Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls

"This trip marked, I recall the sixth and seventh times one or both of us has stayed at the Zambezi Sun in less than four years (nb: this trip, we stayed four nights on arrival in Zambia and one night on the way back to London). As always, we were very well looked after by the staff there (including being greeted as old friends).

Our frequent stays speak for themselves but it is worth adding that the hotel has lifted its game somewhat since our last stay (under new ownership, we understand). Good Wifi reception is now available more or less everywhere (and we, at least, didn't pay for access). Rooms are still being refurbished and redecorated but the work appears to be nearly complete. And one of the things we have griped about a little in the past, ie volume of music day and evening around the swimming pool, has been addressed. Lots of other small improvements. We'd suggest adding to these a top-of-the-range gin to the otherwise impressive stock at the bar.

At the same time the hotel retains, of course, its single biggest selling point which is its proximity to the Falls and free access thereto for guests. Add to this the super gardens along the river it shares with its sister hotel, the Royal Livingstone, and the mammal and bird life there and this is a really solid proposition.

The hotel is about 15 minutes from the centre of Livingstone where we had quite a bit of business to conduct during our stay. But we do not find this inconvenient as cars are available more or less on demand at the hotel itself (Kw50 one way into town) and there is no shortage of cabs in town to get back.

As usual, we ate dinner at Squire's restaurant adjacent to the hotel where we were also very well looked after.

We did (again!) the morning river safari (arranged by the activities desk at the hotel), which is one of our well-established favourites. All in all, we shall continue to recommend the Zambezi Sun to friends going to Livingstone - comfortable, convenient and good value for money." See all these reviews: 13n in Zambia

"Was a good option because of the location - 5 minute walk to the falls.

The hotel itself is a bit too mainstream for us - lots of tourists and buffet meals to feed the masses. Fairly well done for buffets though. The zebras on the lawn outside the room were a bonus." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 3n in Tanzania

"This hotel was chosen as a place for us to adjust having traveled to Africa from Hawaii. We did not plan any activities aside from looking at Victoria Falls. It was a perfect choice for us. Our room was quiet, clean and it was easy to walk to the falls and over to the other hotel that shares the property.

My husband rested a lot and I roamed the park and property. Encountered zebras, impala, a baby crocodile, baboons, giraffes and my first elephant across the Zambezi River having a drink. Little did I know that we would see so many elephants! Hundreds and hundreds...

We ventured over to Zimbabwe and view the falls from their side. It was well worth the time to do so." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa

"A good hotel and a fine base to our trip to Victoria Falls. There was a mix up over the room as my friend and I were given a double bed. This was quickly sorted out and we were given another room with two singles.

Apart from a baboon who was living within the compound and jumped beside our table and stole my apple danish breakfast - which was a huge shock but also very funny, it was excellent. I understand they were trying to catch the Baboon who has a sugar addiction - poor thing.

Its closeness to the Falls is a real advantage." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

"We loved the overall feel of the hotel, the metal sculpture animals in the grounds, the decor of the rooms and the general layout.

The hotel is undergoing some renovation, but that did not impinge upon us. Some checking that all the electrical outlets in the room actually work would be useful. We were there with a large delegation of Commonwealth Judges and Magistrates, but the hotel staff did a wonderful job of managing everything so that there were no difficulties. The concierge who helped us with activities did a marvelous job." See all these reviews: 3n in Zambia; 1n in South Africa

"Zambezi Sun was great for an inexpensive overnight to see Victoria Falls.

Location is terrific...out the back gate and you are standing in front of the falls. It is worth a short stop to see the falls, but you don't need any more than an overnight. Food at the Zambezi Sun was only very ordinary. We tried way ahead to book a reservation at the Royal Livingstone, sister hotel, but they don't respond to email or reservation requests...very frustrating.

We had cocktails on their deck overlooking the Zambezi at sunset...definitely worthwhile!" See all these reviews: 7n in Botswana; 1n in Zambia

"As a base for visiting the Victoria Falls this hotel is very good, stayed 2 nights.
Breakfast food OK but did not find the buffet dinner particularly appetising. Ate dinner on second night at The Royal Livingstone.
Meal and dining experience excellent and not much more costly than Zambezi Sun." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia

"As the Zambezi Sun was totally occupied due to a conference, we were upgraded to the Royal Livingstone hotel next door.

Needless to say, this was quite wonderful and will be our preferred hotel at the Falls on future visits" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia

"We were moved to the Royal Livingstone because of a conference at Zambezi Sun and had a wonderful time. They were extremely helpful and attentive and the facilities and setting were excellent.

The only downside was the cost of drinks and meals which were more than they would have been. It was a wonderful place to stay." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia

"A great hotel if all you want to see is the Falls - which we did. We spent our evenings at The Royal Livingstone as it had a more gentle feel to it.

The staff at the Zambezi Sun are really good and the buffet breakfast is great. Being only a few minutes walk from the Falls was the best thing though." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia