Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls
Wildlife sightings and reviews
234 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Avani Victoria Falls and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in May-2018, 36 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Avani Victoria Falls.
Zebra
92% success
Elephant
45% success
Hippo
42% success
White Rhino
21% success
Accra family
UK
"A superlative experience."
3 nights Arrived 13 Aug 2008
"The slightly disappointing experience at Chobe Safari Lodge left us a little in trepidation of what to expect at the Zambezi Sun. Would it be another large impersonal hotel? Large it may be, but the hotel excelled in every other way. The location is fantastic. While not having the views of the 'smoke' from the falls that the Royal Livingstone has, the 5 minute walk to the falls and unlimited access is fantastic. The Falls are everything you've ever heard and read - and then some.
The adjoining rooms were great - not very large but big enough - comfortable and were very well appointed. The animals wandering around the hotel grounds (zebras, vervet monkeys, giraffes) were great entertainment for the kids. The choice of restaurants was good, though we opted for the Squires bar only for our two nights eating in the hotel. The staff here were really very helpful and friendly - as were the main restarant staff at breakfast. The breakfast buffet had a vast array of food to choose from and was very good.
The activites available from the Activity Centre seemed limitless. We did the sundowner cruise on the African Queen - pleasant but not quite like the 'up close' experiences in Namibia and Botswana. We also did the Livingstone Island trip & the view of the main falls was breathtaking. But it was the falls, which we visited on numerous occasions, that was definitely the highlight and main draw. This was an excellent way to round off our trip and we have recommended the hotel to our friends already." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia
The adjoining rooms were great - not very large but big enough - comfortable and were very well appointed. The animals wandering around the hotel grounds (zebras, vervet monkeys, giraffes) were great entertainment for the kids. The choice of restaurants was good, though we opted for the Squires bar only for our two nights eating in the hotel. The staff here were really very helpful and friendly - as were the main restarant staff at breakfast. The breakfast buffet had a vast array of food to choose from and was very good.
The activites available from the Activity Centre seemed limitless. We did the sundowner cruise on the African Queen - pleasant but not quite like the 'up close' experiences in Namibia and Botswana. We also did the Livingstone Island trip & the view of the main falls was breathtaking. But it was the falls, which we visited on numerous occasions, that was definitely the highlight and main draw. This was an excellent way to round off our trip and we have recommended the hotel to our friends already." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Family H
Surrey
"Zambezi Sun review"
1 night Arrived 25 Jul 2008
"The proximity of the falls (5 mins walk) was a major bonus for a one night stay. Hotel staff very efficent, dining facilities acceptable but for anybody wanting to enjoy better quality food we would reccommend an advanced booking is made at the Royal Livingstone restaurant.
The riverboat cruise on the African Queen exceeded our expectations. We also really enjoyed the experience of the border crossing from Botswana into Zambia." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 1n in Zambia
The riverboat cruise on the African Queen exceeded our expectations. We also really enjoyed the experience of the border crossing from Botswana into Zambia." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 1n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Feedback Response
We'd 'second' that excellent suggestion of eating one or more meals at the Royal Livingstone's restaurant if you are staying at the Zambezi Sun. In our experience, the food isn't much more costly, and when we last visited the ambience and service were great. So do venture next door ... and you don't always need to book for lunch!
"Manager"
Salopian Spotters
UK
"Great Victoria Falls location at Zambezi Sun"
3 nights Arrived 13 Jul 2008
"As we expected it was a bit of a shock coming from the camps in Botswana to the brash, busy hotel that is the Zambezi Sun. We chose it solely on the location and we were happy with our choice, We could walk to the Falls in a few moments and did so at different times of the day, avoiding the crowds and seeing the Falls in different lights, and they really were superb.
We were less than impressed with the buffet style dinner at the Sun, and ate at The Royal Livingstone (next door and easily reached by shuttle bus), where the food was gorgeous and the atmosphere quite different. We also treated ourselves to spa treatments in tents overlooking the Zambezi at The Royal Livingstone, and felt they were worth it for the view alone.
We canoed for a full day on the Upper Zambezi with wonderful islands, wildlife and rapids in the morning, but after lunch the going was not so interesting, and as we had a strong headwind all day turned into a bit of a struggle. On a calm day where one could occasionally float with the current this would not be a problem.
We also went micolighting and that was brilliant, giving us spectacular views of the Falls and the most enormous grins when we got back. We both highly recommend this even if you don't like heights." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
We were less than impressed with the buffet style dinner at the Sun, and ate at The Royal Livingstone (next door and easily reached by shuttle bus), where the food was gorgeous and the atmosphere quite different. We also treated ourselves to spa treatments in tents overlooking the Zambezi at The Royal Livingstone, and felt they were worth it for the view alone.
We canoed for a full day on the Upper Zambezi with wonderful islands, wildlife and rapids in the morning, but after lunch the going was not so interesting, and as we had a strong headwind all day turned into a bit of a struggle. On a calm day where one could occasionally float with the current this would not be a problem.
