The 5 Best Hotels at Victoria Falls (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 5 picks

The best hotels at Victoria Falls in 2026 are The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe's grandest and oldest luxury hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge with its busy waterhole, Ilala Lodge, the closest hotel to the falls, Matetsi Victoria Falls on a private stretch of the Zambezi, and Tongabezi, 12 km upstream on the Zambian side.

Victoria Falls sits on the Zambezi between Zimbabwe (the town of Victoria Falls) and Zambia (Livingstone). It is an easy add-on to a Kruger, Chobe or Hwange safari, with flights from Johannesburg to both sides. Stay in town to walk to the falls, or on the river upstream for a quieter, safari-style lodge.

Prices per person sharing per night: $$ $150–400 · $$$ $400–1,000 · $$$$ over $1,000.

1. The Victoria Falls Hotel — Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe's grandest and oldest luxury hotel, overlooking the falls' gorge and bridge.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · History buffs

The Victoria Falls Hotel describes itself as Zimbabwe's grandest and oldest luxury hotel, a classic five-star in a prime position near the falls and the famous bridge over the Zambezi.

Its terrace is the place for high tea or a drink with a view of the spray.

Good to know: Even if you stay elsewhere, have drinks on the terrace at sunset.

1 Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Google Maps Website

2. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Rooms and a restaurant overlooking a busy waterhole on the edge of town.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Families · Couples

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge looks out over a waterhole that draws animals and birds day and night, which guests can watch from their balconies and at breakfast and dinner.

It is part of the Victoria Falls Safari Collection.

Good to know: Book a room with a balcony facing the waterhole.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Google Maps Website

3. Ilala Lodge Hotel — Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe

The closest hotel to the falls, within walking distance of the rainforest.

$$ Mid-rangeBest for Couples · First-timers

Ilala Lodge bills itself as the closest hotel to Victoria Falls, so you can walk to the rainforest viewpoints early, before the tour groups arrive.

It is a convenient, well-run town base for a short stay.

Good to know: Walk to the falls at opening for the best light and fewest people.

Ilala Lodge Hotel, Livingstone Way, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Google Maps Website

4. Matetsi Victoria Falls — Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

River suites with plunge pools on a private stretch of the Zambezi, plus game drives.

$$$$ SplurgeBest for Families · Couples

Matetsi sits on a private section of the Zambezi in its own game reserve near Victoria Falls, with river suites that have plunge pools, family suites, and game drives for elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard.

It combines the falls and a safari in one stay.

Good to know: Use Matetsi as both your falls base and your safari.

Matetsi Victoria Falls, Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

Google Maps Website

5. Tongabezi — Zambezi River, Livingstone, Zambia

A romantic river lodge 12 km upstream of the falls on the Zambian side.

$$$ UpmarketBest for Couples · Honeymoons

Tongabezi is a river lodge about 12 km upstream of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, run by Green Safaris. Activities include sunrise and sunset boat cruises, a near-silent electric dhow, and fishing on the Zambezi.

Guests praise its tranquility and staff.

Good to know: Book the electric dhow cruise at sunset.

Tongabezi Lodge, Livingstone, Zambia

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

Should I stay on the Zimbabwe or Zambia side of Victoria Falls?

The Zimbabwe side has more of the falls' frontage and the town of Victoria Falls within walking distance of the rainforest viewpoints. The Zambian side (Livingstone) has peaceful river lodges upstream. A KAZA UniVisa lets many visitors cross between both.

When is the best time to see Victoria Falls?

The water is highest around March to May, with huge spray that can hide the view; from about August to December flow drops and the views are clearer. Both are spectacular.

Can you combine Victoria Falls with a safari?

Yes. Chobe in Botswana is a short drive away, Hwange is a short flight or drive, and lodges like Matetsi have their own private game reserve.

1. The Victoria Falls Hotel — Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe

2. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge — Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

3. Ilala Lodge Hotel — Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe

4. Matetsi Victoria Falls — Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe

5. Tongabezi — Zambezi River, Livingstone, Zambia

Frequently asked questions

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