One of Livingstone’s most upmarket lodges, the River Club sits just outside of town on the banks of the Zambezi River, some 10 miles upstream from the Victoria Falls. It is owned by luxury safari operator Wilderness Safaris and managed by Zambian-born Peter Jones, a generous host who knows the local area exceptionally well.
A small, 10-roomed lodge, the River Club centres on an old Edwardian country home, complete with croquet lawn, billiards room and vintage furnishings redolent of the era in which the home was built. Great effort has clearly gone into maintaining the original feel of the home.
The River Club’s guest rooms are located apart from the main house in private chalets on the banks of the river. These, too, are furnished in 1940s fashion, though with all of the modern comforts that you would expect from a hotel of this class. The River Club certainly lives up to its status as Livingstone’s most luxurious lodge.
We normally only recommend a one night stay in Livingstone to visit Victoria Falls, but with the River Club a two or three night stay is ideal, giving you time to soak up its rich atmosphere. Between the bar, pool and gardens, it's a lovely place to while away the day, and there’s plenty to do locally if you get restless: Victoria Falls tours, fishing, river boat rides (the lodge has its own private boat), and more.
The River Club is regularly voted one of the top lodges in Southern Africa.
Accommodation
The River Club offers ten lavishly appointed chalets, raised on stilts and positioned at a distance from each other to allow for privacy. Seven of the chalets are built on two levels, with an upstairs bedroom and lounge and a huge downstairs bathroom complete with freestanding Victorian-style bathtub and separate shower. Private verandahs offer marvellous views of the Zambezi River.
There are also two River Suites, situated a short distance from the main chalets. These are more spacious than the chalets, and enjoy private gardens and plunge pools.
There’s a single family unit, similar in design to the standard rooms but with an extra twin bedroom and toilet.
Dining
Meals are typically served in the formal dining room or outside on the verandah. Island lunches and picnics on the lawn can also be arranged.
Facilities
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Verandah
- Bar and lounge
- Croquet lawn
- Golf
Activities
- Visit to Musi-Oa-Tunya National Park
- Fishing and sundowner boat trips (island lunches can be arranged)
- Visits to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls
- Croquet, bush golf and nature walks all on the property
- Specialist birding outing
- Water sports: white water rafting, river boarding, canoeing, jet boating
- Helicopter and micro light flight
- Horse riding
- Chobe day trip
Child Policy
The River Club accepts children over the age of six. There’s a single family unit able to accommodate parents and two children.
