Where to Stay in Livingstone for Victoria Falls

Livingstone is one of the best places to stay when visiting Victoria Falls from the Zambian side.

The town sits close to the falls and offers a wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotels beside the Zambezi River to comfortable city hotels, boutique lodges, guesthouses and affordable backpacker accommodation. The Zambian tourism board describes Livingstone as a base for exploring Victoria Falls as well as activities along the Zambezi and Batoka Gorge.

But choosing where to stay in Livingstone is not simply about finding a hotel with a good room.

Location matters.

Some properties are very close to the Victoria Falls entrance. Others are several kilometres away in Livingstone town. Riverfront lodges offer a completely different experience, with views of the Zambezi and access to activities on the river.

This guide explains where to stay in Livingstone for Victoria Falls, which areas are most convenient, and the accommodation options to consider for luxury, couples, families and budget travellers.

Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Livingstone for Victoria Falls?

There are three main areas to consider when choosing accommodation in Livingstone.

The first is near Victoria Falls and Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. This is the most convenient area if seeing the falls is your main priority. Some properties are close enough to walk to the falls entrance.

The second is the Zambezi River waterfront. This area is better suited to travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the safari and river experience. You can stay beside the water, enjoy sunset cruises and spend time in a quieter natural setting.

The third is Livingstone town centre. This is generally the practical choice for budget and mid-range travellers. You are closer to restaurants, shops and local services, although you will normally need a taxi or transfer to reach Victoria Falls.

There is no single area that is right for everyone.

If your priority is walking to Victoria Falls, stay near the park.

If you want a luxury river experience, choose the Zambezi waterfront.

If you want to control accommodation and restaurant costs, Livingstone town can make more sense.

Best Places to Stay in Livingstone for Victoria Falls

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara

The Royal Livingstone is located immediately beside Victoria Falls on the Zambian side and is one of the most direct choices for travellers who want to stay close to the waterfall.

Its location is the main attraction. Rather than staying in central Livingstone and arranging transport every time you want to visit the falls, guests can access the falls area directly from the property.

The hotel has a classic colonial-inspired style, landscaped grounds and views toward the Zambezi. It is particularly suited to couples, honeymooners and travellers looking for a high-end Victoria Falls experience.

For a trip where the waterfall itself is the centre of attention, proximity can be more valuable than staying in Livingstone town.

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort

Avani Victoria Falls Resort

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort is another property located close to the falls.

The resort is within the same general resort precinct as the Royal Livingstone, making it possible to reach Victoria Falls without relying on a long drive from central Livingstone. Livingstone’s tourism information describes AVANI as being within a short walk of Victoria Falls.

The resort has a more conventional hotel-and-resort feel, with gardens, a swimming pool and facilities suitable for families as well as couples.

This makes it worth considering if you want the convenience of staying near the falls but prefer a resort environment rather than an intimate safari lodge.

Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort

Radisson Blu Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Livingstone Resort

The Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort is a modern upscale property positioned near the confluence of the Maramba River and the Zambezi area.

It offers a more contemporary resort experience than some of Livingstone’s traditional safari lodges.

Booking.com currently lists the property among the popular Livingstone hotels, with an 8.9 guest score from more than 1,200 reviews.

The resort is suitable for travellers who want modern facilities, a large swimming pool and comfortable rooms while using Livingstone as their base for Victoria Falls and other activities.

It can also work well for families and travellers combining sightseeing with several days of activities.

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa sits on the Zambezi River and provides a combination of river views, safari-style accommodation and hotel facilities.

The location is particularly attractive if you want to spend some of your holiday on the river rather than treating Livingstone only as a place to sleep before visiting the falls.

The lodge has a swimming pool, spa facilities, restaurant and riverfront setting.

It is not as close to the falls as the Royal Livingstone or AVANI, so transfers are generally part of the experience. The trade-off is that you get a more spacious riverfront environment.

Maramba River Lodge

Maramba River Lodge

Maramba River Lodge is positioned near Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and provides a more traditional safari-lodge atmosphere.

The Livingstone tourism board describes the lodge as being on the banks of the Maramba River and around 4 km from Victoria Falls.

Accommodation is more closely connected to nature than a conventional city hotel.

It can be a good fit for travellers who want to combine Victoria Falls with wildlife experiences and other outdoor activities.

The lodge is particularly interesting if you want your accommodation to feel like part of a Zambia safari rather than simply a hotel near a tourist attraction.

