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.
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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.
Victoria Falls Town (Zimbabwe)
Zambezi Riverfront
Livingstone (Zambia)
Batoka Gorge Area
Quick Guide: Best Areas
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.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
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
"Adventure tourism hub with safari lodges, backpacker hostels, and craft markets"
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
"Historic colonial town with tree-lined streets and relaxed African pace"
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
"Exclusive riverside lodges with Africa's most dramatic waterway at your door"
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
"Dramatic canyon landscape below the Falls with adventure-focused lodges"
Pros
- Incredible views
- Adventure access
- Unique setting
Cons
- Remote
- Limited dining options
- Steep access
Accommodation Budget in Victoria Falls
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
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 Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Town
Legendary backpacker lodge with pool, bar, and excellent activity bookings. The social hub for budget travelers and overlanders.
Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge
Victoria Falls Town
A relaxed, rustic lodge featuring a swimming pool, communal kitchen, and fire pit. Located in a quiet residential area, it's a short taxi ride from the Victoria Falls entrance.
$$ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Town
Stunning views over waterhole from every room, vulture feeding, and bush dinners. African lodge experience with town convenience.
Bayete Guest Lodge
Victoria Falls
Charming guest lodge with spacious, tastefully decorated rooms in lush gardens, a relaxing pool area, and excellent on-site dining with attentive service. Convenient central-yet-tranquil location offers easy access to the falls and local attractions.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls Town
Family-run lodge closest to the Falls - hear the thunder from your room. Colonial style, excellent restaurant, and warthogs on the lawn.
The Elephant Camp
Zimbabwe (Private Reserve)
Luxury tented camp in private concession with plunge pools, elephant interactions, and wild luxury. 15 minutes to Falls.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort
Livingstone
Resort within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park with unlimited Victoria Falls access, 5-minute walk away. Wild zebras roam the gardens.
Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Livingstone (Riverfront)
Grand colonial luxury on the Zambezi with zebras on the lawn, Falls spray visible, and private Falls access. Afternoon tea is legendary.
Tongabezi Lodge
Zambezi River (Zambia)
Legendary riverfront lodge with unique houses/cottages, Sampson's Island picnic, and Sindabezi Island camp. Africa's most romantic lodge.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
The Victoria Falls Hotel
Victoria Falls
Historic Edwardian hotel built in 1904, the 'Grand Old Lady' of the Falls. Preserved colonial architecture, private path to falls, iconic bridge views.
Shongwe Lookout
Victoria Falls
Award-winning boutique lodge featuring a unique two-platform viewing tower with panoramic vistas of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls spray, set in contemporary African decor with gardens and a pool just 2 km from the falls.
Smart Booking Tips for Victoria Falls
- 1 KAZA UniVisa (around $54) 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
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Victoria Falls.
Updated: February 25, 2026
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Complete travel guide for Victoria Falls: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.