grounds.

5. The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa — Livingstone (Zambia) · 591 reviews · from ~£325/night. A well-run riverside resort on the Zambezi with a spa, pool and river-cruise jetty, popular with families and couples alike. It offers strong value at the softer end of the luxury tier. The riverfront setting and boat trips are the highlight.

6. Avani Victoria Falls Resort — Livingstone (Zambia) · 4★ · 393 reviews · from ~£294/night. Set inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with the Zambian falls entrance a short walk from reception — you can hear the roar from the pool. Resident zebras graze the lawns and the vibe is relaxed and family-friendly. One of the most convenient locations on the Zambia side.

7. Ursula's Homestead — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 20 reviews · from ~£265/night. A boutique, personal guesthouse on the Zimbabwe side offering an intimate alternative to the big hotels, with attentive hosting and comfortable rooms. It suits travellers who want character and quiet close to town. Book ahead — it is small.

8. The Victorian Manor — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 4★ · from ~£264/night. A smart, styled property on the Zimbabwe side with an upmarket feel and easy reach of Victoria Falls town. A good pick for a comfortable, design-led base near the falls. Newer to the scene, so reviews are still building — check availability on your dates.

9. Cresta Sprayview — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 106 reviews · from ~£196/night. A dependable, long-standing hotel on the edge of Victoria Falls town with a big pool, gardens and a shuttle to the falls, popular with families and tour groups. It sits at the value end of this tier. Comfortable and unfussy with an easy hop into town.

10. Kasambabezi Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 4 reviews · from ~£193/night. A comfortable lodge-style stay on the Zimbabwe side for travellers wanting more space and calm than a standard town hotel. A quieter, greener base near Victoria Falls town. Reviews are still few, so it is one to check carefully on your dates.

From-prices are per-night estimates and vary by season and demand. See all Victoria Falls stays (Zimbabwe side), browse the Zambia side in Livingstone, or check flights to VFA.

The Best Mid-Range Hotels at Victoria Falls

Comfortable, well-reviewed hotels and lodges in the roughly £120-190 band — the sweet spot for couples and families who want quality without the five-star price. Both sides are represented.

11. Peniel Retreat Centre — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 35 reviews · from ~£191/night. A calm, spacious retreat-style property on the Zimbabwe side, good for groups and travellers who value quiet and greenery over a central buzz. Comfortable rooms and grounds a short drive from the falls. A restful base near Victoria Falls town.

12. Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · 278 reviews · from ~£187/night. A reliable Marriott-branded hotel in central Livingstone with consistent standards, pool and easy access to town and the falls. A dependable pick on the Zambia side for those who like a known chain. Well suited to families and business travellers.

13. Zimbara — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 2★ · from ~£181/night. A comfortable guest lodge on the Zimbabwe side offering a homely, personal stay near Victoria Falls town. A good mid-range choice for travellers who prefer a smaller property. Reviews are still building, so confirm details on your dates.

14. Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort — Livingstone (Zambia) · 4★ · 69 reviews · from ~£180/night. A modern riverfront resort on the Zambezi in Livingstone with pools, restaurants and family-friendly space, plus polished Radisson standards. One of our top mid-range picks on the Zambia side. Great for a comfortable, hassle-free base near the water.

15. Shearwater Explorers Village — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 110 reviews · from ~£147/night. A lively, adventure-focused village in Victoria Falls town with tented and lodge rooms, a pool and an on-site bar, run by one of the region's big activity operators. Ideal if you plan to raft, bungee and cruise. Sociable and central.

16. Amakhosi Hotel — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 20 reviews · from ~£144/night. A tidy, good-value hotel on the Zimbabwe side within reach of Victoria Falls town's restaurants and the falls. Comfortable rooms and friendly service at a sensible mid-range rate. A solid all-rounder for a town base.

17. Bhejane Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 64 reviews · from ~£131/night. A relaxed, well-reviewed lodge on the Zimbabwe side with a garden and pool, offering a quieter stay a short trip from the falls. Good value and a homely feel. A nice middle ground between backpacker and resort.

18. PheZulu Guest Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 4★ · 22 reviews · from ~£128/night. A well-kept guest lodge in Victoria Falls town with comfortable rooms, a pool and a warm welcome, walkable to shops and restaurants. A dependable, central choice at a fair price. Popular with couples and small families.

19. Chrismar Hotel Livingstone — Livingstone (Zambia) · 4★ · 51 reviews · from ~£126/night. An established hotel in Livingstone with gardens, a pool and a bush-camp feel, handy for the falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Good value on the Zambia side with plenty of space for families. Comfortable and unpretentious.

20. The Nkhosi Livingstone Lodge and Spa — Livingstone (Zambia) · 5★ · 6 reviews · from ~£120/night. A smart boutique lodge with a spa in Livingstone, offering upmarket touches at the entry point of the mid-range band. A pampering, good-value base on the Zambia side. Newer, so reviews are still few — check on your dates.

From-prices are per-night estimates. Browse mid-range Victoria Falls hotels (Zimbabwe side) or the Livingstone/Zambia side, and compare flights to VFA.

Cheap Hotels at Victoria Falls — 37 Real, Bookable Options From £25

This is where a Victoria Falls trip becomes affordable. Below are 17 genuinely budget stays — guest lodges, backpackers, campsites with rooms and small hotels — from about £25 a night. The best-value beds cluster on the Livingstone (Zambia) side, but Victoria Falls town has strong budget options too. Every one is real and bookable; tap for live prices.

21. Victoria Falls Waterfront — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · 104 reviews · from ~£25/night. A Zambezi-side lodge and campsite in Livingstone with dorms, rooms and a riverside bar-restaurant, plus its own boat cruises — the cheapest entry point in this guide. Sociable, scenic and great for backpackers and overlanders. Book a river-view spot if you can.

22. Royal Olympia Lodges and Safaris — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · 1 review · from ~£28/night. A simple, low-cost guest lodge on the Zambia side for travellers who just want a clean bed near Livingstone at rock-bottom rates. Basic but bookable. Few reviews, so set expectations accordingly.

23. Eland Lodge — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · from ~£32/night. An inexpensive lodge on the Zambia side offering straightforward rooms at a very low price. A practical budget base around Livingstone. New listing with few reviews — confirm details when you book.

24. Wane Guest Lodge — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · 2 reviews · from ~£35/night. A small, budget-friendly guesthouse on the Zambia side for those prioritising price over frills. Basic comfort at a bargain rate near Livingstone. A no-fuss overnight option.

25. Richland Lodge Sinazeze — Livingstone (Zambia) · 2★ · 1 review · from ~£35/night. A very low-cost lodge on the Zambia side, useful for budget travellers routing through the region. Simple rooms at a low price. Few reviews, so check the location suits your plans before booking.

26. Richland Lodge Motel — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · 4 reviews · from ~£37/night. A motel-style budget stay on the Zambia side with tidy, functional rooms at a wallet-friendly rate. Straightforward and cheap. Good for a practical overnight near Livingstone.

27. Jollyboys Backpackers — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · 81 reviews · from ~£42/night. One of Livingstone's best-loved backpackers, with a pool, chill areas, a helpful tour desk and both dorms and private rooms — a genuine budget favourite on the Zambia side. Sociable, central and well run. Great for solo travellers and tips on cheap activities.

28. Willu Executive Lodge — Livingstone (Zambia) · 3★ · from ~£48/night. A comfortable budget lodge on the Zambia side offering more privacy than a backpacker at a still-low rate. Good value for couples and small families around Livingstone. Newer listing — confirm on your dates.

29. Shoestrings Backpackers & Bar — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 2★ · 23 reviews · from ~£59/night. A famous, lively backpacker right in Victoria Falls town with a buzzing bar, pool and both dorms and rooms — the social heart of the Zimbabwe-side budget scene. Central and fun, walkable to the falls. Expect noise if you like an early night.

30. Mopani Lodge Victoria Falls — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 173 reviews · from ~£64/night. A well-reviewed, good-value lodge in Victoria Falls town with clean rooms, a pool and a handy central location. A dependable budget-plus pick on the Zimbabwe side. Solid comfort for the price.

31. N1 Hotel & Campsite Victoria Falls — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 1,518 reviews · from ~£66/night. A hugely popular budget hotel and campsite in Victoria Falls town — its enormous review count reflects how many travellers pass through. Reliable rooms, a pool and a central spot make it a go-to for families and backpackers alike. Excellent value on the Zimbabwe side.

32. Wild Trekkers Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 47 reviews · from ~£70/night. A friendly, well-kept lodge on the Zimbabwe side with a garden and pool, offering a quiet budget stay near Victoria Falls town. Good reviews and a homely feel. A calm alternative to the party hostels.

33. Kasongo Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 3 reviews · from ~£73/night. A comfortable, low-key lodge on the Zimbabwe side for travellers wanting a peaceful base at a fair price. Simple and pleasant near Victoria Falls town. Few reviews so far — check details when booking.

