Zimbabwe holds one of the natural wonders of the world — Victoria Falls, the "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "smoke that thunders", the largest curtain of falling water on earth. But the Falls are only the beginning. Beyond the spray lies a country of extraordinary safari riches: the elephant-thronged waterholes of Hwange, the walking-safari wilderness of Mana Pools, and the mighty Zambezi River. Zimbabwe's guides are widely regarded as the best-trained in Africa, and its lodges offer some of the continent's finest value.
This guide covers Zimbabwe's best lodges and hotels — the grand old dame of the Falls, riverside sanctuaries on the Zambezi, and the wilderness camps of Hwange and Mana Pools — with what makes each special, what they cost, and how to combine the Falls with a proper safari.
Victoria Falls — the "smoke that thunders", and the gateway to Zimbabwe's wild heart.
Quick Answer
The best lodges and hotels in Zimbabwe are the historic Victoria Falls Hotel, riverside Victoria Falls River Lodge and Matetsi on the Zambezi, wildlife-rich Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the centrally-placed Ilala Lodge, and The Elephant Camp above the gorges. For safari, pair the Falls with Hwange (elephants) or Mana Pools (walking safaris).
Expect rates of $250–$1,800 per person per night. Zimbabwe offers outstanding value and the best-trained guides in Africa. Explore our luxury African safari packages or speak to a Zimbabwe specialist.
The Grand Hotels of the Falls
The Victoria Falls Hotel
The grande dame of Victoria Falls, this Edwardian landmark has welcomed travellers since 1904. Set in manicured gardens within walking distance of the Falls, its famous terrace looks out to the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray rising from the gorge. Colonial elegance, high tea on the terrace, and a sense of living history make it one of Africa's most storied hotels. From $350 per person per night.
Ilala Lodge
The closest hotel to the Falls themselves, Ilala Lodge is an intimate, elegant property where you can hear the thunder of the water and often see wildlife wandering across the lawns from the neighbouring national park. Understated, warm and superbly located, it is a favourite for those who want to be steps from the action. From $300 per person per night.
Riverside Luxury on the Zambezi
Victoria Falls River Lodge
On the banks of the Zambezi within the Zambezi National Park, upstream of the Falls, this is Victoria Falls' premier luxury tented lodge. Spacious canvas-and-timber suites with private plunge pools look directly onto the river, where elephant and hippo pass by. Game drives, river cruises and a genuine wilderness setting just minutes from town make it the best of both worlds. From $700 per person per night.
Matetsi Victoria Falls
Set on a vast private reserve with 15 kilometres of Zambezi river frontage, Matetsi combines contemporary river-facing suites with genuine safari. Each suite has a private pool and deck over the water, and the reserve offers game drives, river cruises, fishing and walking. A short drive from the Falls, it delivers a full big-game and river experience in one exclusive property. From $900 per person per night.
Wildlife at the Falls
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Perched above a busy waterhole on the edge of the Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is famous for its game viewing without leaving the property. Elephant, buffalo and antelope come to drink below the deck, and the sunset views over the bush are legendary. It offers the rare combination of a Falls town base with genuine safari atmosphere. From $250 per person per night.
The Elephant Camp
Set on a private concession above the Masuwe Gorge, a short drive from town, The Elephant Camp offers just twelve luxury tented suites, each with a private plunge pool and sweeping views towards the spray of the Falls. Intimate, exclusive and wildlife-focused, it is a serene retreat away from the bustle of the town. From $600 per person per night.
Beyond the Falls: Hwange & Mana Pools
Hwange National Park
Zimbabwe's largest park and one of Africa's great elephant strongholds, Hwange is home to tens of thousands of elephants that mass at its pumped waterholes through the dry season, alongside lion, buffalo, wild dog and giraffe. Its lodges and camps — from classic tented camps to luxury retreats — deliver superb Big Game safari, and it lies just two hours by road from Victoria Falls, making a Falls-and-Hwange trip one of the country's finest.
Mana Pools
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambezi in the remote north, Mana Pools is Africa's spiritual home of the walking safari. Its cathedral-like forests and habituated wildlife allow expert guides to lead you on foot among elephant, buffalo and big cats, or by canoe along the river. Remote, seasonal and utterly wild, it is the connoisseur's Zimbabwe — a place for those who want the rawest, most immersive safari on the continent.
Costs & How to Combine
Zimbabwe's great strength is how easily the Falls combine with a proper safari — and how well it pairs with neighbours. A classic itinerary spends two or three nights at Victoria Falls, then flies to Hwange or Mana Pools for a wildlife immersion. The Falls also make the perfect start or finish to a Botswana safari through the Okavango and Chobe, which lie just across the border.
For the full journey, see our luxury African safari packages, our Falls and wildlife itinerary, and our guide to Botswana's safari lodges for the classic cross-border combination.
Planning Your Zimbabwe Trip
Time your visit to your priorities: February–May for the Falls in full thunder, August–December for activities and clearer views, and July–October for the best game viewing in Hwange and Mana Pools. Book the marquee riverside lodges and remote wilderness camps 6–9 months ahead for peak season.
Let us weave the Falls, the Zambezi and the wild parks into one seamless journey. Speak to one of our Zimbabwe specialists to design a trip around your dates, interests and budget.
