Reviews of Royal Livingstone Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
89 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Royal Livingstone Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
56% success
43% success
13% success
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
"Go ahead, be a tourist!"
The ambiance is wonderful, but basically it was more touristy than we wanted. The chef is good, but wildly overreaches his level of competence.
Strongly recommended for those who want to chill out at the start or end of an Africa trip." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
"Relaxing start to trip at Royal Livingstone"
The price of wine was extortionate, a modest South African red which we can buy in England for less than £5 was $58 a btle." See all these reviews: 13n in Botswana; 7n in Zanzibar; 3n in Zambia
"Victoria Falls"
The client relations staff have obviously never walked to the Falls. As the water on thh Zambian side was low, we asked about going to Zimbabwe but they were not sure whether we would be able to get visas and then get back easily.
We walked across the bridge, checked with the Zambian authorities they would let us back in, paid $55 each for a Zimbabwean visa walked to the park. saw the Falls and walked back with no problems.
The boat trip to Livingstone Island ( in dry season) is unmissable. It was one of the highlights of my husband's trip that he swam in the pool at the top of the Falls and looked over the edge.
We recommend the museum in Livingstone and particularly the section on David Livingstone, the colonial and post colonial era and lots of information about Zambia up to the present day.
We went to an African restauarant in town - can't remember name but will let you know - which had good food, lovely waitresses in national dress and an entertaining floor show.
Activities at the hotel are really what you make of them. There is a footpath from the hotel to the Falls on the Zambian side and I don't think enough people knew of its existence." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Opulent."
Beautifully designed rooms. Food over elaborate. We ate at the Zambezi Sun for the 2nd two nights of our stay and their buffet was excellent. On our last morning at the Royal they did a buffet for breakfast which was perfect as you could choose what you wanted rather than eleborate concoctions.
The hotel arranged a taxi for us into Livingstone and he waited for us whilst we visited the museum which was particularly good." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia
"Sipping G and Ts by the Zambezi"
It felt like the hotel was a bit of an intrusion into nature but its location close to the Falls meant convenient access both morning and at sundown.
The spa facilities which offer massages on the edge of the Zambezi were a real treat as was afternoon tea. Skip lunch if you are going to indulge though." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Luxury retreat"
At times the staff were quite rigid about what could occur- eg meal time bookings in the restaurant. other service was impeccable" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
"Great luxury hotel just steps from the Falls"
Standard of food and service excellent. Breakfast especially. Clear that the staff are all well trained and an obvious management presence throughout was much appreciated.
We visited the Falls morning, noon and evening so it was vital we could walk there easily. A hotel requiring a bus ride at set times would have been very frustrating.
Wine list was ridiculous - a comment already fed back to the hotel. Very overpriced ordinary French wines. $100 for something we can buy in the shops for £5.
One problem with this trip was too little exercise so it was a shame the pool (not heated) was so uninviting. It was a good size with a lovely view but remained empty.
One admin note - we were not given any info on our departure until too late. We rang at 5pm the day before as the departure time could have affected our evening plans. We were told the time then but it was not confirmed until 9pm that evening in a letter. Better communication called for." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 10n in Mozambique; 2n in Zambia
"A wonderful setting and so near the falls"
The lay out of the fruits, cereal and meats etc at breakfast was a feast to the eyes, an amazing display. We were disapointed with the quality of the evening meals after being so spoilt at the camps." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
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.
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
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.
