Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls
Wildlife sightings and reviews
234 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Avani Victoria Falls and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in May-2018, 36 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Avani Victoria Falls.
Zebra
92% success
Elephant
45% success
Hippo
42% success
White Rhino
21% success
Mr D
Ontario
"Zambezi Sun - good spot, fabulous location"
2 nights Arrived 18 Dec 2013
"After 11 nights in gorgeous bush camps, the Zambezi Sun is a real change of pace. The rooms are just ok, a bit small and looking a bit tired, but totally fine for a few days relaxation. The hotel itself is beautiful, with a nice free form pool, great restaurant options and several shops, including a very good curio shop. The restaurant in the Falls conference center next door was great and very reasonable. But of course the best part is that you just walk out the back gate of the hotel and you are at Victoria Falls! And it's included in your rate.
The Curio Market at Vic Falls is just as good as the one in Livingstone, so you can really do all your shopping there too. Staff were friendly and accomodating and getting a ride to your room in a golf cart was a nice touch!
Zambezi Sun is a great option if the 5 star hotels are too much for you, but the local hotels are a bit too dingy. I would stay there again for sure." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
The Curio Market at Vic Falls is just as good as the one in Livingstone, so you can really do all your shopping there too. Staff were friendly and accomodating and getting a ride to your room in a golf cart was a nice touch!
Zambezi Sun is a great option if the 5 star hotels are too much for you, but the local hotels are a bit too dingy. I would stay there again for sure." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs N
London
"Nichols at Zambesi Sun"
3 nights Arrived 20 Oct 2013
"A good resort hotel within a short walk of the Falls. The two-storey accommodation blocks are built around a large green containing a swimming pool and bar, across which herds of impala and zebra frequently graze.
There were large numbers of children when we were there, but it wasn't noisy and most people seemed to go to bed quite early.
We decided to have one dinner in the Royal Livingstone, the neighbouring hotel, but we had some difficulty in booking a table - their administration didn't seem to be very efficient. We managed it in the end, and it was well worth it, but make sure you book early.
You need to take a taxi to get into Livingstone, but for the typical visitor, staying at the Falls is probably preferable to staying in Livingstone." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
There were large numbers of children when we were there, but it wasn't noisy and most people seemed to go to bed quite early.
We decided to have one dinner in the Royal Livingstone, the neighbouring hotel, but we had some difficulty in booking a table - their administration didn't seem to be very efficient. We managed it in the end, and it was well worth it, but make sure you book early.
You need to take a taxi to get into Livingstone, but for the typical visitor, staying at the Falls is probably preferable to staying in Livingstone." See all these reviews: 11n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
M & M Oxford
UK
"Zambezi Sun review"
2 nights Arrived 7 Oct 2013
"This a large anonymous complex catering for essentially the Victoria Falls trade. The Falls are easily reached through the rear manned gates. Choose the right time to visit the falls for the majority of the year the Falls are quiescent. However, this does allow you to see the underlying structures.
As the hotel lies in part of the National Park animals were able roam freely through the grounds.
The room was very sparsely furnished. Two beds, one chair and a TV cabinet. The veranda door and thus a fire escape could not be opened. However a request for an additional chair and table and repair to the door was quickly and efficiently dealt with.
We did not eat in the dining room in the evening, going instead to the Squires Grill as advised by previous clients. Breakfast was more than sufficient in both quality and variety with very pleasant waiting staff.
At the time of our visit the hotel was never crowded." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
As the hotel lies in part of the National Park animals were able roam freely through the grounds.
The room was very sparsely furnished. Two beds, one chair and a TV cabinet. The veranda door and thus a fire escape could not be opened. However a request for an additional chair and table and repair to the door was quickly and efficiently dealt with.
We did not eat in the dining room in the evening, going instead to the Squires Grill as advised by previous clients. Breakfast was more than sufficient in both quality and variety with very pleasant waiting staff.
At the time of our visit the hotel was never crowded." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Poor
Mr DS
Surrey
"Zambezi Sun review"
2 nights Arrived 22 Sep 2013
"Transfer arrangements from Kasane airport to the hotel worked well (interesting river crossing etc!)
Enjoyed watching the animals in the grounds, lovely swimming pool, really good buffet breakfast. Choice of dining options for evening could have been better.
Hardly the fault of the hotel that the falls on the Zambian side were particularly dry this season!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Enjoyed watching the animals in the grounds, lovely swimming pool, really good buffet breakfast. Choice of dining options for evening could have been better.
Hardly the fault of the hotel that the falls on the Zambian side were particularly dry this season!" See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr F & Mrs B
Dorset
"Two nights at Zambesi Sun"
2 nights Arrived 14 Sep 2013
"Chosen for location near Falls. Less expensive that Royal Livingstone. The setting was good, short walk to Falls, excellent pick up point for day in Botswana which was a substitute arranged because Chobe accommodation was not available.
The long day to Botswana was an anxiety in advance, but proved a great success, not least because all changes and pick ups were trouble free and staff were all on hand to make every part of the day a happy and relaxed event. Morning boat trip was superb, afternoon drive involved a great deal of information from the guide, very short drive, but plenty of interest. It was very hard to understand the guide. I do have hearing problems, and that problem was not only mine. Other guides were communicating well.
