Located in northwestern Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls National Park protects one of the world’s greatest natural wonders—the magnificent Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is famous for its spectacular waterfalls, Zambezi River scenery, rainforest, wildlife and adventure activities.
Visitors can enjoy game drives, guided walks, sunset cruises, helicopter flights and white-water rafting while spotting elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species. Many luxury safari lodges are situated along the Zambezi River or within private concessions near the national park, offering exceptional wildlife viewing alongside easy access to the Falls.
This 2026 guide highlights the 10 best safari lodges, tented camps and villas in Victoria Falls National Park, comparing luxury, location, wildlife access, facilities, traveller ratings and the best accommodation for every type of traveller.
Best Victoria Falls Safari Lodges at a Glance
| Rank | Accommodation | Type | Best For | Traveller Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria Falls River Lodge | Luxury Safari Lodge | Best overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 |
| 2 | The Elephant Camp | Luxury Safari Lodge | Luxury safari | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 |
| 3 | Old Drift Lodge | Luxury Tented Camp | Riverside safari | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 |
| 4 | Mpala Jena Camp | Luxury Camp | Exclusive safari | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 |
| 5 | Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel | Boutique Lodge | Couples | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5 |
| 6 | Ilala Lodge Hotel | Safari Lodge | Close to the Falls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.7/5 |
| 7 | Batonka Guest Lodge | Boutique Lodge | Relaxation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.7/5 |
| 8 | Bayete Guest Lodge | Safari Lodge | Excellent value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.6/5 |
| 9 | Pioneers Victoria Falls | Boutique Lodge | Families | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.6/5 |
| 10 | Shongwe Oasis | Luxury Villa & Lodge | Private stays | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.6/5 |
Rating Guide
| Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8–5.0) | Exceptional luxury, wildlife viewing and service |
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5–4.7) | Excellent accommodation and value |
| ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (4.0–4.4) | Comfortable accommodation with essential facilities |
1. Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls River Lodge is one of Zimbabwe’s premier luxury safari properties, located on the banks of the Zambezi River within a private concession bordering the national park. Guests enjoy exceptional wildlife viewing, elegant suites and breathtaking river scenery.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5
Highlights:
- Luxury riverside suites
- Zambezi River views
- Big Five excursions
- Sunset cruises
- Fine dining
Best For:
- Luxury travellers
- Honeymooners
- Wildlife enthusiasts
2. The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp overlooks Batoka Gorge and offers luxurious tented suites with private plunge pools. Guests enjoy panoramic views, elephant conservation experiences and easy access to Victoria Falls.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5
Highlights:
- Private plunge pools
- Batoka Gorge views
- Elephant encounters
- Luxury suites
- Guided excursions
Best For:
- Couples
- Luxury safaris
- Romantic getaways
3. Old Drift Lodge
Situated along the Zambezi River, Old Drift Lodge combines luxury tented accommodation with outstanding safari activities including river cruises and game drives.
The lodge offers one of the finest riverside safari experiences near Victoria Falls.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
Highlights:
- Luxury safari tents
- River cruises
- Game drives
- Private decks
- Excellent service
Best For:
- Couples
- Nature lovers
- Safari holidays
4. Mpala Jena Camp
Mpala Jena Camp is an exclusive luxury camp situated upstream from Victoria Falls along the Zambezi River. It provides elegant suites and exceptional wildlife experiences in a peaceful setting.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
Highlights:
- Riverside suites
- Luxury dining
- Canoeing
- Walking safaris
- Wildlife viewing
Best For:
- Exclusive safaris
- Luxury travellers
- Honeymooners
5. Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Located within a private game reserve near Victoria Falls National Park, this boutique hotel offers elegant accommodation combined with game drives and rhino tracking.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8/5
Highlights:
- Boutique luxury
- Rhino tracking
- Fine dining
- Swimming pool
- Private reserve
Best For:
- Couples
- Wildlife lovers
- Luxury escapes
6. Ilala Lodge Hotel
Ilala Lodge Hotel is one of the closest luxury accommodations to Victoria Falls, allowing guests to walk to the waterfall while enjoying elegant rooms and exceptional hospitality.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.7/5
Highlights:
- Walking distance to the Falls
- Luxury rooms
- Gourmet restaurant
- Wildlife visits
- Excellent location
Best For:
- First-time visitors
- Families
- Sightseeing holidays
7. Batonka Guest Lodge
Batonka Guest Lodge offers stylish accommodation in a peaceful setting just minutes from Victoria Falls. The lodge combines modern comfort with personalised service.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.7/5
Highlights:
- Modern rooms
- Swimming pool
- Tropical gardens
- Quiet location
- Friendly service
Best For:
- Couples
- Leisure travellers
- Relaxation
8. Bayete Guest Lodge
Bayete Guest Lodge provides affordable boutique accommodation with comfortable rooms and easy access to the national park and Victoria Falls attractions.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.6/5
Highlights:
- Comfortable rooms
- Garden setting
- Swimming pool
- Good value
- Convenient location
Best For:
- Budget-conscious travellers
- Families
- Short stays
9. Pioneers Victoria Falls
Inspired by Zimbabwe’s colonial heritage, Pioneers Victoria Falls offers spacious luxury rooms, lush gardens and excellent access to safari activities.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.6/5
Highlights:
- Colonial-inspired design
- Swimming pool
- Large gardens
- Restaurant
- Safari excursions
Best For:
- Families
- Couples
- Leisure travellers
10. Shongwe Oasis
Shongwe Oasis offers boutique villas and luxury accommodation surrounded by tropical gardens. Guests enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while remaining close to Victoria Falls.
