Why Victoria Falls River Lodge Is One of the Best Luxury Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe
If you’re researching Victoria Falls safari lodges, comparing luxury safari accommodations in Zimbabwe, or trying to decide between Costco Travel safari packages and independent bookings, Victoria Falls River Lodge is one of the most recommended properties in the region — and for good reason.
We spent two nights at this award‑winning lodge as part of a longer Southern Africa itinerary, and it quickly became one of the most memorable parts of our entire trip. From spacious riverfront villas and exceptional safari guides to healthy meals, sunset river cruises, and serene open‑air workouts, this lodge blends luxury, wildlife, and comfort in a way that feels effortless.
Below is our complete review of Victoria Falls River Lodge — what we loved, what surprised us, and everything we wish we knew before arriving.
Family Villa #2: A Private Riverfront Retreat
We stayed in Family Villa #2, which felt like a private sanctuary on the banks of the Zambezi River. The villa is spacious, beautifully designed, and ideal for couples, families, or small groups.
Villa Highlights
- Two separate sleeping areas and two full bathrooms
- Main suite with a California king bed facing the river
- Private deck with a non-heated plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi
- Indoor and outdoor showers, both with river views
- Large soaking tub and double sinks
- Open closet with robes, a safe, and plenty of storage
- Fully stocked refrigerator with water, soda, beer, cider, and more
- French press coffee and a tea kettle
The design strikes a perfect balance between luxury and nature — elevated but never overdone.
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| Main Bed and Sitting Area |
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| Main Cal King Bed |
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| Main Bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower |
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| Bathroom Toiletries |
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| Plunge pool with Zambezi River Views |
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| Second bedroom with two twin beds in Family Villa |
Food & Dining: Fresh, Healthy, and Abundant
The food at Victoria Falls River Lodge exceeded expectations. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy — a welcome change after two indulgent weeks in South Africa.
What to Expect
- Snacks and drinks on every sunrise and sunset activity
- Refreshments on the guided Victoria Falls walk
- Breakfast with a continental buffet and à la carte hot dishes
- Lunch served à la carte
- Dinner offered as à la carte one night and tapas-style the next
- Afternoon tea from 3:30–5:00 PM with appetizers, tea, and coffee
We enjoyed Pinotage every night, served in elegant barware — a small detail that added to the overall experience.
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| Dinner our First Evening: Salad, Beetroot Salad, Veggies, Crocodile, Chicken and Pinotage |
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| Espresso Martinis for Dessert |
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| Continental Portion of Breakfast |
Game Drives, River Cruises & Victoria Falls
The activities at Victoria Falls River Lodge were a highlight of our stay.
Game Drives
Game drives are conducted in comfortable Land Cruisers with blankets provided for chilly mornings and evenings. During our drives, we saw:
- Hippos
- Baboons
- Monkeys
- Mongoose
- Kudu
- Antelope
- A wide variety of birds
Other guests spotted elephants and lions, so they were nearby even if they didn’t appear for us.
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| Baboons |
River Cruises
Sunset cruises on the Zambezi River are peaceful and scenic, with wildlife along the banks and drinks served onboard.
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| Hippos in River with Victoria Falls Spray in the background |
Victoria Falls Guided Walk
Victoria Falls was absolutely spectacular — the sound, the spray, and the sheer scale of “The Smoke That Thunders” are unforgettable.
Our Guide
We had the same guide for every activity, which made the experience seamless. He was knowledgeable, prepared, patient, and excellent at orienting us before each outing.
The lodge follows a structured schedule with set departure and return times for all activities, including sunrise and sunset game drives, river cruises, and the mid‑morning guided Victoria Falls tour. Full seasonal times are listed in the information booklet provided in your villa. We have photos of our informational booklet below and you may be find answers to many of your questions. Click the photo to enlarge.
Crowd & Vibe: Friendly, Relaxed & Family-Friendly
After two weeks in South Africa, seeing fellow Americans felt surprisingly refreshing. The lodge attracts many U.S. travelers — partly because it’s included in the Costco Travel safari package — but the atmosphere remains calm and respectful.
Guests mostly keep to themselves. We shared activities with a couple from San Francisco who were delightful and considerate.
Important to Know
- This is not an adults-only lodge
- You will see children, especially in the family villas
- The overall vibe remains peaceful and upscale
Spa & Gym: Small Spa, Exceptional Gym
We didn’t use the spa, but we did use the gym — and it was one of the best we experienced on our entire trip.
Gym Highlights
- Overlooks a watering hole
- Open-air design
- Best in the morning when it’s cool and wildlife is active
- Clean, well-maintained equipment
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| Fitness Center |
Spa Overview
- Two treatment rooms: one couples, one individual
- Small, quiet, and serene
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| Spa Menu |
Pricing: Independent Booking vs. Costco Travel
We didn’t book through Costco Travel — our stay was added as an extension through our main trip provider.
Our Honest Take
- Our price was slightly lower than Costco’s, but not by much
- For a two-night Zimbabwe extension, prices tend to be similar across reputable operators
- Costco’s advantage is the membership and credit card rebates
- The lodge experience is identical regardless of how you book
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| General Information |
Tips for Staying at Victoria Falls River Lodge
These are the things we wish we knew before arriving — plus a few practical insights for June travel.
Clothing & Weather
- June is dry season: cool mornings and warm afternoons
- Bring shorts for the Victoria Falls walk — your legs will get soaked
- Bring long pants, and warm layers for chilly mornings
- Ponchos are provided for Victoria Falls
- Warm blankets are provided for early morning game drives and cruises
Bugs
- We didn’t encounter mosquitoes in June
- Bug spray wasn’t needed
- The lodge provides insect repellent in your villa
Sun Protection
- Bring sunscreen
- A hat and sunglasses help on drives and cruises
Footwear
- Bring waterproof or water shoes for the Falls
Shopping
- Save money for the lodge shop — one of the most upscale we saw in Zimbabwe, the Eastern Cape, or Cape Town
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| Lodge Boutique |
Conclusion: Is Victoria Falls River Lodge Worth It?
Absolutely. Whether you book independently or through Costco Travel, Victoria Falls River Lodge delivers a luxury safari experience with warm service, beautiful accommodations, excellent food, and unforgettable activities.
It’s the perfect blend of comfort, wildlife, scenery, and serenity — and a spectacular way to experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
