Where to Stay in Victoria Falls 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map

Victoria Falls straddles Zimbabwe and Zambia, with accommodation on both sides of the world's largest waterfall. Zimbabwe's side offers better Falls views and a livelier backpacker scene; Zambia's Livingstone provides colonial charm and calmer atmosphere. Many visitors experience both via the easy border crossing. The Zambezi River upstream offers luxury lodge experiences.

Editor's Pick for First-Timers

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)

Walking distance to the Falls' most dramatic views, central to all adventure activities, widest range of accommodation from backpacker to luxury, and the most vibrant dining/nightlife scene. Perfect base for first-timers wanting convenience and options.

First-Timers & Adventure

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)

Luxury & Honeymoon

Zambezi Riverfront

Culture & Families

Livingstone (Zambia)

Adventure & Views

Batoka Gorge Area

Quick Guide: Best Areas

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe): Falls access, adventure activities, restaurants, backpacker scene

Livingstone (Zambia): Colonial architecture, museums, calmer atmosphere, Zambian Falls access

Zambezi Riverfront: Luxury lodges, sunset cruises, hippos and crocs, honeymoon romance

Batoka Gorge Area: Dramatic gorge views, white water rafting base, adventure lodges

Things to Know

• Peak flood season (March-May) creates incredible spray but obscures direct Falls views - plan accordingly
• Some budget hostels have inconsistent water/power - check recent reviews
• Don't walk between town and some lodges at night - use taxis or lodge transfers
• Book activities directly or through reputable operators - avoid street touts

Understanding Victoria Falls Geography

Victoria Falls sits on the Zimbabwe-Zambia border with the Zambezi River flowing into the dramatic Batoka Gorge. Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls Town is the main hub with most activities. Zambia's Livingstone is 10km from the Falls. Both countries offer Falls access with different viewpoints. The KAZA UniVisa allows easy crossing between both sides.

Main Districts Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls Town (main hub), Zambezi National Park (upriver lodges). Zambia: Livingstone (town), Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Falls and wildlife). River: Upstream luxury lodges on both sides. Gorge: Below Falls, rafting base.

Accommodation Map

Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.

Best Neighborhoods in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)

Best for: Falls access, adventure activities, restaurants, backpacker scene

$27+ $130+ $540+

Mid-range

First-timers Adventure Backpackers Convenience

"Adventure tourism hub with safari lodges, backpacker hostels, and craft markets"

Walk or short taxi to Falls entrance

Nearest Stations

Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) Victoria Falls Town Center

Attractions

Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe side) Rainforest walk The Lookout Café Bungee jump

Transit

Moderate noise

Safe for tourists. Ignore street vendors firmly but politely. Don't flash valuables.

Pros

Best Falls views
Most activities
Vibrant town
Good value

Cons

Can feel touristy
Hawker pressure
Visa required for most

Livingstone (Zambia)

Best for: Colonial architecture, museums, calmer atmosphere, Zambian Falls access

$38+ $162+ $648+

Mid-range

History Couples Quieter Culture

"Historic colonial town with tree-lined streets and relaxed African pace"

15-20 min to Falls, easy border crossing

Nearest Stations

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) Livingstone Town

Attractions

Victoria Falls (Zambia side) Livingstone Museum Royal Livingstone Express Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Transit

Low noise

Very safe town. Easy border crossing to Zimbabwe.

Pros

More relaxed
Historic charm
Better for families
KAZA visa entry

Cons

Slightly further from Falls
Fewer budget options
Less nightlife

Zambezi Riverfront

Best for: Luxury lodges, sunset cruises, hippos and crocs, honeymoon romance

$162+ $432+ $1,296+

Luxury

Luxury Honeymoon Wildlife Romance

"Exclusive riverside lodges with Africa's most dramatic waterway at your door"

15-30 min lodge transfer to Falls

Nearest Stations

Lodge transfers from airports

Attractions

Sunset cruises Fishing Canoeing Wildlife viewing

Transit

Low noise

Very safe within lodges. Follow guide instructions around wildlife.

Pros

Incredible setting
Wildlife on doorstep
Ultimate romance

Cons

Expensive
Transfer dependent
Far from town

Batoka Gorge Area

Best for: Dramatic gorge views, white water rafting base, adventure lodges

$86+ $216+ $648+

Mid-range

Adventure Views Photography Active travelers

"Dramatic canyon landscape below the Falls with adventure-focused lodges"

20 min to Falls entrance

Nearest Stations

Transfers from town

Attractions

White water rafting Gorge views Zip-lining Walking trails

Transit

Low noise

Safe but follow all adventure activity safety briefings.