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge

Waterberry Zambezi Lodge offers a smaller and more intimate alternative to the larger hotels.

The lodge sits on the Zambezi River and is designed around a quieter, more personal experience. Expert Africa describes it as a small, family-friendly lodge on the Zambezi with access to Victoria Falls.

The property can suit couples and families who prefer a peaceful river setting.

Because it is away from central Livingstone, it is better suited to travellers who are comfortable arranging transfers and want the river environment to be part of their holiday.

Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi Lodge is one of the more distinctive luxury properties around Livingstone.

The lodge sits on the Zambezi River and focuses on privacy, personalised service and an intimate safari-lodge atmosphere.

It is particularly suited to couples and honeymooners who want to combine Victoria Falls with a luxury river escape.

Livingstone tourism information describes Tongabezi as an exclusive and romantic property on the Zambezi.

The lodge is not a conventional city hotel, so the experience is more about the river, surroundings and privacy than being close to restaurants and shops.

Tintswalo Siankaba

Tintswalo Siankaba provides an unusual accommodation experience on two islands in the Zambezi River.

The property uses a tented treehouse-style design and is reached by boat.

This makes it particularly interesting for travellers who want their accommodation to be part of the adventure.

It is more remote than staying in central Livingstone or beside the Victoria Falls entrance, but the river setting creates a very different atmosphere.

Livingstone tourism sources describe Tintswalo Siankaba as an island property on the Zambezi with tented treehouse accommodation.

The Victoria Falls Waterfront

Victoria Falls Waterfront

The Victoria Falls Waterfront is a more accessible option on the Zambezi River.

It provides a combination of accommodation, river views and access to activities, while generally being positioned at a lower price level than the area’s luxury river lodges.

This makes it interesting for travellers who want to experience the Zambezi without paying luxury-lodge prices.

Booking.com currently lists it among the popular Livingstone accommodation options, with an 8.6 guest score.

Ngoma Zanga Lodge

Ngoma Zanga Lodge

Ngoma Zanga Lodge is located in Livingstone and offers a smaller lodge environment away from the major riverfront resorts.

It can be useful for travellers who want a comfortable base for visiting Victoria Falls while remaining within Livingstone.

The lodge is also relatively close to attractions in town, including the Railway Museum and other central Livingstone sights. Current accommodation guides list it among the town’s value-oriented properties.

Jollyboys Backpackers

Jollyboys Backpackers

Jollyboys is one of the better-known budget accommodation options in Livingstone.

It is aimed at independent travellers and backpackers, with dormitory accommodation as well as private rooms.

The advantage is not being immediately beside Victoria Falls. Instead, you get a central Livingstone base with access to restaurants, shops, activities and other travellers.

For visitors who plan to spend most of their day exploring and simply need a comfortable place to sleep, this can be a practical option.

Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia

Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia

Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia provides another affordable option in Livingstone.

It offers dormitories and private accommodation and is suitable for independent travellers looking to keep accommodation costs low.

The trade-off with town-based budget accommodation is that you will normally need transport to reach Victoria Falls.

For a longer trip, however, the savings compared with a luxury hotel can be significant.

Tabonina Guesthouse

Tabonina Guesthouse

Tabonina Guesthouse is a smaller accommodation option in Livingstone.

It is suited to travellers who prefer a guesthouse atmosphere over a large hotel.

A property such as this can make sense if your main goal is to explore Victoria Falls and Livingstone during the day rather than spend most of your time at the hotel.

Where to Stay in Livingstone by Travel Style

For the Closest Stay to Victoria Falls

If your main goal is to visit Victoria Falls with as little transportation as possible, look at accommodation near Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

The Royal Livingstone and AVANI are particularly convenient because of their proximity to the falls. Livingstone tourism information specifically notes AVANI’s short walking distance to the falls.

This area is especially useful if you want to see the falls more than once.

You could visit in the morning, return to your hotel during the hottest part of the day and then go back later for another view.

For Luxury

The riverfront and falls area provide the largest concentration of high-end accommodation.

Royal Livingstone offers the closest luxury experience to the falls, while Tongabezi, Tintswalo Siankaba and The David Livingstone Safari Lodge provide different versions of a luxury Zambezi stay.

The choice comes down to whether you want proximity to the waterfall or a more secluded river experience.

For Couples and Honeymoons

Couples have several accommodation styles to choose from.

A hotel beside the falls provides convenience and romance, while a private river lodge offers more seclusion.

