Victoria Falls
The world's largest waterfall can be seen from both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Although wildlife roams this area don't think of it as a real safari. It's rather a great place to spend a few days relaxing before or after your main safari - spa treatments, river cruises, fishing, craft markets, cultural tours, awesome range of adventure activities, and of course viewing the falls. Camps are lux, with pools, a/c and other indulgences. Zimbabwe/Zambia.
Best time: Can be done any time of year. From February - June the water is at it's peak, but July & August there's less spray so visibility is better. September to December the falls are low, but you can see into the gorge & more adventure activities are open.
Access: International airports on both sides - Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia - link to Joburg, Kruger and other places. Charter hub for safaris into the region in the dry months.
I recommend these camps
Matetsi River (9+9+4 suites) 17 miles of Zambezi frontage, good game viewing land and 26 miles from Vic Falls, this combines the best of everything. Matetsi River House is the new, sexy private villa which looks out over the pool onto the Zambezi. Matetsi Private Game Reserve, Zimbabwe. Member of &Beyond. Private villa. Child friendly. $$$$.
Royal Chundu (7+7 suites) Colonial décor and great spa treatments, cruises, fishing; River Lodge is on the riverbank & Island Lodge is in the Zambezi. 18 miles from Vic Falls. Zambia. Member of Relais & Chateaux. $$$$$.
The River Club (11 suites) Elegant, colonial main buildings & lawns, variety of suites to choose from some with private pools, all overlook the river; 15 miles from Vic Falls. Zambia. Member of Classic Portfolio. Child friendly. $$$$.
Thorntree River (12 suites) Just been redone by top designers Fox Browne & looks very chic – solid stuctures fused with canvas in contemporary style. 12 miles from Vic Falls. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Member of African Bush Camps. Child friendly. $$$$.
Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma (12+4 suites) Sussi has elegant tree houses, Choma has 2 relaxed family villas, sharing the same property on a bend on the Zambezi River. 8 miles from Vic Falls. Currently being renovated. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Member of Sanctuary. Private villa. Child friendly. $$$$.
Sindabezi (5 suites) On your own private island on this mighty river, rustic and low-key, with open sided chalets. Good honest food. At night you can hear the lions roar. 14 miles from Vic Falls. Zambia. Member of Classic Safari Africa. Private villa. $$$$.
Stanley Safari (10 suites) More lux that Robin Pope’s other properties; private plunge pools, away from the river on a hill bordering the park – but close to Vic Falls which is just 2 miles away. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia. Member of Robin Pope Safaris. Child friendly. $$$.
Tangala House (4 suites) Comfortable thatched home with pool right on the Zambezi river, with vehicle, boat and staff at your disposal, 12 miles from Vic Falls. Zambia. Member of Classic Safari Africa. Private villa. Child friendly. $$$$$.
Toka Leya (12 tents-en-suite) Relax on decks alongside the Zambezi or in your private outdoor bath, spa treatments and full range of activities available; 7 miles from vic Falls. Zambia. Member of Wilderness Safaris. Child friendly. $$$$.
Tongabezi (11 suites) Dramatic riverfront location and a delightfully organic design. As one of the first safari lodges in the area some feel it’s dated – but nonetheless it made the Conde Nast Traveller Gold List 2018. A variety of cottages to choose from. 14 miles from Vic Falls. Zambia. Member of Classic Safari Africa. Child friendly. $$$$.
Victoria Falls River/Island (13+3 suites) New and chic, with contemporary interiors combining wood and canvas. You’ll have your own plunge pool, right on the river. The island camp has just 3 treehouse (which could be booked out as a villa) and private butlers. 8 miles from Vic Falls. Zambezi National Park, Zimbabwe. Private villa. Child friendly. $$$$.