34. Kafusi Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 5★ · 24 reviews · from ~£96/night. A smart, highly-rated lodge on the Zimbabwe side punching above its budget-tier price with upmarket touches. Great value for those wanting quality at the top of the budget band. A standout near Victoria Falls town.

35. 124 Platinum Peak, Victoria Falls — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 33 reviews · from ~£98/night. A comfortable, modern guest property on the Zimbabwe side with good reviews and a handy base for the falls and town. Tidy rooms at a sensible rate. A reliable upper-budget choice.

36. The Outlook At Victoria Falls — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 3★ · 1 review · from ~£99/night. A pleasant guest lodge on the Zimbabwe side offering comfortable rooms near Victoria Falls town at the top of the budget range. A quiet, well-priced base. New listing — confirm details on your dates.

37. Azambezi River Lodge — Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) · 4★ · 287 reviews · from ~£104/night. A well-reviewed riverside lodge on the Zimbabwe side overlooking the upper Zambezi, with a pool, sunset views and a chance of spotting hippos and elephants from the deck. Superb value for a river setting at the budget cap. The pick of the upper-budget stays for a scenic base.

From-prices are per-night estimates and the true top nightly rate in this guide is around £1,786. See all budget Victoria Falls stays (Zimbabwe side), browse the Livingstone/Zambia side, or find cheap flights to VFA.

Getting There, Visas & the KAZA UniVisa

There are no direct flights from the UK. The usual routes are one-stop, connecting through Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or a Gulf hub such as Dubai or Doha, on to one of two airports:

• Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) — Zimbabwe side, about 20 km from Victoria Falls town.
• Livingstone Airport (LVI) — Zambia side, about 6 km from central Livingstone.

For UK passport holders, both Zimbabwe and Zambia charge a visa on arrival. But there is a smarter option if you want to see both sides: the KAZA UniVisa. This single visa costs around US$50, is bought on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, Livingstone Airport or the land borders, and covers both Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days — plus day trips to the Botswana side (Chobe). It is ideal for anyone crossing the bridge to experience both banks of the falls. Availability and price can change, so check the current situation before you travel and carry clean US dollar notes to pay. For official, up-to-date entry guidance, read the UK FCDO advice for Zimbabwe and Zambia.

When to Go — Chasing the Falls' Flow

Victoria Falls is a different sight depending on the season, and there is no single "best" time — it depends on what you want:

• February to May — peak flow: just after the rains, the Zambezi is at full power and the falls are at their most thunderous, with spray rising hundreds of metres. It is breathtaking, but the mist can partly obscure the view and will soak you — bring a poncho.
• August to January — lower water: the flow eases, revealing the rock face and delivering clearer photos. This is also when Devil's Pool on the Zambia side opens (water levels permitting).
• September to October — hot and dry: the best window for game viewing in the national parks, though daytime temperatures climb.

Beyond the Falls — Things to Do

The falls are the headline, but the region is one of Africa's great adventure hubs:

• Walk the rainforest trail along the falls (both sides have their own viewpoints).
• Raft the Zambezi white water below the falls — world-class rapids.
• Bungee, zipline or gorge-swing from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge.
• Take a Zambezi sunset cruise with hippos, elephants and a sundowner.
• Swim at Devil's Pool (seasonal, Zambia side) via a Livingstone Island tour.
• Fly over the falls by microlight or helicopter — the "Flight of Angels".
• Go on game drives in Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe) and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia).
• Browse the craft markets on both sides for carvings and textiles.

For more ideas and planning on the Zambian side, Zambia's official tourism site is a good starting point.

A quick word on money

The Zimbabwe side runs largely on US dollars — carry clean, newer notes in small denominations, as cash is king for park fees, tips and markets. The Zambia side uses the Zambian Kwacha, though US dollars are widely accepted at lodges and for tours. Card acceptance thins out away from the bigger hotels. The pound figures in this guide are rough guidance converted from typical rates, not exact quotes — always check the live price on the day.

Hwange National Park — Zimbabwe's Great Safari Add-On

If the falls are the headline, Hwange is the natural second act. It is Zimbabwe's largest national park — around 14,650 km² — and it sits roughly a 2-2.5 hour drive south-east of Victoria Falls, which makes it the obvious safari pairing with a falls trip.

Hwange is best known for its enormous elephant herds, one of the biggest elephant populations in Africa, alongside lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and over 100 mammal species. It is also a stronghold for the endangered African painted dog, with a Painted Dog Conservation centre near Dete.

