One of the world’s Classic five-star hotels commands prime location overlooking Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, an acclaimed Natural Wonder of the World

Average size 30 Square metres.

Graced with greys, black colours and fine-wood furnishings that provide an elegant and comfortable finish. The 30 bedrooms are available with convertible beds. All rooms are shower only bathrooms and are equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. Some bedrooms are inter-leading and eminently suitable for families. A Component Room is also availble which gives 3 classic rooms under one key.

Facilities & Services: In-Room Safe, Mini Bar, Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned, IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities, USB charging points.

Stables Signature Wing Rooms

These 44 deluxe rooms are situated in the stand-alone Stables Signature Wing with a view of the front lawns or lush courtyard. These rooms are furnished in a modern style with a bygone feel. Bathrooms incorporate luxury world-class amenities, Victorian bath tub with large separate walk-in showers and luxury Charlotte Rhys amenities. Ideal for families travelling together.

What makes the Stables Signature Wing Rooms special?

• Private check-in in the Stables Signature Wing  Lounge
• Complimentary Wi-Fi service
• Complimentary spa voucher - 25 minute neck, back or foot massage (guests need to pre-book on arrival)
• Complimentary limited mini bar,  replenished daily 
• Complimentary tea, coffee and cake served between 15h00- 17h00 ( in the Stables Signature Wing  Lounge )
• Twin or Double Beds
• Spacious bathroom with separate shower and bath

Facilities & Services: In-Room Safe, Mini Bar, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned, IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities.

Premiun Rooms

Average Size 55 Square Metres. 

Our Premium Rooms offer discerning clients modern luxury and elegance, with dedicated lounge areas and located in various locations of The Hotel overlooking the lush gardens or stunning Batoka Gorge of the Zambezi River. They have convertible  king-sized bed, IP TV, Mini bar and Private safe.

What’s special about the Premium Rooms?

• Full Access to the Bulawayo Premium Lounge
• Early check in subject to availability 
• Convertible king size or twin  beds
• Spacious bathroom with luxurious shower 
• Complimentary Mini bar daily
• Complimentary luggage wrapping on departure
• Access to Board room use (Pre - booked)
• Welcome Gift

Facilities & Services: Spacious lounge; Exclusive mini bar; In-Room Safe, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned,  IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities.

Deluxe Suites

Average Size 70 Square Metres

Offering spacious rooms and bathrooms with unparalleled views of the  Falls spray or Batoka Gorge of the Zambezi River.  All beds are king-sized and convertible. Room has, IP TV, Mini bar and Private safe.

What’s special about the Deluxe Suites?

• Spacious Bathroom with luxurious shower 
• Full Access to Bulawayo Premium Lounge 

Facilities & Services: Spacious lounge; Exclusive mini bar; In-Room Safe, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned, IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities.

Executive Suites

Average Size 70 Square Metres.

Old and new world meet in the catergory of rooms with a choice between Victorian or Edwardian influence. Each Suite carries its own identity a choice between “Songwe”, “Baines”, "Jubilee" Executive Suites in the Grand South and  North Hammerhead Wings are perfect for the business traveller or discerning guests who enjoy a luxurious and spacious environment. Suite guests have full access to all the facilities and amenities of The Victoria Falls Hotel. The suites have a spectacular view of the famous Batoka Gorge, Victoria Falls Bridge that spans the Zambezi River linking Zimbabwe and Zambia, and perfectly manicured gardens. Separate bedrooms and private lounge with opulent bathrooms of distinction.

What’s special about the Executive Suites?

• Suites are designed to offer spacious comfort in a luxurious setting,
• Spacious Lounge independent from the bedroom
• Spectacular walk-in closet with spacious bathroom
• Bathtub and seperate Showers
• Belgian chocolates, fresh-cut flowers and fruit platters
• Ideal for guests who value luxury 
• VIP Suite Supplies

Facilities & Services: Spacious lounge; Exclusive mini bar; In-Room Safe, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned, IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities.