Traveller Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ 4.6/5
Highlights:
- Luxury villas
- Tropical gardens
- Swimming pool
- Private atmosphere
- Excellent hospitality
Best For:
- Private stays
- Couples
- Small groups
Accommodation Comparison
| Accommodation | Luxury | Wildlife Access | Scenic Views | Value | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Victoria Falls River Lodge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.9/5 |
| The Elephant Camp | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.9/5 |
| Old Drift Lodge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.8/5 |
| Mpala Jena Camp | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.8/5 |
| Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.8/5 |
| Ilala Lodge Hotel | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7/5 |
| Batonka Guest Lodge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.7/5 |
| Bayete Guest Lodge | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 4.6/5 |
| Pioneers Victoria Falls | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.6/5 |
| Shongwe Oasis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | 4.6/5 |
Which Accommodation Should You Choose?
| Traveller Type | Recommended Accommodation |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Victoria Falls River Lodge |
| Luxury Safari | The Elephant Camp |
| Riverside Experience | Old Drift Lodge |
| Exclusive Escape | Mpala Jena Camp |
| Romantic Holiday | Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel |
| Closest to Victoria Falls | Ilala Lodge Hotel |
| Family Holiday | Pioneers Victoria Falls |
| Best Value | Bayete Guest Lodge |
| Relaxation | Batonka Guest Lodge |
| Private Villa Stay | Shongwe Oasis |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best safari lodge in Victoria Falls National Park?
Victoria Falls River Lodge is widely regarded as the best overall accommodation due to its luxurious riverside setting, exceptional wildlife viewing and outstanding service.
2. Which lodge is best for wildlife viewing?
Victoria Falls River Lodge, Old Drift Lodge and Mpala Jena Camp provide excellent wildlife viewing along the Zambezi River and surrounding private concessions.
3. Are there luxury tented camps near Victoria Falls?
Yes. Old Drift Lodge, The Elephant Camp and Mpala Jena Camp offer luxurious tented accommodation with premium amenities.
4. When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls National Park?
The dry season from May to October offers the best wildlife viewing, while February to May showcases Victoria Falls at its most powerful after the rainy season.
5. Can I self-drive to Victoria Falls National Park?
Yes. The park is easily accessible by road, and many travellers combine self-driving with guided safari activities offered by their lodge.
6. What wildlife can I see?
Visitors commonly see elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, antelope species and numerous birds. Nearby reserves also offer Big Five game drives.
7. How many days should I stay?
A stay of 3–4 days is ideal to explore Victoria Falls, enjoy safari activities, river cruises and adventure experiences.
8. Is Victoria Falls National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely. Victoria Falls National Park combines one of the world’s greatest natural wonders with exceptional safari experiences, luxury accommodation and countless adventure activities.
Final Thoughts
Victoria Falls National Park is one of Africa’s most iconic travel destinations, offering an extraordinary combination of spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and luxury safari experiences. Whether you choose the riverside elegance of Victoria Falls River Lodge, the exclusivity of The Elephant Camp, or the luxurious tents of Old Drift Lodge, every stay promises unforgettable memories.
For travellers planning a Zimbabwe safari, these top 10 safari lodges, tented camps and villas in Victoria Falls National Park provide outstanding accommodation for experiencing both the majestic Zambezi River and the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.