Much of the park has no natural year-round surface water, so game concentrates around pumped waterholes — which is exactly why viewing is so reliable in the dry season (roughly August to October), when the animals have to come and drink. The green season (November to April) is lush and much better for birds, but game is more scattered and harder to find.

How to do it: day trips run from Victoria Falls, but it is a long day with about two hours on the road each way. An overnight or two-night operator-run safari is the better use of the drive — it buys you the dawn and dusk game drives, which is when the park is at its best.

One honest note: the lodges and camps inside and around Hwange are booked direct through safari operators, so they are not on our site. The straightforward way to do this trip is to base yourself in Victoria Falls — where all 37 bookable hotels in this guide are — and book the safari as an excursion from town. If you want to sleep in the park itself, go through an operator for the in-park camps.

It stacks up neatly: the falls, a couple of nights of big-game country in Hwange, and — with the KAZA UniVisa explained above — the Zambia side across the bridge, all from one comfortable base.

Explore more of Southern Africa

Pairing Victoria Falls with a city stay? See our guides to the best hotels in Cape Town and the best hotels in Johannesburg — Jo'burg is also the most common connecting hub on the way in.

Victoria Falls Hotels FAQs

Which side of Victoria Falls is better — Zimbabwe or Zambia? For the classic head-on panorama of most of the waterfall, the Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls town) wins, and it stays impressive even in low-water months. The Zambia side (Livingstone) is quieter, gets you closest to the lip of the falls, and is home to Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool. If you can, see both — they are barely 15 minutes apart and the KAZA UniVisa covers both countries.

Can I see both sides of Victoria Falls in one trip? Yes, easily. The two viewpoints are separated only by the Victoria Falls Bridge, a 10-15 minute drive or a walk across. Many visitors base on one side and day-trip to the other, using the KAZA UniVisa so they do not need two separate visas.

What is the KAZA UniVisa and where do I buy it? It is a single visa covering both Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days, plus day trips to the Botswana side (Chobe). It typically costs around US$50 and is bought on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport, Livingstone Airport or the land borders. Availability and price can change, so check before you travel and carry US dollars in cash.

When is the best time to see Victoria Falls? February to May for the fullest, most thunderous flow (heavy spray can obscure the view and soak you); August to January for clearer views of the rock face and calmer water, which is also when Devil's Pool opens. September and October are hot, dry and best for game viewing.

Will the spray soak me at the falls? In high-water months (roughly February to May), yes — the spray drenches the rainforest walk like standing rain. Bring or hire a poncho and protect your phone and camera. In low-water months the spray is far gentler and the views clearer.

Is Devil's Pool safe, and when is it open? Devil's Pool is a natural rock pool on the lip of the falls on the Zambia side, reached via a guided Livingstone Island tour. It only opens when water levels are low enough to be safe — usually around August to December/January, varying each year. Always go with licensed guides and check current opening before booking.

What currency do I use at Victoria Falls? The Zimbabwe side runs largely on US dollars; the Zambia side uses the Zambian Kwacha, but US dollars are widely accepted at lodges. Carry cash, as card acceptance is patchy away from bigger hotels. The pound figures here are rough guidance, not exact quotes.

How do I get to Victoria Falls from the UK? There are no direct flights. Most routes are one-stop via Johannesburg, Nairobi, Addis Ababa or a Gulf hub, connecting to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA, Zimbabwe) or Livingstone Airport (LVI, Zambia). Choose the airport on your chosen side; transfers between the two are easy with the KAZA UniVisa.

Do I need malaria precautions for Victoria Falls? Yes — the region is a malaria area, especially in and after the rains. See your GP or a travel clinic well ahead about antimalarial tablets, pack repellent, cover up at dusk and use the nets provided. This is general information, not medical advice.

Are the hotels and lodges at Victoria Falls safe? The main tourist areas and the listed lodges are established and set up for visitors. Use normal sense: hotel safes, lodge-arranged transfers, no walking alone after dark, and awareness of wildlife (elephants and baboons do wander through). Check the latest UK FCDO advice for both countries before you go.

What is the cheapest place to stay at Victoria Falls? The entry point in this guide is around £25 a night at Victoria Falls Waterfront on the Livingstone (Zambia) side, with several guest lodges and backpackers on both sides in the £25-70 range.

How much does a night at Victoria Falls cost? Budget guest lodges and backpackers start around £25-70, mid-range hotels run roughly £120-190, and the landmark five-star lodges reach several hundred pounds — up to around £1,786 a night at the top of this list at Tongabezi Lodge.

