The Victoria Falls Hotel

Built in 1904 for passengers on the new railway, the hotel is owned by National Railways of Zimbabwe and, since August 2026, fully operated by African Sun. It is a large hotel, with about 161 rooms ranging up to suites, and its long corridors and public rooms are hung with colonial-era portraits and antelope horns. Stanley's Terrace and the Livingstone Room are the main places to eat, and there is a pool in the gardens.

The main draw is location. You can walk to the falls in about ten minutes, take high tea on Stanley's Terrace with the bridge and the spray in front of you, and be back for lunch. The hotel can arrange the usual Victoria Falls activities, from sunset cruises on the Zambezi to helicopter flights. Two nights is enough for most trips, as a start or finish to a safari.

It suits first-time visitors, history lovers and anyone who wants to walk to the falls. It is a big hotel, so expect more people around and less privacy than at a small lodge. The style is old-world, and the change of operator in 2026 means it is worth checking on any updates or room refurbishments before you book.