Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls

"Wished we had gone here first because after the incredibly high standard of accommodation and service on safari no hotel could ever match up. The staff were pleasant and friendly and the hotel was generally what we had expected. We were delighted to be so close to Victoria Falls and able to visit it several times and the hotel gardens were very pretty. We also enjoyed being able to walk into the next door hotel and eat and drink there too as it was even more pretty there.

Only complaints were that the air conditioning in the room was very noisy and mostly ineffectual and the hotel reception couldn't change us a 50 dollar note, which we thought was not great service from such a big hotel. Minor things really though." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

"Everything was perfect for a relaxing start to our visit to southern Africa.

The staff at Zambezi Sun were only too willing to assist with any queries and couldn't have been any more helpful." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia

"After 6 days in the bush, arriving at the Zambezi Sun to be greeted by dancers in loincloths brandishing spears was a little like stepping onto the set of the Lion King and quite a shock! But once we got used to the airconditioning and rubbing shoulders at breakfast with Southern African Finance Ministers attending a conference in the hotel, all was well.

The location is unbeatable - just 4 minutes from the Falls and set in beautiful grounds. The food at Squires was very good - and so was the buffet, despite some complaints posted on various websites.

Staff were courteous and helpful. We'd have rated it Excellent if there'd been a choice of a fan-cooled room instead of airco, and if a map of the grounds had been handed to us on arrival (we had to hunt for Squires)." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"good for the budged. Have dinner at the Royal Livingstone" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"We enjoyed the possibility to visit the Victoria Falls more than once and whenever we liked from our hotel. The only other activity we did was visiting a village in the area, which was very interesting as well as confronting.

The swimming pool was also very nice and surprisingly not crowded; a pity the water was shallow at most places.

Lots of choice at breakfast, but a pity some of the bakery wasn't well done (it was as if they didn't know exactly how to prepare the food that was probably deep frozen). Different choices of restaurant." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Our stay at Zambezi Sun was quite a change of pace from our visit with our daughter near Serenje and our safari experience. I must admit I wasn't quite expecting such a Westernized experience (aside, of course, from the baboon that smashed one of the sliding glass doors of a guestroom near us and the zebras that strolled around the grounds).

Initially we were assigned a non-smoking room that had been occupied by a smoker. One of the desk staff was exceedingly helpful, immediately reassigning us to another room and then returning with us to help remove our luggage from the old room and ensuring that our new accommodations were acceptable.

The food was delicious and plentiful, the wait staff was very helpful, and our white water rafting adventure was exhilarating." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia

"Fabulous service. We felt that we were treated as individuals, despite the size of the place. MASSIVE buffet breakfasts and dinners maintained good quality. We ate at the Royal Livingstone one night and wished we had stayed at home!

They seemed a little secretive about the shops on site and when we found Squires restaurant we ate there. Food not so good, but great atmosphere and portions manageable! And, of course, we could walk to the falls any time we wanted. Waiters and barstaff particularly charming.

Elephant safari and day canoeing recommended, but be careful if you take a sunset cruise - some are loud drunken revels!" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 3n in Botswana

"Hotel fine, felt like a partial step back into the real worls after the camps. Whilst set in the National Park it didn't come close to anything we had seen in Botswana and was a sanitized version of the "real thing". That's not a criticism as they were very different experiences but an observation of how different they were.

No anti mosquito repellent in the rooms

Buffet dinner was expensive. Service at breakfast was below par." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"Chris & Lisa's comments -

We have stayed here before & chose to return to this hotel due to its superb location. The falls are only a few minutes walk from the hotel grounds making it so easy to view them at different times of day & in changing lighting conditions.

There was a problem with our booking on arrival but the hotel staff were very helpful and quickly sorted everything out with little fuss. We requested rooms facing away from the main pool area as last time we were here we found the evening entertainment a little noisy. These rooms on the other side on the building were much better for us - there was no noise from the pool area at all. The only sound was the roar of the falls themselves which would have been heard from anywhere within a couple of miles!

The choice of food here is vast, the hotel itself has a huge buffet in the evening. Lots of choice but quite pricey at $38 per person. We also ate at Squires next door and had an enormous meal which was much better value. On our last evening we went to the Royal Livingstone hotel for an evening meal, we were thoroughly spoiled & had a lovely meal which considering the setting & the service was again good value.

There is now an activities desk at reception as well as the main activities centre in the next door complex. We were easily able to organize all our activities at this desk & the staff were always friendly and helpful. We went on a tour to the Livingstone museum and the Mukuni village, both really worth a visit. We also went on a helicopter flight over the falls at sunset - amazing! On our last morning we went on an elephant ride - a lovely way to spend our last morning in Zambia.

John & Uschi's comments -

We agree totally. What an experience to walk 5 minutes and be at the falls! This hotel is just the right place if you want to be close to these impressive falls. We absolutely loved the helicopter flight. Everybody should do it to really appreciate the falls. Also the elephant ride - that was so wonderful!

I also loved the visit to Mukuni village. It gave us a little insight into the hard life of the locals. Of course, John's mother being a Livingstone, we had to go to the museum - and found it very interesting. John, especially, enjoyed the extra treat to see (and climb aboard) the Royal Livingstone Express." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia

"Excellent location. Somewhat cheezy but since we could use the facilities of the Royal Livingston, it was totally acceptable.

The breakfast was extensive and included in the price but lunch and dinner were on our own and unless we took a $10 taxi into town, VERY limited." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia