Victoria Falls River Lodge

Victoria Falls River Lodge sits on the Zimbabwean bank of the Zambezi River inside the Zambezi National Park, a few kilometres upstream of the Victoria Falls. Opened in 2012, it was the first private game lodge built in the park, and it is run by the family-owned Zambezi Crescent Collection. From the lodge the spray of the Falls can sometimes be seen rising in the distance.

Stays are spread across three settings. The River Lodge has thatched luxury tented suites, family tents with a separate children's room, and two superior family tents, each opening onto a private deck with a plunge pool over the river. A short boat ride downstream, Malachite has eight tented suites for couples, each with a plunge pool and an outdoor bath. On private Kandahar Island, reached only by boat, four treehouse suites and two starbed treehouses come with a personal butler. For families and groups there are two private villas, Hippo Creek and Rapids View, each with its own butler and chef's kitchen.

Rates include all meals, local drinks, shared transfers from Victoria Falls airport and two activities a day, chosen from game drives in the Zambezi National Park and sunrise or sunset cruises on the river. A daily shuttle runs into Victoria Falls town with a guided tour of the Falls on foot. Walking safaris, fishing and spa treatments are available at extra cost, and there is a fitness centre.