Pros

Incredible views
Adventure access
Unique setting

Cons

Remote
Limited dining options
Steep access

Accommodation Budget in Victoria Falls

Budget

$27 /night

Typical Range: $22 – $32

Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities

Mid-Range

$130 /night

Typical Range: $108 – $151

3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations

Luxury

$540 /night

Typical Range: $459 – $621

5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities

💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.

Our Top Hotel Picks

€ Best Budget Hotels

Shoestrings Backpackers

Victoria Falls Town

★ 8.3

Legendary backpacker lodge with pool, bar, and excellent activity bookings. The social hub for budget travelers and overlanders.

Solo travelersBackpackersSocial atmosphere

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Victoria Falls Backpackers

Victoria Falls Town

★ 8.2

Relaxed hostel with garden setting, free breakfast, and helpful tour desk. Walking distance to Falls entrance.

Budget travelersSolo travelersYoung travelers

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€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels

Ilala Lodge

Victoria Falls Town

★ 9

Family-run lodge closest to the Falls - hear the thunder from your room. Colonial style, excellent restaurant, and warthogs on the lawn.

ConvenienceCouplesWildlife at breakfast

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The Elephant Camp

Zimbabwe (Private Reserve)

★ 9.1

Luxury tented camp in private concession with plunge pools, elephant interactions, and wild luxury. 15 minutes to Falls.

Safari loversCouplesWildlife experience

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Avani Victoria Falls Resort

Livingstone

★ 8.6

Modern resort in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with Falls views, casino, and multiple restaurants. Popular with families.

FamiliesResort comfortZambian side

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€€€ Best Luxury Hotels

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

Livingstone (Riverfront)

★ 9.4

Grand colonial luxury on the Zambezi with zebras on the lawn, Falls spray visible, and private Falls access. Afternoon tea is legendary.

Luxury seekersHoneymoonsColonial elegance

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Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls Town

★ 9.2

Stunning views over waterhole from every room, vulture feeding, and bush dinners. African lodge experience with town convenience.

Wildlife loversFamiliesSafari atmosphere

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Tongabezi Lodge

Zambezi River (Zambia)

★ 9.6

Legendary riverfront lodge with unique houses/cottages, Sampson's Island picnic, and Sindabezi Island camp. Africa's most romantic lodge.

HoneymoonsUltimate romanceUnique experience

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✦ Unique & Boutique Stays

The Lookout Café

Batoka Gorge

★ 9

Not accommodation but unmissable - café cantilevered over Batoka Gorge with heart-stopping views. Pair with Stanley & Livingstone Hotel nearby.

Day visitViewsSundowners

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Smart Booking Tips for Victoria Falls

1 KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows multiple crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia - essential for seeing both sides
2 Book 2-3 months ahead for dry season (August-October) when wildlife viewing peaks and Falls are lower
3 High water season (February-May) offers most dramatic spray but some viewpoints flooded
4 Full moon dates offer lunar rainbow viewing - book these dates far ahead
5 Many lodges include airport transfers and activities - compare package deals
6 Livingstone often offers better value for similar quality accommodation

Why you can trust this guide

We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.

Curated locations based on walkability & safety

Real-time availability via live partner maps

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe). Walking distance to the Falls' most dramatic views, central to all adventure activities, widest range of accommodation from backpacker to luxury, and the most vibrant dining/nightlife scene. Perfect base for first-timers wanting convenience and options.

How much does a hotel cost in Victoria Falls?

Hotels in Victoria Falls range from $27 per night for budget accommodation to $130 for mid-range and $540 for luxury hotels. Prices vary by season and neighborhood.

What are the main neighborhoods to stay in Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe) (Falls access, adventure activities, restaurants, backpacker scene); Livingstone (Zambia) (Colonial architecture, museums, calmer atmosphere, Zambian Falls access); Zambezi Riverfront (Luxury lodges, sunset cruises, hippos and crocs, honeymoon romance); Batoka Gorge Area (Dramatic gorge views, white water rafting base, adventure lodges)

Are there areas to avoid in Victoria Falls?

Peak flood season (March-May) creates incredible spray but obscures direct Falls views - plan accordingly Some budget hostels have inconsistent water/power - check recent reviews

When should I book a hotel in Victoria Falls?

KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows multiple crossings between Zimbabwe and Zambia - essential for seeing both sides