Royal Batoka Suite

Located at the central part of the Hotel buildings the Edwardian Suite has an unparalleled spectacular view of the famous Batoka Gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge that spans Zimbabwe and Zambia. This grand suite has a generous space in which to relax or entertain offering multiple entertainment spaces and spacious bedrooms.

What's special about the Royal Batoka Suite?

• 121 square meters
• Butler service available
• Entrance Hall and living room
• Master bedroom with
• King-size bed, en-suite bathroom
• Freestanding bath and large walk-in shower
• Second bedroom 1 x king/twin bed, en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower
• Separate guest toilet,
• Dining room for up to * 6 guests
• Modern kitchenette,
• Custom Mobi Bar and mini bar, a Spar treatment of choice
• Entrance Hall and living room

Facilities & Services: Spacious lounge; Separate Dining Room, Modern kitchenette, Complimentary mini bar; In-Room Safe, Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned, IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities.

Presidential Suite

Our Presidential Suite exudes space and luxury in style, location and grandeur, is ideal for business travellers wishing to work and relax or discerning holidaymakers on extended stays. Affectionaltely called "The Livingstone Suite" it features an opulent panelled walls finish and relaxing colour schemes. Each of the 3 bedrooms have their own unique decor with the master bathroom incorporates featuring double spacious separate showers and a bathtub. Spectacular view overlooking the gardens from the private balcony.

What’s special about the Presidential Suite?

• 205 square meters
• Butler service available
• Spectacular walk-in closet with spacious bathroom with his and her amenities
• Three-bedroom Suite with private balcony
• Belgian chocolates, fresh-cut flowers and fruit platters
• Ideal for discerning guests who value privacy
• Spacious master bathroom with separate shower and bath
• Selection of Gin or Whiskey

Facilities & Services:  Spacious lounge; Separate Dining Room, Dedicated Kitchen in Suite, Complimentary mini bar; In-Room Safe, Wi-Fi, Telephone, Hairdryer, Fully Air Conditioned, IP TV, Express Valet Service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, Tea and Coffee making Facilities.

Restaurants & Bars

As befits Zimbabwe’s grandest and oldest luxury hotel, The Victoria Falls Hotel presents a connoisseur’s delight of dining options, with internationally-trained chefs creating exquisite dishes.

Both our famed, signature Livingstone Room and the thatched outdoor-style Jungle Junction restaurants offer the finest menu selections in the town, Zimbabwe’s “Wonder of the World” tourist hub. The hotel is renowned for its ever-cheerful staff and five-star service. A fine selection of wines and liqueurs is always available to suit the most discerning international guests.

Stanley's Terrace

Our High Tea is a renowned experience

Stanley’s Terrace offers tantalisingly more than just our famous High Tea – it is also a magically delightful setting for light meals throughout the day. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily, with spectacular views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray from the Falls below.

Jungle Junction

Enjoy rousing nightly traditional entertainment.

Dining at Jungle Junction offers an unforgettable experience, gazing over the gorge and the spray of the Falls, with a fusion of flavours of Africa. Nightly entertainment from various ethnic groups, including the spiritual, masked Makishi, epitomizes the spirit of Africa. Lavish buffets at the casual Jungle Junction are but one of the many choices for breakfast and dinner.

All our restaurants have outstanding locations, making dining around the hotel a memorable experience.

The Livingstone Room

The benchmark for fine dining in Africa

The classically-elegant Edwardian-style Livingstone Room, which was totally refurbished in 2013, seats 120 and opens only for dinner, featuring a la carte and table d’hôte menus

In 2013 our distinguished venue was voted the seventh finest Restaurant in the World by The Daily Meal, a respected organization specializing in the field of global culinary excellence, style and ambiance. Look here at the inspiring and fabulous list, look here.

The Livingstone Room was also included in The Daily Meal’s inaugural 2012 list which is compiled by experienced international travel editors and in liaison with the famous Michelin Guide.