We also went micolighting and that was brilliant, giving us spectacular views of the Falls and the most enormous grins when we got back. We both highly recommend this even if you don't like heights." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Lechwes
West Sussex
"Good hotel at the Falls"
2 nights Arrived 4 Jul 2008
"This is a good hotel to visit the Falls.
Its well run but obsessed with questionnaires about their service." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Its well run but obsessed with questionnaires about their service." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr Serval
Ottawa
"Friendly, helpful staff - ideal location."
2 nights Arrived 4 Jul 2008
"The room was great, hotel location ideal, staff helpful, but the cost of meals is excessive."
See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Cheetah Family
USA
"Zambezi Sun review"
2 nights Arrived 21 Jun 2008
"The rooms were fine. The food was so-so. The access to the falls was great."
See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Wild hunting dogs
UK
"Wet, Wet, Wet at the Falls"
2 nights Arrived 4 May 2008
"We started our holiday here with two nights / one full day to 'chill out' after the overnight flight. So we didn't have very long to enjoy the activities on offer, or to explore the surrounding area properly.
We enjoyed visiting the Falls by ourselves, so that we could explore in an unhurried fashion. We got very wet! There had been a lot of rain, and the Falls were probably at their best. Well worth seeing.
We chose to go on a suset cruise on the African Queen. This trip was organised very efficiently by the hotel and the boat trip was very luxurious, unlike any other we have experienced. We were fortunate to be directed to the top deck of he boat, and so escaped the noisy chatter of the other two decks, and experienced not onlly very good views of the countryside and wildlife, but a very informative commentary from the very knowledgeable captain on the wildlife of the area.
We also sampled the large hotel swimming pool and spent a happy hour in the bird hide watching weaver birds and kingfishers.
We are not normally fans of large hotels, but we couldn't fault this one. The food was particularly good and varied. The wild animals wandering loose around the campus were an interesting bonus, and the Falls really were just five minutes walk from our bedroom.
It would have been good to have at least one more day to explore the surrounding area. I did not feel we visited Zambia, we basically had a hotel experience (we were ferried to and from the hotel for the river trip). This was due to our lack of time in the area, and our choice of activities during the time we had." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
We enjoyed visiting the Falls by ourselves, so that we could explore in an unhurried fashion. We got very wet! There had been a lot of rain, and the Falls were probably at their best. Well worth seeing.
We chose to go on a suset cruise on the African Queen. This trip was organised very efficiently by the hotel and the boat trip was very luxurious, unlike any other we have experienced. We were fortunate to be directed to the top deck of he boat, and so escaped the noisy chatter of the other two decks, and experienced not onlly very good views of the countryside and wildlife, but a very informative commentary from the very knowledgeable captain on the wildlife of the area.
We also sampled the large hotel swimming pool and spent a happy hour in the bird hide watching weaver birds and kingfishers.
We are not normally fans of large hotels, but we couldn't fault this one. The food was particularly good and varied. The wild animals wandering loose around the campus were an interesting bonus, and the Falls really were just five minutes walk from our bedroom.
It would have been good to have at least one more day to explore the surrounding area. I did not feel we visited Zambia, we basically had a hotel experience (we were ferried to and from the hotel for the river trip). This was due to our lack of time in the area, and our choice of activities during the time we had." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs B
South Bank
"perfect location for visiting Victoria Falls"
3 nights Arrived 17 Feb 2008
"The location of this hotel is excellent for visiting the Falls, which was our main reason for being there. Our room was at the back of the hotel which gave us a wonderful view of the spray rising from the Falls, with rainbows included ! Our room was small but adequate.
The main buffet restaurant gave a good choice of foods. We ate one night in a smaller restaurant on-site and although the food was o.k. ,the restaurant looked a littlle shabby and in need of re-decorating. All hotel staff were friendly and helpful." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
The main buffet restaurant gave a good choice of foods. We ate one night in a smaller restaurant on-site and although the food was o.k. ,the restaurant looked a littlle shabby and in need of re-decorating. All hotel staff were friendly and helpful." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs Python
Kent
"Zambezi Sun review"
3 nights Arrived 29 Nov 2007
"Good hotel, ideal location for the falls.
Afternoon tea at the Royal Livingstone is a lovely experience, but a must do is the helicopter flight over the falls. Do the 30 minutes rather than 15.
Something to remember, the water levels of the falls is seasonal - Nov/Dec is "low tide"." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Afternoon tea at the Royal Livingstone is a lovely experience, but a must do is the helicopter flight over the falls. Do the 30 minutes rather than 15.
Something to remember, the water levels of the falls is seasonal - Nov/Dec is "low tide"." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Spotted wildcats
UK
"Zambezi Sun"
2 nights Arrived 5 Nov 2007
"Excellent location.
Good service.
Nice choice in restaurants.
Rooms not particularly special or large but are perfectly adequate for any normal requirements. Over all not to flash but does a good job at the basics." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Good service.
Nice choice in restaurants.
Rooms not particularly special or large but are perfectly adequate for any normal requirements. Over all not to flash but does a good job at the basics." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.
Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.
Stanley Safari Lodge
Stanley Safari Lodge has views of Victoria Falls spray from all the rooms, and is a convenient base for exploring the Zambezi River area.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
