• An idyllic location on the Zambezi River

Reviews

Elegant

Elegant inn from days gone by. Wish we could have stayed more than one night. Lots of historical pictures and books that I would've liked to read but not enough time. Very romantic cottages with amazing views of the Zambezi River. I would definitely stay there again.

Christie

Excellent

Really an excellent stay. The service is personal. The staff went out of their way to make it special for us. The owner and management were friendly and helpful. The food is great. It could not have been better Shout out to Belina, Mark, Peter and the rest of the staff. Thank you.

Gary

Family Safari Wind Down

The most in incredible location sitting high over a bend on the Zambezi river this has to be my favourite view on our recent trip to Botswana and Zambia. Arriving by speedboat, this was a perfect place to wind down after 6 days safari with stunning accommodation and the food is absolutely exceptional. Every lunch and dinner, was in a slightly different place to experience a different view. One lunch was on a sand island in the middle of the Zambezi! A guide took us to Victoria Falls and saw us across to Zimbabwe where we had lunch at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel. The guide arranged for a taxi to meet us at the boarder. Incredible bungee jump off the bridge for one of us! Saw 5 White Rhino and Elephants and Lions roared goodbye on our final night. Charming hosts with the friendliest of staff. Definitely want to go back.

Absolutely Amazing

Absolutely amazing. Our experience at The River Club was nothing short of superlative! The location is breathtaking. The lodge and rooms were incredible, spacious and comfortable. The food was better than many Michelin-starred restaurants. And the management and staff were impeccably gracious and welcoming throughout our stay. I cannot imagine giving this place less than 5 stars — and would give it 6 stars if I could!

Shawn, C.

Wonderful location, amazing people, and certainly one of the best holidays we’ve had!

The location is absolutely superb, our villa was situated just over the bank of the Zambezi river and the views were stellar. The club staff were friendly, attentive, and very helpful with any request or question we had - from helping us arrange excursions to planning out the finer details - everything was taken care of and we had absolutely nothing to worry about besides enjoying our stay to the fullest. A special thank you to Charmaine, Peter, Mack, Nevers and the other lovely folks who made our stay at the River Club a total pleasure. The food was another great highlight of the stay as it was always delicious, the portions were great, and the setting was absolutely mesmerizing each and every time. All in all, this is definitely an amazing place to stay and we would highly recommend anyone considering it to go right ahead and book - you’ll love it here!

Larisa

Exceptional

So far the best place we have stayed at in Africa. The place with its own history, unique and very special. Unimaginable level of hospitality and greatest team ever!

The River Cub is the place to be in Livingstone

breakfast was awesome. The location was excellent We especially enjoyed the location to the extent that my boys vowed never to go anywhere else in Livingstone the next time we are there for holiday

The rooms and the meals were exceptional. The staff were very supportive. Charmaine in particular was excellent. I will recommend the place to anyone wanting to go to Livingstone for holiday

Mwape

What a truly incredible home away from home, with something for everyone!

I stayed at the River Club on my 1st visit to Zambia! Wow! What a lovely experience & memorable experience. Its situated on the Zambezi River & has breathtaking views. They fetch you by boat & from there, the experience is magical! The staff were wonderful! The food spectacular, look out for Chef Tawanda, he's a star! We had rest , relaxation and adventure, it was everything! The best feature for me was the beautiful spacious suites and the sunset river cruise! I will never forget this place! I hope to come back soon!

Leigh-Anne Williams

Scenery is out of this world

Scenery is out of this world.
Such a quaint little thing. Peter Jones calls it a 4* boutique lodge and there's no lies there.
10/10. Food is simple but so tasty. Staff are friendly.

Zawadi, S.

Magical Place

We had the privilege to stay 12 nights in this magic place. Every where you have breath taking views on the Zambezi. On the sunset cruise we saw hippo’s , crocodiles, monkey’s and a lot of birth life while enjoying a good glass of wine. The food is exquisite. Due to some private problems we stayed longer than planned. Looking back this was the best that could happen to us. In all problems we faced we got more help from the staff then we ever could expect. We have never spent time in a place where owner, management and staff were all so friendly and helpful. They give hospitality another dimension. Thanks you Peter, Linda, Charmaine and all the staff for spoiling us and making us feel home away from home. We can highly recommend this magic place.

Silvia & Rob

Netherlands

Heaven

The River Club is a spectacular lodge along the river. amazing views from the suite. I Completely felt connected to nature amidst the tranquility of this place . Felt like home. Excellent food.Hospitality was super. Mr Peter was the best host ever; and his team were very hospitable and friendly. I highly recommend .
Awesome Awesome Awesome.

Soniya

Kenya

The River Club is a must!

If you are looking for a first class experience, The River Club is for you. My husband and I were overwhelmed at the non-stop thoughtful hospitality! The GM, Charmaine, is probably one of the most professional, classy and elegant women ever. She is attentive and goes out of her way to ensure that your stay there is beyond compare. An example is that we were interested in adventure. Charmaine is connected throughout Zambia and Zimbabwe and coordinated every detail. Her connections added great value and dimension to our stay there. Plus, I had forgotten my swim suit and she gave me one of hers.

