Best places to stay:
Although the hotel recently expanded to offer 73 rooms and suites, it hasn’t lost its boutique charm, and the homely touches make it a good place to avoid the crowds of nearby resorts.
With rooms giving onto serene gardens, and the Victoria Falls just a short walk away, the location and setting are hard to beat.
The Palm Restaurant is one of the best places to eat around Victoria Falls, and offers contemporary cuisine with views of the spray from the lovely terrace.
Ilala enjoys the perfect location, set right on the edge of Victoria Falls Town while offering easy access to restaurants and shops at nearby malls. It’s also the last hotel on the road to the Falls, which are an easy 10-minute walk downhill.
Though the location is central, the lush gardens of the hotel ensure there’s no shortage of peace and quiet. Aside from the constant roar from the ‘smoke that thunders’, of course.
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Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Zimbabwe[0.2 miles]
Visiting Victoria Falls is not just about the Falls. Take the opportunity to experience a Big Five safari and get a taste of the real African bush.
Best for ages: 5+ | £120 | 3-4 hours
Zimbabwe[0.8 miles]
Paddle down the mighty Zambezi, spotting birds and big game including hippo, elephant and crocodile.
Best for ages: 12+ | £120 | 5 hours
Zimbabwe[1.4 miles]
Take courage in both hands and raft the world-class white-water rapids of the mighty, crocodile-infested Zambezi River, funneling through the Batoka Gorge at Victoria Falls. And remember to look out for the crocs!
Best for ages: 15+ | £100 | 5-10 hours
Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[1.4 miles]
This small island in the centre of the flow offers a mind-blowing picnic spot – right on the edge of the 103m-high Falls. A lucky (crazy) few can sign up for a dip in the small lagoon sitting right on the lip.
Best for ages: 12+ | £115 | 2 hours
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Central African Republic (CAR)[0.5 miles]
Dating back to 1904, The Victoria Falls Hotel occupies a dramatic promontory above the Batoka Gorge. It’s a view best enjoyed over the decadent platters served for afternoon tea, a much-loved tradition.
Best for ages: 13+ | £15 | 1-2 hours
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[0.6 miles]
This popular cafe, running by the reliable Wild Horizons, has a unrivalled location on the edge of Batoka Gorge. The outdoor terrace has stunning views. They serve up breakfast, lunch and dinner often with local specialities on the menu, like game meats and crocodile.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Victoria Falls Town, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe[2.3 miles]
Designed by golfing legend Gary Player, the 18-hole Elephant Hills course upstream from the Falls is one of the wildest golf courses in Africa, and players will have to mind the antelope and crocodiles as carefully as the water hazards.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 2-4 hours
Livingstone, Southern Province, Zambia[2.5 miles]
With the spray rising downstream and the sun dipping below the Zambezi, enjoy the best sundowner G&T in Africa from the Kubu Bar at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Non-residents are welcome, and the views are worth the price tag.
Best for ages: 18+ | £12 | 2-3 hours
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
The world-famous Victoria Falls is also Africa’s adventure playground, offering an array of brilliant adrenalin-packed adventure activities plus Big Five safaris.