Tongabezi and Tintswalo Siankaba are particularly different from conventional hotels because the river and surrounding landscape are central to the experience. Royal Livingstone provides another option for couples who want to be extremely close to the falls.

For Families

Families may prefer a resort with a swimming pool, larger rooms and easier access to facilities.

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort and Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort are worth considering for this type of trip.

Maramba River Lodge can also appeal to families who want more of a safari environment.

Before booking, check room configurations and the age restrictions for activities such as white-water rafting, walking safaris and other adventure activities.

For Budget Travellers

For a lower-cost stay, look in Livingstone town rather than directly beside the falls or on the luxury riverfront.

Jollyboys Backpackers, Victoria Falls Backpackers Zambia and smaller guesthouses provide alternatives to the high-end hotels.

Livingstone’s tourism listings show that accommodation ranges from backpackers and guesthouses to luxury river lodges, giving visitors a wide choice of price levels.

Should You Stay Near Victoria Falls or in Livingstone Town?

This is one of the most important decisions when booking accommodation.

Staying near the falls gives you convenience.

You spend less time travelling and can visit the falls at different times of the day.

Staying in Livingstone town gives you access to a wider range of restaurants, shops and more affordable accommodation.

The town is roughly 10 km from Victoria Falls, according to Zambia’s tourism information.

For a short two-night visit where Victoria Falls is your main priority, staying close to the falls can make sense.

For a longer trip or a tighter budget, staying in town can work very well.

Should You Stay on the Zambezi River?

A riverfront stay is worth considering if you want more than just a visit to Victoria Falls.

The upper Zambezi provides opportunities for boat cruises, fishing, birdwatching and relaxing beside the water.

Properties such as Tongabezi, Waterberry and The David Livingstone Safari Lodge combine accommodation with the river environment.

This can be especially attractive for honeymooners and travellers spending several nights in the area.

The main disadvantage is that riverfront properties can be farther from Livingstone town and often cost more than town-based accommodation.

How Many Nights Should You Stay in Livingstone?

For Victoria Falls alone, two to three nights is a practical starting point.

Two nights allows you to arrive, visit the falls and enjoy one or two additional activities.

Three nights gives you more time for Victoria Falls, a Zambezi sunset cruise and activities such as a safari, cultural visit or adventure experience.

If you are combining Livingstone with a longer Zambia itinerary, four or five nights can work well, particularly if you want to include several river and adventure activities.

Is Livingstone Better Than Victoria Falls Town for Accommodation?

Livingstone and Victoria Falls town are on opposite sides of the Zambezi River.

Livingstone offers the Zambian side of the falls and has a strong selection of riverfront lodges, hotels and budget accommodation.

Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe is also highly developed for tourism and has many hotels, restaurants and activities.

Your choice should depend on the activities you want to do and which side of the falls you want to explore.

If your itinerary is centred on the Zambian side, staying in Livingstone eliminates the need to cross the border for your main sightseeing.

What Should You Look for When Booking a Livingstone Hotel?

First, check the location.

A hotel advertised as being in Livingstone may still be several kilometres from Victoria Falls.

Next, check whether transfers are included.

Some lodges include transfers to Victoria Falls or the airport in their rates, while others charge separately.

Also check whether your accommodation includes breakfast, meals, activities or only the room.

This is particularly important with safari lodges. A seemingly expensive lodge may include meals, transfers and activities that would cost extra at a cheaper hotel.

Finally, think about how you will spend your days.

If you plan to be at Victoria Falls most of the time, proximity is valuable.

If you want to relax beside the Zambezi, a riverfront lodge may be a better fit.

If you plan to explore Livingstone and travel independently, a town hotel or guesthouse can be more convenient.

Final Thoughts

Livingstone gives visitors several very different ways to experience Victoria Falls.

You can stay almost beside the falls at a luxury property such as Royal Livingstone or AVANI. You can choose a modern resort such as Radisson Blu, stay beside the Zambezi at a lodge such as The David Livingstone Safari Lodge or Waterberry, or keep costs lower with accommodation in Livingstone town.

The best location depends on what you want from the trip.

For maximum convenience, look near the falls.

For a river and safari atmosphere, consider the Zambezi waterfront.

For budget and access to local services, Livingstone town is usually more practical.

The important thing is to look beyond the hotel itself. On a Victoria Falls trip, your accommodation’s location can determine how easily you reach the falls, how much time you spend travelling and how much of the Zambezi experience becomes part of your stay.