Zambesi Sun advertised three restaurant facilities. Only the buffet was available on the first night. I felt at 214 kwatchas it was costly, even granted plenty of choice for main courses. I told them so, and we used another place for the second night. Staff helpful. I would hesitate before to using it again. On the make, from tourists? They combined well to get an earlier departure to Waterberry Lodge, whose staff readily arranged transport. Planned half day at falls was enough." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
The long day to Botswana was an anxiety in advance, but proved a great success, not least because all changes and pick ups were trouble free and staff were all on hand to make every part of the day a happy and relaxed event. Morning boat trip was superb, afternoon drive involved a great deal of information from the guide, very short drive, but plenty of interest. It was very hard to understand the guide. I do have hearing problems, and that problem was not only mine. Other guides were communicating well.
Zambesi Sun advertised three restaurant facilities. Only the buffet was available on the first night. I felt at 214 kwatchas it was costly, even granted plenty of choice for main courses. I told them so, and we used another place for the second night. Staff helpful. I would hesitate before to using it again. On the make, from tourists? They combined well to get an earlier departure to Waterberry Lodge, whose staff readily arranged transport. Planned half day at falls was enough." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs T
Victoria
"Very ordinary hotel"
2 nights Arrived 10 Sep 2013
"Great location and you would stay there for that reason alone.
The rooms were very very ordinary. As we checked out we asked why there was a space for a bar fridge but one wasn't provided .. and they said that if we had requested one they would have delivered one straight away!
Don't miss sundowners drinks of the riverfront deck at the Royal Livingstone next door (10min walk)" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 3n in Zanzibar; 1n in Tanzania
The rooms were very very ordinary. As we checked out we asked why there was a space for a bar fridge but one wasn't provided .. and they said that if we had requested one they would have delivered one straight away!
Don't miss sundowners drinks of the riverfront deck at the Royal Livingstone next door (10min walk)" See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 3n in Zanzibar; 1n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Poor
Activities:
Poor
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr M
Reading
"Zambezi Sun review"
3 nights Arrived 8 Sep 2013
"Very good location with access to the falls. Grounds were very good with animals being part of the enjoyment. Works we're clean and we'll serviced each day.
Buffet restaurant which we used for diner each night had a good selection to choose from, which meant we ate more than we should have!
Reception staff very helpful" See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Buffet restaurant which we used for diner each night had a good selection to choose from, which meant we ate more than we should have!
Reception staff very helpful" See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs H
BC, Canada
"Zambezi Sun"
2 nights Arrived 7 Sep 2013
"The Zambezi Sun is a very large hotel catering to many groups of people from all over the world. After spending time in the National parks with lots of individual attention it seemed very commercialized and impersonal. We did enjoy a morning walking safari in Mosi-o-Tunya National Park and saw 8 rhinoserous which was quite amazing and meant we had seen all the animals we had hoped to see while in Zambia.
I found the constantly running toilet both annoying and a waste of water. ALso, the stopper in the sink did not work.
I suggest that the person booking the activities be more specific about the trip to Livingstone Island and the Devil's pool. Specifically, that some sort of shoes for walking on the rocks could be useful and that most cameras are left with your stuff some distance from the pool. While I was able to obtain pictures from a fellow traveller, it could have been a disappointment at the end.
Also, it should be made clear about asking to see the rhinos as they are/were only on one side of the road and we initially started on the other side." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
I found the constantly running toilet both annoying and a waste of water. ALso, the stopper in the sink did not work.
I suggest that the person booking the activities be more specific about the trip to Livingstone Island and the Devil's pool. Specifically, that some sort of shoes for walking on the rocks could be useful and that most cameras are left with your stuff some distance from the pool. While I was able to obtain pictures from a fellow traveller, it could have been a disappointment at the end.
Also, it should be made clear about asking to see the rhinos as they are/were only on one side of the road and we initially started on the other side." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Ms M
North London
"Zambezi Sun review"
2 nights Arrived 3 Sep 2013
"Excellent location 5 minutes walk from the Fall. The room was nicely decorated and comfortable, but with very noisy aircon (take earplugs). Apart from that it's an average 3 star hotel.
The only real complaint was the food. Not very good and extortionately overpriced. While we were there we saw no animals other than a few impala, not the hotel's fault but disappointing." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
The only real complaint was the food. Not very good and extortionately overpriced. While we were there we saw no animals other than a few impala, not the hotel's fault but disappointing." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Terrible
Mr W & Dr M
UK
"Zambezi Sun review"
2 nights Arrived 2 Sep 2013
"Big hotel and so is a bit 'faceless'. Generally nice and clean though. Great location though right by the falls. Expensive though; evening buffet cost a fair bit and it wasn't that great."
See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Average
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.
Tongabezi
Secluded on the banks of the Zambezi, less than 20km from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is one of the most exclusive lodges in Zambia.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.
Stanley Safari Lodge
Stanley Safari Lodge has views of Victoria Falls spray from all the rooms, and is a convenient base for exploring the Zambezi River area.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
