Sunset Cruises, Lodges and Tea at Victoria Falls
A romantic stay at Victoria Falls Town can be built from a handful of settings: a river at sunset, a historic terrace, a gorge-edge restaurant and a lodge on the Zambezi. Here is a long weekend for two, with the practical details for each setting.
Friday evening: the river at sunset
Start with a cruise on the upper Zambezi. The boats drift between islands while hippos grunt in the shallows and fish eagles call. Elephants sometimes cross the river at dusk. The ZimParks levy is US$12 per person, and operator fares come on top. A luxury boat called Ra-Ikane is sold by several resellers at roughly US$80 to US$240, so compare inclusions such as drinks. Seats on the smaller boats are limited, so reserve ahead.
Saturday afternoon: tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel
The hotel dates from 1904 and sits close to the falls, with a terrace that looks onto the Victoria Falls Bridge. Afternoon tea on Stanley’s Terrace is the classic choice, and guests are asked to dress smart-casual. Allow time to walk the gardens afterwards, where warthogs graze, and to look at the old photographs inside. The hotel publishes details at victoriafallshotel.com .
Saturday evening: the Lookout Cafe
Wild Horizons operates the Lookout Cafe on the lip of the Batoka Gorge. A fire destroyed it on 24 December 2018, and it reopened on 1 December 2019. Confirm that it is open before you build a plan around it, then ask for a table with a gorge view. Take a taxi both ways, since elephants and buffalo roam the roads after dark.
Sunday morning: a flight
A 12 to 13 minute Flight of Angels in a helicopter shows the falls and the gorge from above. Resellers list it from about US$150 to US$190, plus a US$18 park levy per person.
On a full moon: a lunar rainbow
If your trip includes a full moon, book the night viewing in the rainforest. The night before and after also count. Entry is about US$116 each, and clear skies are needed. Pack a light rain jacket.
Where to stay
Several lodges sit on the river or in the bush near the falls. Names to research include Victoria Falls River Lodge, The Old Drift Lodge and Matetsi Victoria Falls. Their rooms, rates and extras vary, so read each website. For Victoria Falls River Lodge, see victoriafallsriverlodge.com .
Safety for couples
- Do not wander the grounds or streets after dark. Elephants, buffalo and hippos graze there.
- Keep back from the edge at Danger Point and any viewpoint with low barriers.
- Do not swim or wade in the Zambezi outside an operator-run pool.
Read more: Couple Activities in Victoria Falls Town offers a few more ideas.
Booking help
Compare lodges and hotels on Booking.com .