The food and service is exquisite! One remarkable thing that they server did was notice that I did not eat the potatoes. For all meals going forward, there was not a potato on my plate. This was attentive, extraordinary, attentive service! Additionally, we were celebrating our honeymoon so we had champagne in our room, our bed was decorated and they made my husband a birthday cake.

The owner, Peter Jones, wow! He is the epitome of classy, professional, and a true gentleman. He joined us for our final nights dinner. This was just so very special as he shared a wealth of fascinating history of Africa.

Rebecca

North Carolina

Best location next to Victoria Falls

Imagine a gorgeous old house on the Zambezi River about 15 km up from Victoria Falls with a pool and sundecks, a croquet pitch, a snooker/pool room, outdoor dining room and outdoor living room, terraces and also a library, indoor dining room and indoor living room and massive fireplace all laid out in a garden-like setting for your safety, enjoyment, entertainment and that alone..
now picture that your room is cantilevered over the Zambezi on a wooden deck with about 10 foot glass windows looking straight out on to the river through the trees so that you have plenty of privacy and feel like you’re in a treehouse. As you walk in the 10’ door into a more-than-generous-space, you see a gigantic extra large king bed covered in mosquito netting (for the evening), a dressing table area with welcome letter, a lovely sofa and coffee table, and a great built-in cabinet along the stairs that has your bar, safe, and storage. walk out onto your porch deck to find two more chairs, a table, and a hammock for relaxing and enjoying the view of the river in your treetop abode.

While there is a small upstairs bathroom and shower (for those who want the convenience by the front door on the top floor), the great feature is the downstairs bathroom with a huge soaking tub, a big tiled shower, a toilet, sink, and robes made from local fabric by local sewers, all with another 8 foot glass window looking out over the Zambezi.

That is The River Club. It is not your typical safari/game lodge mostly because of its location and because of how it evolved from: a private house that was a great place for entertaining, so great that the owner simply built treehouse for all the friends to come stay, and now makes it all available to guests year-round. and every year there’s a little improvement and things get a little better, although it’s hard to imagine how much better it can get because it is very idyllic.

The kitchen does an absolutely top-notch job with flavors and presentations, using the best local foods, all from within a few kilometers, that are as good as any highly rated restaurant in the world. Breakfast every morning cooked to order lunch every day high tea in the afternoon both sweet and savory and then dinner in the evening when you’re ready to be seated. All inclusive of course, with excellent wines and bar selections and beer and even choices when it’s not exactly meal time.

Located almost immediately adjacent to the national park where you can see all kinds of wild animals from elephants to giraffes to perhaps the odd lion or leopard and it is even one of the only two places in Zambia where rhinos are being re-introduced and are protected. Going into the park for a game drive is an option for your day, as is a walking safari, or going to The Elephant Kitchen restaurant after visiting the elephant orphanage rescue sanctuary, as is going to Victoria Falls and the park around the Falls and Livingstone Island at the Falls, as is going into the Livingstone, and finally also going to see Simoonga Village where most everyone who works at the lodge lives and supporting the village.

This is what we like to always do on the last stop of our trips in Africa. A minimum of three nights just to relax, enjoy and soak it all in before going home; and five nights if you have the time to do i, is our suggestion. Every day you can also choose to do your sundowner as a boat ride on the river with either of the two boat pilots, who are also local naturalists, who will show you all the wildlife and, because there is a national park on the other side of the river in Zimbabwe, the wildlife between the park next to River Club and the one across the river will allow you to see most anything you missed on your safaris before you got there or more of everything you saw. Fabulous bird-watching here.

Other options there are spa treatments (they will bring people in from the town), and perhaps rafting in the gorge below Victoria Falls, or most anything else you would like to arrange in the region.

Virginia

South Carolina

Amazing Stay

We had an amazing, restful and peaceful stay at The River Club. Thanks to Peter, Charmaine and the team for making our stay very special. This is a beautiful spot overlooking the Zambezi. The cottages are very comfortable and have incredible views. Tasty food too - thanks for making gluten-free options! We'll definitely be back. Highly recommend.

Jenny

We stayed at the River Club for two days during our honeymoon.

We got such amazing service and were even upgraded to a lovely room! We are truly grateful for the effort you put in to make our honeymoon special.

We will return soon!

Thank you!

Zangose and Lombe

Your place seems like a well-oiled machine with heart! Truly wish we could stay longer.

Jill, B.

Canada

The experience exceeded our expectations. Since the moment we got to the club there were unbelievable and amazing moments that will make us want to return.

Rebecca, C.

Puerto Rico

We have had a wonderful 3 days. Overall, a lovely relaxing environment, great staff & the morning at the falls & helicopter was amazing.

Peter, F.

UK

Lots of good memories made with our stay here.

Anthony, H.

Australia

The room with a view, the calmness, no regimented meal times - treated like adults, not tourist prisoners.

Geraldine, Z.

Zambia

How helpful everyone is. We truly enjoyed every minute, from our gorgeous 'room' to the meals to the people. Nothing was missed. Everything was perfect! This vacation has claimed 1st & best of our vacations.