The opulent Livingstone Room consistently sets the benchmark for fine dining in Africa and features a la carte and a seven-course degustation menu and dancing to a live band. 

Whilst the Livingstone Room reflects the century-old hotel’s style of grandeur and opulence, the dress code (previously tie and jacket) has been relaxed to smart casual, sleeved collared shirt and closed shoes for men for the convenience of guests in this more relaxed modern era. Strictly no safari wear, shorts, sandals or sneakers.

Poolside

Situated adjacent to the beautiful pool, our open-air bar offers an extensive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails. In addition to drinks, we offer a delightful A’ la carte lunch menu for our guests.

Guests have the option to order light meals which are served in various gazebos around the pool area. This setting allows for a relaxed dining experience amidst a picturesque environment.

Every day during lunchtime, live ethnic entertainers perform, enhancing the atmosphere and providing enjoyable entertainment for all guests.

The pool area accommodates a maximum seating capacity of 70 guests, ensuring a comfortable and spacious environment for everyone.

Stanley's Bar

A snug retreat for just  30 guests.

Experience ultimate relaxation with the sundowner at this cozy bar.Indulge in the renowned cocktails or a classic gin and tonic at the Stanley's Bar while immersing yourself in the majestic sound  of the Victoria Falls.

24-hour Room Service

Choose from an extensive menu of meals and snacks.

All guests have access to an extensive choice of snacks and meals from the room service menu. Our staff are dedicated to meeting any special requirements, giving a five-star service that is intentionally aimed to leave every guest feeling like royalty.

Facilities

Airport Transfers

As befits one of the premier luxury hotels in Africa some discerning guests may prefer a private transfer to/from the Airport just 25 minutes away. These may be organised on request.

Our stylish Pullman Suite seats 30 for Meetings.

The Victoria Falls Hotel Conference Facilities (two rooms) are best suited for small and exclusive Meetings. The Pullman Suite and the plush Centenary Room are superbly appointed with exquisite furnishings adding a pleasing aura of sophistication to conferencing. Each conference room has an elegant sprinkling of greenery in the form of well-placed pot plants and flower vases.

The rooms are suitable for meetings of between 8 and 30 people

• Pullman Suite accommodates a maximum of 30 delegates
• Centenary Room accommodates a maximum of 18 delegates

Our Conference Package includes:

• Flip Charts and Markers
• Overhead Projector and Screen
• Data Projector
• Conference Notepads and Pens
• Television and DVD player
• Dedicated registration and breakaway areas
• Mineral Water
• Selection of Cordials
• Selection of Mints and Sweets
• Teas/Coffees and Lunches

Edwardian Pool

Situated adjacent to the beautiful pool, our open-air bar offers an extensive selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails. In addition to drinks, we provide a delightful A’ la carte lunch menu for our guests.

Guests have the option to order light meals that are served in various gazebos around the pool area. This setting allows for a relaxed dining experience amidst a picturesque environment.

Every day during lunchtime, live ethnic entertainers perform, enhancing the atmosphere and providing enjoyable entertainment for all guests.

The pool area accommodates a maximum seating capacity of 70 guests, ensuring a comfortable and spacious environment for everyone.

Gift Shop

Located on the ground floor near the lobby, The Gift Shop offers a range of books, newspapers, magazines, toiletries and gifts, including antique ornaments from West African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Gabon. The gift shop also features delightful locally manufactured and designed jewellery from the Ndau range. Well worth looking at these inspiring pieces now being so successfully exported.

Beauty Spa

Relieve stiff muscles after a long flight with this back and neck massage, followed by a foot massage for top-to-toe rejuvenation.

Our quaint beauty spa is typically sized with two massage beds in the hotel and  one at the poolside. All staff are qualified beauticians offering a range of treatments from Swedish body massage (neck, shoulder and back), Clarins ultimate body relax, scrub and massage, Aromatherapy full body massage, Clarins custom-designed facials, pedicures and manicures.

