Top 10 Best Safari Lodges & Camps Near Victoria Falls
There is a place in southern Africa where the earth opens wide and the Zambezi River plunges into a chasm with thunderous grace, casting mist high into the sky and rainbows into the sun. That place is Victoria Falls, known to the local Tonga people as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders.” More than just a waterfall, it is a gateway to adventure, serenity, and unforgettable encounters with wildlife. And nestled in the untamed beauty surrounding this natural marvel are some of Africa’s most enchanting safari lodges and camps.
Positioned along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls offers not just spectacle but access to two of the continent’s most majestic wilderness regions. The surrounding parks—Zambezi National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and further afield, Hwange and Chobe—present a perfect backdrop for safari lovers seeking both exhilarating game viewing and indulgent comfort. Here, elegant lodges and eco-friendly bush camps sit harmoniously within landscapes where elephant herds roam freely, lion roars echo through the night, and the rhythm of Africa plays on repeat.
To plan a safari experience around Victoria Falls is to open oneself to the magic of juxtaposition—raw, untamed nature cradled in the arms of luxury and grace. These lodges do not merely offer accommodation; they craft immersive, soul-deep journeys into Africa’s heart, blending thrilling wildlife experiences with sublime relaxation and cultural depth.
Safari in Style: The Art of Immersion in the Wild
The appeal of safari lodges near Victoria Falls lies in the fusion of wilderness intimacy with world-class hospitality. With settings that range from riverside sanctuaries to remote bush camps, each property offers a different expression of Africa’s timeless allure. Game drives at dawn, sunset river cruises, bush dinners under starlit skies, and encounters with ancient baobab trees are all woven into a daily rhythm that celebrates nature at its most profound.
Lodges near the falls often emphasize eco-conscious design, with many built to blend seamlessly with their environment. Wooden decks overlook watering holes, canvas tents rustle with the breeze, and open-air lounges allow the sights and sounds of the bush to be experienced without barrier. Sustainability is not an afterthought—it is a guiding principle. Many camps operate on solar power, engage in community upliftment, and prioritize conservation as part of their core mission.
From romantic hideaways perfect for honeymooners to family-friendly camps filled with activities for all ages, the area’s accommodation landscape is as diverse as the wildlife it shelters. And with the thunder of Victoria Falls just a short drive away, guests are never far from one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders.
Victoria Falls River Lodge: An Oasis on the Zambezi’s Edge
Tucked on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the falls, Victoria Falls River Lodge offers a luxury safari experience where every detail feels curated by nature itself. The lodge is the first private game lodge built within Zambezi National Park, giving guests unparalleled access to both river and bush adventures.
Spacious thatched suites with private plunge pools face the river, offering serene views and front-row seats to elephant crossings and birdlife in abundance. Whether arriving by boat or 4×4, the experience is seamless and scenic. With personalized service, gourmet dining, and a deep respect for the environment, this lodge is a cornerstone of elegance in the wild.
Old Drift Lodge: Colonial Charm in a Pristine Wilderness
Old Drift Lodge, located a short distance from the falls, evokes the romance of early African exploration while providing modern luxuries with a light environmental footprint. Situated within Zambezi National Park, the lodge offers game drives, river cruises, and walking safaris guided by seasoned professionals.
Each tented suite is air-conditioned and designed with a colonial flair, featuring clawfoot bathtubs, outdoor showers, and expansive decks. The location allows for up-close wildlife viewing and an escape from the crowds, while still being conveniently close to Victoria Falls. Guests often describe the experience as immersive, luxurious, and quietly spiritual, with the sounds of hippos and the rustle of the bush providing a natural soundtrack.
The Elephant Camp: A Sanctuary with a Cause
Set on a private concession within easy reach of Victoria Falls, The Elephant Camp merges high-end hospitality with ethical wildlife interaction. The camp’s name pays homage to its elephant conservation efforts, and guests have the opportunity to learn about and engage with elephants in a responsible and deeply moving manner.
The suites, spacious and secluded, open to vistas of the Batoka Gorge or the spray from the falls on the horizon. Fine dining, infinity pools, and exceptional service make the stay indulgent, while the camp’s commitment to wildlife and community development imbues each visit with purpose and authenticity.