Are there family-friendly hotels at Victoria Falls? Yes — Avani Victoria Falls Resort, the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya and the David Livingstone Safari Lodge on the Zambia side, plus Cresta Sprayview and the Azambezi River Lodge on the Zimbabwe side. On a budget, N1 Hotel & Campsite and Shearwater Explorers Village work well.

How do I book at the prices shown? Tap any hotel name for live rooms on your dates, or browse by side — /hotels?city=Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and /hotels?city=Livingstone (Zambia). We compare partner prices and pass you through with no markups and no booking fees. From-prices are estimates that move with season and demand.

Which side has the best views from the hotel itself? Both offer riverfront views — the Royal Livingstone and Avani sit on the Zambezi on the Zambia side, while the Azambezi River Lodge and the Victoria Falls Hotel offer river and gorge outlooks on the Zimbabwe side. Very few hotels overlook the waterfall itself; that is viewed from the national park.

Is the Victoria Falls Hotel worth it? It is the grand colonial landmark of the Zimbabwe side, open since 1904, with terrace views toward the bridge and spray. A five-star splurge and bucket-list stay; if a room is beyond budget, book afternoon tea on the terrace instead.

How far is the airport from the hotels? Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is about 20 km (a 20-30 minute drive) from Victoria Falls town; Livingstone Airport (LVI) is only about 6 km from central Livingstone. Most lodges arrange transfers — confirm when you book.

Can I walk between the two sides of the falls? Yes — you can walk or drive across the Victoria Falls Bridge between the two countries, through both border posts. With the KAZA UniVisa you cross without buying separate visas. The bridge is also home to the bungee, zipline and gorge swing.

What should I pack for Victoria Falls? A rain poncho and dry-bag for the falls walk, quick-dry clothing, sturdy shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, US dollars in cash, and any antimalarial medication from your GP. Pack a light layer for cool dry-season evenings.

Is Livingstone (Zambia side) a good base? Yes — a relaxed riverfront town with easy access to Livingstone Island and Devil's Pool, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on its doorstep, some of the best-value budget stays, and LVI airport close by.

Is Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe side) a good base? Yes — compact and walkable, with the falls' rainforest entrance, restaurants, markets and adventure operators close together, and the classic panoramic viewpoints right there. A favourite first base.

What are the best things to do besides the falls? Raft the Zambezi, bungee or zipline from the bridge, take a sunset cruise, fly the "Flight of Angels", go on game drives in Zambezi and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Parks, swim at Devil's Pool in season, and browse the craft markets on both sides.

Do I need to book hotels in advance? For peak high-water season (February to May) and the July-October game window, book well ahead — landmark lodges and better-value budget rooms fill fast. Booking early also locks in the lower from-prices shown here.

Are there all-inclusive options at Victoria Falls? Several lodges, especially the riverfront safari lodges on the Zambia side, offer packages bundling meals and activities. Most town hotels are room-only or bed-and-breakfast. Check each hotel's page for board options on your dates.

Is tipping expected? Yes — tipping is customary for guides, drivers, porters and restaurant staff. Carry small US dollar notes on the Zimbabwe side and US dollars or Kwacha on the Zambia side. It is a normal part of the tourism economy here.

How many hotels are in this Victoria Falls guide? 37 real, bookable hotels across both sides — 10 luxury, 10 mid-range and 17 budget — spanning Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia). Nightly from-prices run from about £25 to around £1,786.

Is Victoria Falls suitable for a first safari? Yes — it pairs the natural wonder of the falls with easy access to game in Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe) and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia), plus day trips to Chobe in Botswana. It works as a bookend to a longer safari or a standalone adventure trip.

Can I visit Hwange National Park from Victoria Falls? Yes — Hwange is Zimbabwe's largest national park (around 14,650 km²), roughly a 2-2.5 hour drive south-east of Victoria Falls, which makes it the natural safari pairing with the falls. Day trips run from town, but an overnight or two-night operator-run safari gets you the dawn and dusk game drives, when the park is at its best. Honest note: the lodges and camps in and around Hwange are booked direct through safari operators, so they are not on our site — base yourself in Victoria Falls (our 37 bookable hotels) and book the safari as an excursion, or go through an operator for the in-park camps.

When is the best time for a Hwange safari? The dry season, roughly August to October. Much of Hwange has no natural year-round surface water, so game concentrates around pumped waterholes and the animals come to drink — which is why sightings are so reliable then. Expect enormous elephant herds, plus lion, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and over 100 mammal species, and a stronghold of the endangered African painted dog. The green season (November to April) is lush and better for birds, but game is more scattered.