Kenneth, M.

USA

Getting to know the staff at The River Club, we felt like old friends by time we left. Love, love, loved our stay.

Melissa, S.

USA

Staff were friendly & efficient. Food was delicious. We felt very well looked after and enjoyed a wonderful holiday.

Guy, O.

UK

Listening to hippo's & enjoying the peaceful silence - particularly at night. I live one mile from London's M25 motorway work in constant noise. I came here to hear nature only - how life was meant to be.

Christine, K.

UK

We loved the Victoria Falls & the village, also the market in Livingstone. It was a really new experience. Not to forget the best service ever and the exclusive lodge. We want to come back. Everything was perfect!!

Dominik, J.

Germany

We enjoyed every part of our stay here. The staff is wonderful - friendly, helpful, attentive. Everyone made us feel very welcome! We wish everyone a happy, healthy life!

Danny, T.

USA

The staff was so friendly, kind, and helpful all the time! Beautiful place.

Annabelle, C.

USA

The perfect balance of activities and relaxation.

Victoria, S.

UK

We were tired on arrival having been on safari and this has been very peaceful and relaxing.

James, W.

UK

Food, beds & service - all excellent. Perfect stay all round - we will be back!

Rod, M.

UK

You all run a wonderful, relaxing, beautiful establishment.

Stuart, S.

USA

We instantly enjoyed the history and the use of the Summer House.

Patrick, H.

Australia

We loved the main building, and chose to spend afternoons reading in the library. We loved exploring the historic items in the main building.

Cynthia, H.

USA

Any request for assistance - charging electronics, adjusting a fan, were tended with enthusiasm immediately. We felt pampered.

Linda, W.

USA

Accommodation, food, room, service, people, the river, the drivers, everyone, everything.

Helenie, G.

Australia

The general ambience of the place and its setting; the excellent service & friendliness of all staff; the sunset cruise; the food & dining experience; the fact we could get our washing done (at no additional charge).

Helen, S.

Australia

You guys are great! Keep up the high standards!

Aubrey, V.

USA

The wildlife, the food & the incredible hospitality of our drivers & your staff - so informative & genuine. Love the Elephant Café! Thank you for making our dream trip so memorable.

Richard, L.

USA

The room was amazing, the food was always great and the staff complimented the stay. The overall experience was wonderful and made easy.

Julianne, R.

Australia

The personalised service & inclusions (eg cruise, food, drinks, laundry)

Amber-Lee, R.

Australia

Outstanding. Really liked just sitting with each other & not have to worry about making conversation with others. Very attentive staff. How lovely to be pampered!

Mark, L.

USA

The staff, the food, our villa, everything was most enjoyable. Thank you very much again for your hospitality!

Andreas, B.

Germany

Had a wonderful stay. Everything was perfect. Thanks so much!

Catherine, P.

Canada

Enjoyed the warm smiles of the entire staff! Thanks for a great experience at The River Club!

Ron, L.

Holland

Keep doing what you're doing, very nice.

Keith, S.

USA

The friendliness of the staff was exceptional. Thank you for making our stay so enjoyable.

David, C.

Tasmania

Food choices were good & delicious. Friendly staff, good food, nice quiet environment. Great organisation. A Great place, but we will not be in Africa again. If in the area ever again we would stay with you. Thank you all for such a wonderful start to our trip! We will tell our travel agent at home what a great gem you have.

Rodney, D.

USA

(Enjoyed) The people, the location. Keep doing what you do. It is a special place.

Gary, B.

New Zealand

(Enjoyed) Absolutely everything! Quaintness / beautiful grounds and view / food / company. You made us feel very special.

Lorne & Lynne, W.

Canada

Must have put on 5 lbs; all (meals) delicious. And ALL the staff deserves 6 stars.

Sarah, R.

USA

The Scenery, the privacy, the warmth of the hosts.

Mischeck, D.

Zambia

Very nice facilities - with a nice view! Enjoyed the sunset cruise and the warm hospitality. The recommended tours fully lived up to our expectations.

Erik, C.

Denmark

The peacefulness and quietness of the facility.. The personalised service..

Christoph, L.

France

Everything was of a high standard, and it felt like I was staying with friends.

Juleen, S.

Australia

I especially appreciated the library. After a strenuos day on the water and in the bush, it was a delight to stretch out on the couch in the colonial style main house, sipping on a glass of wine and reading a love story set in the Spanish Civil War.

Jody

via Booking.com

Location was amazing. Staff superb and well informed. Very relaxed atmosphere with charming hosts. Accommodation and dining experience, faultless.

Theresa

via Booking.com

This place is rich in history, smiling staff, and a languid air of being lost in time. A Sundowner cruise with Mack the Guide maneuvered among hippo to point out beautiful birds, including colorful bee eaters. Cuisine is first class, so is decor.

Delta W

via TripAdvisor

This is a place to unwind. The welcome was a surprise in itself and a wonderful introduction to the River Club. It would be wrong to describe it but all I can say is just go.

Paul

via TripAdvisor