Guests may also choose the option of having manicure and pedicure treatments in their rooms. Massage treatments are also available in the airy gazebo around the poolside.

Hair Salon

The hair salon has a clean, modern design with tiled floors.  It specializes in haircuts, styling and treatments for all hair types. Guests are encouraged to make appointments at least 24 hours beforehand to ensure they can be accommodated at their preferred time.

Stone Dynamics Gallery

The beginnings …

Though beautiful stone Zimbabwe Birds were found at Great Zimbabwe in the fifteenth century, contemporary Zimbabwe Stone Sculpture has its roots in the 1950’s when Frank McEwan, first Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe, started an art workshop. Initially the focus was on painting, and McEwan was impressed by the exciting and uninhibited work produced by the indigenous artists.  He encouraged them to try sculpting with stone.  The results were astounding and drew international attention.

International acclaim …

Sculptors such as Takawira, Munyaradzi, Mukomberanwa, Mariga and Matemera* earned acclaim from art critics around the world through exhibitions in Africa, Europe and America. By the late 1980’s an article in Newsweek (14.9.1987) claimed Zimbabwe was “home to five of the top ten stone sculptors in the world” and that “Shona sculpture is perhaps the most important new art form to emerge from Africa this century”.  Zimbabwean Stone Sculpture had become a phenomenon on the world art scene and captured the imagination of art lovers everywhere.  To this day our sculptors continue to be invited to exhibit internationally and have scooped many prestigious awards.  

The next generation

Stone Dynamics Gallery was founded in 1987 by Stuart Danks, a young Zimbabwean and son of Jean Danks, artist and former Curator of the Bulawayo National Gallery.  The gallery represented already established artists and provided opportunities for new young talent, organising exhibitions worldwide. It has been described in several authoritative books, including “Stone Sculpture in Zimbabwe”, written by the Australian author and art critic, Celia Winter-Irving.

Stone Dynamics Gallery

Stone Dynamics Gallery has had a permanent exhibition here at the Victoria Falls Hotel for twenty-eight years. Many guests have purchased sculptures as mementos, design pieces to enhance their homes, and for their art collections. The sculptures displayed are all original works, and customers are provided with a certificate of authentication and a biography of the artist.

The Larry Norton Gallery

Nestled inside the hotel on the ground floor is this superb gallery where a selection of Larry’s latest original works is on view. Larry grew up on a game farm in Zimbabwe and started drawing as a boy, beginning a professional career in 1988. He has since developed into Zimbabwe’s most acclaimed wildlife artist and has staged successful exhibitions around the world, including in London and New York. Over the years larry has generously donated his works to a wide variety of charities that may be seen on his interesting website.

The Bulawayo Room

Our private Residents’ Lounge adjoins the main Palm Lounge and  exudes traditional warmth and comfort. Here you will find an array of newspapers and reading materials, a card table and interesting artefacts that make up the decor.

Our Rich History

A Cape-to-Cairo vision was the beginning

With dramatic views of the gorges of Zimbabwe's spectacular Victoria Falls, The Victoria Falls Hotel, built by the British in 1904, was originally conceived as accommodation for workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway) and today it is a famous luxury brand.Serene Lily ponds, arched loggias, and broad verandas – offering magnificent vistas - seem custom-built for a spot of high tea or a relaxed gin and tonic. Some rooms offer stunning views of the gorges and bridge below.

The history of The Victoria Falls Hotel is incomplete without the reference to the development of the railway system in Zimbabwe. Cecil Rhodes had tasked his friend and colleague Sir Charles Metcalfe with overseeing the development of the railway system and Metcalfe took heed of Rhodes’ dreams of the railway line stretching “from Cape to Cairo,” hence he started plans for the first bridge across the mighty Zambezi. Rhodes was insistent that the bridge should be built in a place that the spray from the falls would fall on the passing trains, which is why the site was chosen just a little below the Boiling Pot, at almost right angles and in very close proximity to the falls.

