Victoria Falls is one of the few places in the world where you can stay in 2 different countries to see the same main attraction.
On the Zambia side (Livingstone), the vibe leans riverfront, safari-style luxury. On the Zimbabwe side (Victoria Falls town), you get colonial hotels and walkable town convenience.
Here’s how the top properties compare.
🇿🇲 LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA
1. Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Vibe: Old-world safari luxury
Best for: Honeymooners, luxury travelers, bucket-list stays
- Direct access to the Falls (guests enter through a private gate!!!)
- Wildlife roaming the grounds (zebras and giraffes roam the property)
- Zambezi riverfront sunsets
- Colonial + modern polish
This is the most iconic luxury stay on the Zambian side.
The property is connected to Avani Victoria Falls Resort, which feels more relaxed and family-forward, with décor that draws more heavily on African design elements — and comes at a lower price point.
2. Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort
Vibe: Modern upscale resort
Best for: Comfort lovers, families, polished contemporary style. International brand.
- Sleek, modern rooms
- Gorgeous river views
- Spa, large pool, excellent dining
This is the newest “luxury-resort feel” option — stylish but still very much about the Zambezi setting. We came here for their buffet dinner and it was very good.
3. Protea Hotel by Marriott Livingstone
Vibe: Reliable mid-range comfort
Best for: Travelers who want quality without ultra-luxury pricing
- Solid Marriott standard
- Close to town
- Good base for excursions
- More practical than romantic
Protea is perfect if you want dependability and a good location without paying for riverfront exclusivity. This is where we stayed at the rate was $209/night compared to the ~400 neighbors
🇿🇼 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
Things definitely shift stylistically. Zimbabwe’s side feels more historic and town-centered. You can walk to the Falls gate, cafes, and restaurants.
4. Ilala Lodge Hotel
Vibe: Boutique, intimate, prime location
Best for: Walkability + charm
- 5-minute walk to the Falls entrance
- Smaller, personalized feel
- Views of mist rising from the Falls
- Classic but cozy
This one is ideal if you want proximity without the massive grand-hotel atmosphere.
5. The Victoria Falls Hotel
Vibe: Historic colonial grandeur
Best for: Old-world glamour & iconic experiences
- Built in 1904
- Afternoon tea overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge
- Feels like stepping into another era
- Grand lawns and formal elegance
If Royal Livingstone is safari romance, this is British imperial drama — sweeping, historic, cinematic.
6. Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel
Vibe: Budget-friendly & central
Best for: Affordable location near everything
- Walking distance to town
- Solid base for activities
- More practical than luxurious
This is your no-frills option that still puts you close to the action.
🇿🇲 Zambia vs 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe: Which Side Is Better?
Stay in Zambia if:
- You want riverfront safari energy
- You prefer resort-style relaxation
- You’re prioritizing seclusion
Stay in Zimbabwe if:
- You want to walk everywhere
- You love historic hotels
- You want more restaurants and tourism energy