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Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Royal Livingstone Hotel is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honor of his queen. Paying tribute to this glorious era, the hotel evokes Victorian elegance and colonial traditions in impeccable style, offering unforgettable adventures.
The Royal Livingstone is a 5-star hotel located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. It stretches along the banks of the Zambezi River and is just a short walk from Victoria Falls. The hotel consists of 17 colonial-style buildings, along with a main building featuring a restaurant and lounge. Each room accommodates two people.
Each of the Royal Livingstone’s 173 luxury rooms and 4 suites features a private veranda with stunning views of the mighty Zambezi River. Guests can soak up the sights and sounds of river life while relaxing in a hammock, enjoying a massage in a waterfront gazebo, or cooling off in the pool. Refreshments are served in a lounge displaying paintings of Sir David Livingstone. Guests can partake in charming high tea rituals and later enjoy sundowners on a deck overlooking Victoria Falls. The hotel also offers African and European fine dining, followed by nightcaps under the stars, making it one of the finest hotels in Livingstone.
Marvel at the majesty of Victoria Falls, explore traditional Zambian villages for a true slice of local life, or head out on a tour to experience the vast array of wildlife. Once you arrive at the resort, the AVANI in-house Activity Desk, staffed by highly experienced consultants, can help you schedule additional activities.
For those looking to explore, experience the power and majesty of one of nature’s most impressive creations: Victoria Falls. Designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, feel the full force of one million liters of water cascading down the sheer face of Victoria Falls every second. Guests of The Royal Livingstone enjoy unlimited access to this natural wonder for the duration of their stay. For an additional cost, you can also take a scenic helicopter tour and witness the incredible power of the Falls from the air.
Experience the majesty of the Zambezi River along with the gracious hospitality of an authentic riverboat cruise. Enjoy views of hippos and other wildlife against the backdrop of the setting sun on the river, making this a photographer’s dream. Feel like royalty as you embark on the same journey undertaken by King George and Queen Elizabeth in 1947. Drinks and hors d'oeuvres are served throughout the cruise, which typically occurs on your arrival day or first full day at Victoria Falls.
During your stay at the Royal Livingstone, enjoy a day safari in Chobe National Park, Botswana. Located just 90 minutes from Victoria Falls, Chobe Game Lodge is an award-winning, fully Ecotourism-Certified luxury property situated on the game-rich riverfront. The Chobe Riverfront is home to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants—more than 40,000—making it one of the best locations for game viewing in the region. You will have the opportunity to spot giraffes, antelopes, lions, leopards, and the endangered wild dog. The region also boasts over 450 bird species. Your safari includes a boat ride and a 4X4 game-drive vehicle, with a buffet lunch served at the lodge. You will return to your hotel around 6 pm.
In addition to the scheduled activities, we can arrange additional activities for you at Victoria Falls. Below are our top four activities, which tend to fill up quickly:
Lunch or High Tea at the Top of Victoria Falls:
This unique activity provides a different perspective of the Falls, from the very top. Guests meet their guides by the deck at the Royal Livingstone Hotel and take a 5-minute boat ride to Livingstone Island. From here, you can view the main torrent of water gushing over the basalt precipice. For the more adventurous, swimming in the Devil’s Pool is available. This deep natural pool sits on the lip of the Falls, providing a once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush. Afterward, guests enjoy lunch or high tea.
Elephant Back Safaris:
An unforgettable experience, this safari allows you to interact with elephants and enjoy a ride through the wilderness and riverine scenery. The trails start at Thorntree Lodge in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Guests will be introduced to the elephants and their handlers before embarking on the ride. The experience ends with a visit to the Elephant Boma, where you can interact with the elephants and learn more about their relationship with humans.
Cheetah Walk:
At Mukuni Big 5, a small reserve that breeds lions and cheetahs for release into protected areas, you can get up close and personal with the world’s fastest land mammal. Guides will exercise the cheetahs, allowing you to witness their incredible speed. You can also pet a cheetah and even walk one on a leash. (Contact us for age and height restrictions.)
Flights of the Angels - Helicopter Flights over the Falls:
To fully appreciate the grandeur of Victoria Falls, take a helicopter flight and see the Falls from above. The vast size of the spectacle becomes clearer from the air as you glide over the Zambezi River, hippos and crocodiles, and herds of elephants. The aerial view offers a true perspective of this natural wonder.
What to Pack for Your Side Trip
For dinner or evening activities at the hotel, both men and women typically dress smart casual. While there are no formal dress codes, it is customary for women to cover their legs for modesty. It’s acceptable for women to wear shorts around the hotel grounds and during activities. When visiting the town of Livingstone, it’s recommended that women wear capris, pants, or longer skirts.
Since the temperature drops quickly after sunset, it’s advisable to pack a warm jacket. For safaris, comfortable, lightweight clothing in khaki, brown, green, or beige tones is recommended. Avoid bright colors as animals can easily see these shades.
Here’s a list of suggested packing items:
