Romantic Stays Near Victoria Falls

Romance in Matabeleland North means safari lodges, river views and sunsets rather than beaches or lake resorts. The Zambezi and Lake Kariba hold crocodiles and hippos, so swimming happens only in lodge pools. Rates are quoted in US dollars and change with the season, so ask each lodge directly.

Zambezi riverfront lodges

Victoria Falls River Lodge has Island Treehouse Suites on Kandahar Island, reached only by boat, with private plunge pools. Suite numbers (three to five) and age rules (12 or 16 plus) vary, so confirm both before you book.

Old Drift Lodge, run by Wild Horizons, is inside Zambezi National Park, about 4.5 to 7 km from the falls.

The Elephant Camp, also Wild Horizons, sits above its wildlife sanctuary. Never book anything there that involves riding an elephant, and do not expect contact experiences.

Matetsi Victoria Falls is a private reserve of about 50,000 to 55,000 ha, with about 14 to 27 km of river frontage roughly 40 km above the falls. It has 18 suites in two camps. Amenities differ by lodge, so check what is included in your rate.

Hwange hideaways

For sleeping under the stars, the Star Bed is at Little Makalolo, a Wilderness camp in Hwange. Confirm it is running for your dates. Linkwasha, Camp Hwange and The Hide are other Hwange camps, and Somalisa Camp and Somalisa Expeditions are separate properties. Ask each camp which night experiences it offers.

Sunset and tea

A sunset cruise above the falls is the classic evening, with a US$12 river levy added to the operator price. Ra-Ikane is sold by several resellers, so prices and owners vary. Afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace at the Victoria Falls Hotel, which dates from 1904, is served from about 15:00 to 17:30 and is open to non-guests. Ask the hotel for the current price.

Choosing your setting

Pick the river if you want water views and short transfers to the falls, and pick Hwange if wildlife is the draw. Hwange is best from August to November, and October can pass 40 C, so ask whether your camp has a pool or shaded deck. Matetsi lies about 40 km above the falls, so it suits couples who want distance from the main tourist strip. Combine two settings by driving the A8, about 2.5 hours between Victoria Falls and Hwange Main Camp.

Couples’ practicalities

  • Book the lodge and your airport transfer together.
  • Lodges sit in malaria areas, so take medical advice and bring repellent.
  • Dry-season heat above 35 C is common from September to November.
  • Do not walk in Victoria Falls town after dark, because elephants and buffalo roam.
  • Keep to guides’ instructions near riverbanks.

Read more: Multi-day trips and Couple activities .

Compare lodges on Booking.com . Lodge pages: Wild Horizons and Victoria Falls Hotel .