The Victoria Falls Hotel was built and operated by the railways administration, but in the early 1970s it was leased to the then Southern Sun hotel group, forerunner of today's African Sun Limited. A significant development in the late 1990s was the involvement in the hotel of another leading Zimbabwean hospitality operation, Meikles Africa Hotels. Today the property itself still belongs to the National Railways of Zimbabwe and there is a shared 50/50 partnership operation between African Sun and Meikles Africa.

In his intriguing book “100 Years 1904-2004” (history of The Victoria Falls Hotel) John Creewel calls it “one of the truly special places in the world”. He says the hotel is a jewel because of “consistent attention to quality and standards over a century of operation.”  He notes that the most important factor behind the hotel’s success has been “its proximity to Victoria Falls, one of the most remarkable sights in the world....a spectacle unrivaled in the world.”

Steeped in history  and one of the oldest Hotels in Africa, The Victoria Falls Hotel serves is a reminder of the distinguished and elegant era to which it was born and has earned its status as the epitome of grand luxury travel. The Victoria Falls Hotel remains  the landmark accommodation facility to view the popular tourist attraction, the wondrous Victoria Falls now in its 150 Millionth Fantastic Year!

Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is a small town – and the major tourist hub - in western Zimbabwe. A famous bridge spans the Zambezi River which is the border between Zambia (Livingstone) and Zimbabwe. The massive Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) is another wildlife wonderland and is just 180km from Victoria Falls on a good tar road.

The town nestles next to the falls. They are the major attraction, but this popular tourist destination offers tourists so much more in terms of an array of soft and adrenaline adventure activities.

The world-class safari country of Botswana lies just 88km away and is well-worth a visit, especially in the dry months of June – November. On travelling from Victoria Falls to Botswana one encounters (at the Kazangula border post) the only spot on earth where four countries meet at one point (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia).

Dr David Livingstone

Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.

Scottish missionary David Livingstone first heard about Victoria Falls, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, four years before he arrived there. The area was a sacred site for the Batoka and other local tribes. On 17 November 1855, Chief Sekeletu of the Makololo paddled Livingstone to an island in the Zambezi, known as Goat Island. Although the water was low at the time, Livingstone still felt a "tremor of fear" as he approached the wall of spray.

Gazing down into the churning chasm below must have been a heart-stopping experience (you can still visit the island, now called Livingstone Island, from the Zambian side during the dry season and take a dip in Devil’s Pool at the edge of the precipice).

Livingstone beautifully described what he saw in his diaries: "No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." 

The Falls Formation

The apt local Tonga name is “Mosi-oa-Tunya” - the Smoke that Thunders.

During the Jurassic Period (150-200 million years ago), volcanic activity resulted in thick basalt deposits covering large parts of Southern Africa. As the lava cooled and solidified, cracks appeared in the hard basalt crust, which were filled with clay and lime. Erosion and the course of the mighty Zambezi River cut through these softer materials, forming the first of a series of waterfalls.

Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "the smoke that thunders”, became known to the western world as Victoria Falls only after Dr David Livingstone first set eyes upon this astonishing natural wonder in 1855, a heartbeat ago in geological time and named them after his British Queen.

The Victoria Falls Park and Rainforest are open year-round, but you will enjoy a very different experience at various times:

The Rainy Season

When the summer rains fall (December to March) the water volumes grow and the Falls become more and more dramatic. You are guaranteed to get wet if you cross the bridge or walk along the trails winding near the falls, especially in April/May/June when the Falls are at their majestic and awesome 1700m-wide zenith. Indeed the skies may be bright blue but in these peak months the view of the Falls is often obscured by the billowing spray and a helicopter flip is recommended in order to take in and feel the true wonder.

The Dry Season

In the dry season (June to mid-November) the water volume starts to dwindle and by October Victoria Falls is often just a trickle. You will get a clearer view of the rocky cliff beneath the falls, which is spectacular in itself, but the falls might be somewhat underwhelming.