Toka Leya Camp: Where Sustainability Meets Serenity
On the Zambian side of the Zambezi River lies Toka Leya Camp, a gem operated by Wilderness Safaris that exemplifies the harmony between comfort and conservation. Perched along the riverbank within Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, the camp features elevated decks, canvas tents, and panoramic views.
The activities here are as varied as they are enriching, from game drives and rhino tracking to visits to nearby villages and guided nature walks. Toka Leya’s eco-conscious ethos runs deep, with efforts to rehabilitate the riverine woodland and minimize its environmental impact. The result is a lodge that feels both intimate and globally responsible, where luxury and landscape coexist in perfect balance.
Chundu Island: Exclusive Escape on the Zambezi
For those seeking exclusivity and seclusion, Chundu Island offers a private island experience like no other. Situated within Zimbabwe’s Zambezi National Park, the island is accessible only by boat, creating a sense of true escape and intimate connection with nature.
Thatched villas line the riverfront, where each suite is a haven of comfort, offering bathtubs with a view, large decks, and the gentle soundtrack of flowing water and birdsong. Activities include canoeing, birding, and bush walks, all under the guidance of expert rangers. It’s an ideal retreat for couples and travelers wanting an immersive yet peaceful safari adventure close to Victoria Falls.
Mpala Jena Camp: Luxury in the Wildest Corners
Located further upstream along the Zambezi, Mpala Jena Camp offers a refined, eco-sensitive safari experience in one of the most pristine stretches of the park. The camp is part of the Great Plains Conservation portfolio, known for its ultra-luxury offerings and fierce commitment to conservation.
Each suite is adorned with bespoke furnishings, solar-powered amenities, and elegant design touches that reflect the landscape and culture. Game drives, river safaris, and photographic opportunities abound. For travelers seeking a blend of exclusivity, style, and purpose, Mpala Jena is a revelation.
Matetsi Victoria Falls: Ultimate Safari Sophistication
Matetsi Victoria Falls is where ultra-luxury meets expansive wilderness. Located on a vast private reserve, this property boasts riverfront suites, private butler service, a world-class wine cellar, and a stunning art collection. It is a place that seduces the senses while keeping its roots firmly in conservation and community upliftment.
Wildlife sightings on the reserve are impressive, and the proximity to the falls means both adventure and tranquility are within easy reach. From helicopter flips to sunset boat cruises and gourmet bush dinners, Matetsi delivers a flawless, five-star safari experience.
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel: Graceful Retreat Near the Falls
For travelers who prefer colonial elegance with modern flair, Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel offers an ideal base just 15 minutes from Victoria Falls. The property lies within a private game reserve and provides stylish accommodations alongside game drives, spa treatments, and curated excursions.
This lodge is particularly appealing to those seeking a serene, classic atmosphere, coupled with accessibility to both safari and sightseeing. The lush gardens, personalized attention, and family-friendly features make it a versatile and memorable choice.
Sindabezi Island Camp: Barefoot Luxury with a View
Hidden on a private island in the Zambezi, Sindabezi Island Camp invites guests into a rustic-chic paradise, where life slows down and the wilderness surrounds in every direction. The open-sided chalets offer uninterrupted views, candle-lit dinners are served on floating decks, and wildlife is always within reach.
With a strong commitment to low-impact tourism and community involvement, Sindabezi combines authentic African simplicity with poetic luxury. Guests often leave not just relaxed, but deeply moved by the raw beauty and thoughtful ethos of this special camp.
Crafting the Ultimate Safari Journey with WildHorn Africa
To stay in one of these magnificent safari lodges near Victoria Falls is to awaken every sense—to feel the heartbeat of Africa in the stillness of dawn, to watch nature unfold its drama in real time, and to sleep beneath stars that seem to whisper ancient secrets. These lodges and camps are more than accommodations; they are passageways into the soul of the continent, each offering its own unique blend of adventure, elegance, and authenticity.
For those dreaming of such a journey, the key lies in thoughtful planning, expert guidance, and a deep respect for the land and its people. That’s where WildHorn Africa steps in—not just as a tour operator, but as a trusted curator of meaningful experiences.
Whether your vision is one of barefoot luxury on a river island, thrilling game drives at sunrise, or candle-lit dinners overlooking the Zambezi, let WildHorn Africa tailor your safari with precision, passion, and purpose. Discover Victoria Falls and its surrounding wilderness as few ever will—with grace, depth, and the unmistakable roar of Africa in your ears.
