Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls

"We obtained our KAZA visas online prior to travelling.- they issue a Receipt for the $50.55 fee paid online plus a Letter of Authority to the border staff to issue a visa. The Zambian website and process were not entirely straightforward but it did save a very long and very slow queue at Livingstone airport.

It proved impossible to avoid the touts when trying to get a taxi from the airport to the Avani hotel. All demanded $30 but could be negotiated down to $25, which was slightly less than the $30 the Avani had quoted us for pre-arranging.

The Avani Resort was a most convenient and relaxing hotel; convenient because it was a 5 minute walk to the Zambian side of the falls and a 5 minute walk to the iconic bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe; and relaxing because the hotel is 'open-plan', with 2-storey accommodation blocks arranged around a large grassed area in the centre of which is a large unheated outdoor swimming pool (cold in August!),outdoor bar and restaurant and the main restaurant. We just had a standard room, with bath and shower, on a B&B basis which was better value than including meals as food at the hotel was inexpensive, dinner typically costing £45 for 2 including beers. The included buffet breakfast was extensive.

Unfortunately, there was almost no water going over the Zambian side of the falls, apparently due to a 2 year drought. and no need for rainwear on the Zimbabwe side as negligible spray from the subdued falls that side. Nevertheless, the views were spectacular and we had no regrets.

We enjoyed walking from the Avani over the iconic bridge to the Zimbabwe side of the falls and also on into the town of Victoria Falls to the 'colonial style' Victoria Falls Hotel but persistent pestering by roadside vendors was annoying." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Really nice large place to end journey with many activities nearby including free access to VIC Falls. On the bad side, helicopters and flights in the air all day - be warned. Perfect rooms, large pool area and good pool bar. The buffet was not up to the standard and price tag, perhaps just go for the fine bar menu. The staff were extraordinarily friendly. We would be happy to visit again in end of a trip. Super internet." See all these reviews: 21n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"Loved the zebras eating grass out our sliding doors. Enjoyed the monkeys and impalas and nearby giraffes.

Great location and short walk to Victoria Falls and bridge to Zimbabwe.

Pool area very nice for lounging and eating but uneven food service." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia

"We had a very nice visit at Avani Victoria Falls. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and when we were cold at night the staff were happy to provide us with heaters (otherwise the rooms do get very chilly at night in the winter).

The grounds are lovely with a huge swimming pool, and zebra and monkeys wandering around. There were ample good quality food choices in the restaurants and at the buffet breakfast. We were certainly glad to be within the Victoria Falls park and it was easy to walk to the Falls.

Unfortunately the Falls only had a trickle of water when we were there (on the Zambian side). Apparently there had been lower rainfall than usual this year so we did not get to see the spectacular sight we had hoped for." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia

"Good location, noisy hotel as corridors are concrete.

Food average, staff friendly enough." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 8n in Zambia; 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe

"Excellent location to access the falls.

Late arrival and early morning departure so we weren't able to do some of the available activities at the hotel." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 7n in Botswana

"The Avani turned out to be a very comfortable hotel with wildlife in the extensive grounds and amazing access to Victoria Falls.

Great facilities, spacious comfortable room, and good restaurant. Very cheerful and attentive staff." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia

"We felt that the accommodation was average. The establishment was large, impersonal and we had disappointing service at dinner.
It was noisy - both around the restaurant area and in the rooms.
Breakfast was excellent.

The location of the hotel is its redeeming factor and our ability to visit “The Falls” early in the morning when we were virtually the only visitors was special." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia

"We loved our stay at the Avani. We spent our first two days there and as it was our first look at this part of Africa, we were charmed by the game wandering the property.

The room was comfortable and exactly as advertised. Breakfast was superb and the staff very friendly. The location was great and we enjoyed unlimited access to the falls and an easy walk to the Zimbabwe side. Also a good place to do the river cruise (very enjoyable).

We used the proximity to the Royal Livingstone to enjoy high tea (excellent and pricey). We were usually too busy to bother with the restaurant and opted for the pool bar.

As it was busy the service was very slow ( we gave up on awaiting dinner on the second night and just went back to our room)." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"After being in the bush for several days, we found Avani to have more the feel of a resort, but with the zebras, impalas and giraffes wandering the grounds, still enjoyed a bit of the wild.

It was easy to make tour reservations and were able to go to Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side for a better view of the falls. Being the dry season, there was very little flow on the Zambia side. A river tour on a speed boat gave us a unique view of the river and wildlife living along the river. We were able to get close to shore to see various wildlife and birds.

The staff of Avani was very helpful and polite and the dining area staff very helpful with special food choices. I did feel their entree menu was a bit limited and would have liked more choices. The buffet at breakfast and dinner was very comprehensive but its usually too much food and a bit pricey for everyday. Nice walking paths throughout the resort to get some exercise and a large pool to relax by in the afternoon were amenities were enjoyed.

There was a gift shop in the back of the resort that we hadn't heard about until coming upon it on a walk. They had unique gifts and crafts to offer that the shop near the lobby didn't have. They need better signage for this area." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia