Our Last Trip of the Year: Exploring Victoria Falls Zambia

Our last trip of the year took us to yet another off the beaten track country in Africa. This time we landed in Zambia, only to be welcomed by a new variant of a pandemic that refuses to die out. That did not stop us from making a long trip from Lusaka to Livingstone to stay at not one but two fantastic properties right next to the mighty Victoria Falls Zambia.

Both these properties are located within the same compound inside the National Park, so in essence you have the best of both worlds within a few minutes of each other. Although you will soon find out that both places offer vastly different experiences.

Avani Victoria Falls

Avani Victoria Falls Resort – Where to Stay in Zambia

We spent our first two nights at this three-star resort.

After an arduous 9-hour shared bus ride, it felt so good to be welcomed by smiling, dancing Zambians. The atmosphere was welcoming, the staff courteous and the relaxing vibe was just what we needed to forget the nightmare ensuing around the world for just a few days.

Safety and Hygiene

There were sanitizers everywhere and all staff wore masks at restaurants and all common areas. The rooms are always well sanitized, which is especially reassuring if you are wondering, “Is Zambia safe for tourists?”

Rooms

Though this is rated as a three-star property, to us, it felt much more posh than that. Massive African art adorn the high-ceiling rooms and passages.

The rooms are done up tastefully with all the necessary amenities. There are 221 rooms and most of them either face the national park or the pool. Ours faced the pool. The bold orange all over the resort was a definite mood booster.

We were so excited to wake up to see the wildlife grazing right outside your balcony. Just your regular morning in wild Africa!

Wildlife Encounters

There are so many things to love about this property but most of all it is the wildlife roaming freely across the yard that was a breath of fresh air.

We found them everywhere. Imagine waking up to jumping monkeys… or vividly colored birds. You get all that and more. In spades.

We are still in awe of how wonderful it was to watch the zebras grazing peacefully as people quietly walked past. Not a care in the world.

Dining

You can choose between two restaurants. One of the restaurants is purely buffet-style, serving a generous breakfast spread every morning. From flavored yogurts, fresh fruits, bread, eggs to order, cold cuts, baked beans and more. Warm coffee to order.

For lunch and dinner, there is the Pool side Bar & Grill restaurant with an elaborate menu. I liked how many vegetarian options there were. We even found a few Indian appetizers on the menu. You will also have live entertainment at night where you will find local performers putting up a show. How cool is that?

For lunch and dinner, there is the Poolside Bar & Grill restaurant with an elaborate menu. I liked how many vegetarian options there were. We even found a few Indian appetizers on the menu. You will also have live entertainment at night where local performers put up a show.

Special Zambian Dinner

If you are celebrating a special occasion, you cannot miss indulging in a beautiful local dinner set up by the hote.

It is a four-course meal elegantly curated with soup, starters, mains and desserts - all from the vegetable-heavy Zambian cuisine.

We asked the chef to make it vegetarian friendly and we were surprised by how delicious every course tasted. The privacy, the candle-lit set up was just the date we needed after a long travel day.

Location

The Avani property, and its sister hotel, are both located in the center of Mosi-O-Tunya National Park, making it the perfect location to take a stroll to watch the thunderous Victoria Falls Zambia.

The entrance to the hike of the Victoria Falls costs $120 per person and I highly recommend that it be one of the things to do in Zambia during your stay at Avani.

Royal Livingstone Anantara – Luxury Stay in Zambia

If you love staying at luxury hotels around the world, this spectacular resort in southern Africa should be on your bucket list. The majestic view, the elegant upscale vibe, and the cool sophistication of the interiors is like taking a step back in time..

This is one of the best luxury properties in Victoria Falls Zambia, named after the famous David Livingstone himself.

The first thing that hits us as we make our way over to the property is the lush resort setting.

Safety and Hygiene

Cannot go wrong with Anantara service, hospitality and hygiene anywhere in the world. Top of the line every time

The Lounge & The Travelers Bar

This was one of my favorite corners on the property. As we were waiting for our rooms to be ready, we were welcomed with drinks and wet towels.

What drew me in was the colonial-style architecture, the old books, the gramophone — I half expected Winston Churchill to show up there.

Just beside the lounge is the Traveler’s Bar. If you are looking to rest your legs after a long Zambia safari, you cannot go wrong with this space.

Rooms

Slightly more intimate than Avani, this resort has 173 rooms. Our deluxe room was spacious with ridiculously comfortable king-size beds and a balcony so big that it felt like a whole other room with breathtaking views of the Zambezi River.

Wildlife

Just like Avani, the highlight of this property is the wildlife. We saw giraffes, zebras, impalas, and monkeys roaming freely. It was like having a safari inside the resort.

The Anantara Spa

How could you not indulge in some pampering when you are in the midst of such beauty? The masseuse was pitch perfect and so were the views. That was followed by a floral bath.

Pool

The pool is huge with extraordinary views of wildlife and the African bush, with the mist of Victoria Falls Zambia in the backdrop.

Dining Experiences

• Breakfast at the Restaurant: Hot buffet, fresh salads, cut meats, sparkling wine, and fruits with a backdrop of lush gardens. Breakfast at the Restaurant: Hot buffet, fresh salads, cut meats, sparkling wine, and fruits with a backdrop of lush gardens.

Breakfast on the Jetty:

For a special occasion, you can float along the Zambezi River while enjoying a decadent spread..

Would you look at these landscapes?

Kubu Deck for Sundowners: Watch the sunset over Victoria Falls Zambia with hippos in the distance.

**The Drift **

For lunch and dinner, you have the Drift. I was pleasantly surprised to see a whole bunch of vegetarian and keto options. We had ourselves a beautiful date night under the moon-lit sky.

**Location **

Located just a few hundred meters from Victoria Falls Zambia, you can spot the mist of the mighty falls throughout the day.

Sustainability and Responsible Travel in Zambia

From employing locals to supporting the villages to no single-use plastic, both properties impressed me with their sustainable measures.

Things to Do in Zambia – Adventure Beyond the Resorts

No matter which of these properties you stay at, you are never far away from adventure.

You can indulge in adrenaline-packed activities ranging from hikes, zip-lining, bungee jumping to river rafting down the Zambezi River. For a slower pace, you can also enjoy a Zambezi River cruise or even a walking safari Zambia experience.

At Royal Livingstone, don’t miss giraffe feeding and the magical breakfast on the jetty overlooking Victoria Falls Zambia.

t miss giraffe the feeding and the breakfast on the jetty overlooking the Victoria Falls.

Zambia Travel Guide – Which Property to Choose?

So which one to pick?

The Avani is rated three-star while the Royal Livingstone is a five-star property. Both these properties are family-friendly and great for couples who enjoy some privacy.

They are also located inside the same national park, on the Zambezi River.

The service and food were spectacular at both resorts. The grazing animals were easily the highlight of our stay.

Bottom line: If you have the time and don’t mind splurging, I recommend you stay at both places during your trip. Experiencing one without the other would feel like you have missed out on a thing or two.

Best Time to Visit Zambia

If you’re planning your trip, the best time to visit Zambia for Victoria Falls is during the dry season (May to October) when the safari conditions are ideal, or just after the rains when the falls are at their most powerful.

Stays at both properties were given to us on a complimentary basis in exchange for a post about our experiences but all opinions expressed here are my own and completely honest.

Drop your comments below and show some love. Feel free to shoot me an email with your feedback.

Cheers,

 Anki

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