Where to Stay in Zimbabwe for a Zambezi Cruise

Few experiences are as romantic or breathtaking as a Zambezi cruise. A journey down the winding expanse of this famous river in Zimbabwe allows you to bathe in early morning rays, behold a glorious sunset or view Africa’s majestic wildlife along its banks. It is without a doubt a tour of a thousand sights and one of the reasons why Zimbabwe’s the place to visit in 2018.

Lining this epic waterway are a few top accommodations with in-depth knowledge of this landscape and all it has to offer. These luxurious hideouts and their beautiful surroundings make bidding farewell to a day’s adventure worth it and offer the unforgettable experience of a cruise. These are our selections:

Matetsi River Lodge and House

A luxuriously exclusive oasis on the banks of the Zambezi itself, Matetsi River Lodge and House offers the ultimate wildlife experience and exploration of this famed waterway.

This private stretch of water gives visitors front row seats to a spectacle featuring elephant, buffalo and varied plains game and predators. Guests are treated to luxurious cruises on the Zambezi among other exciting activities. The two camps each have nine river-facing suites with a private veranda, a plunge pool and a sitting area overlooking the river. All in all a divine locale from which to see the wonders and sights of the Zimbabwean wild.

 Zambezi Sands River Camp

A mere hour from the Victoria Falls, arguably Africa’s greatest natural wonder, this luxury camp has tents with a private viewing deck and plunge pool. With activities such as game drives, game walks, canoeing, picnics and, of course, a scenic Zambezi cruise, it is the perfect safari, Vic Falls and Zambezi combo spot.

Situated in the game-rich Zambezi National Park, it offers premium sightings of lion, elephant, leopard and plenty more wildlife that roam this rich terrain. The main lodge has 10 Bedouin Luxury Tents that are built on raised platforms along the riverbank. These stylish spaces offer delicate refuge after safari adventures and cruises in search of wildlife and other aquatic and bird life along the banks.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

The first private game lodge in the Zambezi National Park and situated perfectly on the banks of the Zambezi River, this luxury tented-style accommodation offers spectacular views, glorious safari and five-star amenities.

Victoria Falls River Lodge‘s seven artfully-decorated tents are a stone’s throw away from the Zambezi and at remarkable proximity to Victoria Falls (you can practically see the spray in the distance) and gives guests access to one of the most outstanding safari experiences in the region. Also on offer is a thrilling Zambezi cruise with panoramic views of sunsets and glorious African wildlife.

Gorges Lodge

Suspended on the Batoka Gorge overlooking the winding Zambezi channel, Gorges Lodge gives incredible vistas of the surrounding expanse. Here, guests can share the same vantage point as the Verreaux’s eagle and augur buzzard that live there.

With four double-storey and six single-storey chalets built on raised decks, panoramic views of the landscape can be taken in from each private veranda. Guests can enjoy guides tours of Victoria Falls, rejuvenating in-house spa treatments or a sundowner Zambezi cruise where a plethora of wildlife can be viewed at astonishing closeness.

If want to know more about this beautiful, wildlife-abundant country, check out our complete guide to Zimbabwe.