Stanley Safari Lodge: Our full report

Bordering the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone, about 3km as the crow flies from the Victoria ...

... Falls, Stanley Safari Lodge offers a peaceful base from which to explore the area. Unlike most other lodges we feature in Livingstone, it is set on a hill overlooking unspoilt bush, well away from the river, but with views of the spray from the Falls when they are in full flow.

**Previously run by Robin Pope Safaris, the lodge changed ownership in mid-2023 and is no longer part of the RPS portfolio. None of the Expert Africa team have visited in the last few years, so the write-up below is based on our previous visits: as soon as we have an update on the current situation, we will update the below - but do call us for questions and thoughts on the options in Livingstone.**

The African style and furnishings of Stanley Safari Lodge reflect the textures and patterns of Africa, and the service is efficient and friendly whether you are choosing to relax by the pool, or take part in some of the more adventerous activities that Livingstone and the Victoria Falls have to offer.

There are 10 rooms at Stanley Safari Lodge– six ‘cottages’ and four suites – each designed and furnished in a traditional African style. Some are open-fronted, and others enclosed, but all afford views across the bush to the spray of the Falls beyond.

Of the six cottages, five have an open front, enabling you to absorb the sights and sounds of the African bush, with king-size or twin beds and an en-suite bathroom. A sixth, closed cottage has a similar layout but with a solid front.
The open-fronted Honeymoon Suite has a larger bedroom than the cottages, and has its own plunge pool and fireplace.

The open-fronted Family Suite has these same amenities, but also has an extra room that uses the same bathroom. It works well for families with younger children, but may feel cramped with four adults sharing.
Two closed suites, Livingstone and Stanley, with their built-in fireplaces, make a cosier choice during the colder winter nights, between about May and August. Both suites have a covered terrace and private plunge pool, and with two en-suite bedrooms the Stanley Suite also works well for families.

The open-sided main house has been designed with space and views in mind. Enjoy sundowners in the African-style lounge, European-style cuisine with an African twist in the dining room, or quiet time in the library or upper deck discovering the secrets of Africa, or taking advantage of the complimentary WiFi. Outside, the gardens attract a variety of birds including the paradise flycatcher, while the infinity pool offers sunset and Falls spray views. The camp has an electric fence to stop elephants and baboons entering the grounds.

There's a lot of choice of where to eat. Even though the lodge has a dining room, you can dine outdoors under the stars, in the privacy of your suite, in the wine cellar or even in the infinity pool.

Several activities are included in the nightly rate at Stanley Safari Lodge, including mountain biking, village and museum tours, guided tours of the Victoria Falls, and most excitingly walking safaris to see the reintroduced white rhino in the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The lodge will happily help you to arrange other activities that aren’t included, too.

Our view

Stanley Safari Lodge is a comfortable, but very reasonably priced lodge, set in a peaceful area away from the crowds. With its small, personal, safari-lodge style and fully inclusive rate, it perfectly suits those looking for a property close to Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, but keen to avoid the larger hotels in town.

Anton Walker

Zambia expert

Geographics

Location: Livingstone & Victoria Falls, Zambia
Ideal length of stay: 2–3 nights
Directions: Stanley Safari Lodge is 25 minutes’ drive from Zambia's Livingstone Airport, an hour's drive from Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls Airport, or one-and-a-half hours' drive from Kasane in Botswana.
Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Food quality: Meals at Stanley Safari Lodge are very tasty and varied without being pretentious.

Breakfast is a continental or full English, with cereals, fruits, bread, tea, coffee and juice as well as eggs and bacon.

A warm lunch is served from a set menu, usually a quiche or small meat dish with a side salad.

High tea is served in the afternoon, with scones or cake and cookies.

Dinner is a three-course set menu of African fusion food. For example on our last visit we enjoyed a crocodile stir fry!
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: Meals can be eaten in a variety of areas including the main dining area, out on the lawns under the stars, or privately in your room.
Drinks included: Drinks are included apart from bottled wines, premium spirits and champagne.

The lodge has a borehole, the water from which is filtered and safe to drink, although bottled water is also available from the lodge.

Children

Attitude towards children: Children of all ages are welcome.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions here.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Stanley Safari Lodge has two family suites, although there is not a huge amount to keep children amused.
Notes: Due to the unfenced swimming pool, and baboons that are occasionally seen in camp, children should be supervised at all times by their parents.

Communications

Power supply notes: Back up generator
Communications: WiFi and internet in main area, cellphone reception.
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: All rooms have flush toilets and plumbed in showers and baths.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There is a first aid kit on site.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: The site is fenced and guarded 24 hours.
Fire safety: Fire extinguishers are located throughout the lodge.

Activities

Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Laundry is included but limited to 10 items per room per day in order to save water.
Money: There are safes in each room.
Accepted payment on location: Cash payments are accepted in US dollars, Euros, British pounds, Botswana Pula, South African Rand and Zambian Kwacha. Payment can also be made with Visa and MasterCard with a 5% surcharge.