Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls
(85%) From 220 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Zambezi Sun review
This visit was at the very end of our trip. We arranged to visit Victoria Falls as we felt we should as we were in Zambia and may not go that way again. However this hotel and the Royal Livingstone Hotel turned out to be a highlight of our four week holiday.
We were initially unsure as to which hotel to stay at and we should like to thank Lucy for recommending that we stay at the Zambezi Sun, which was enormous fun with first class service, but eat in the evening at the Royal Livingstone which is a very plush five star hotel but that we did not consider to be stuffy in any way. When we visit again it will be very difficult to decide in which hotel to base ourselves - funky african v old colonial - a real hard choice.
We canoed down the Zambezi (briefly landing in Zimbabwe), swam in the Devil's Pool and micro-lighted over the Falls. All activities were entirely different but we would recommend anyone to do all three if they have the time.
Zambezi Sun review
A reasonably good location for a stop-over. We were disappointed that there was no facility to have a "lighter meal" other than "room service" in the evening. It was the fullblown "all you can eat" restaurant and that is expensive if all you want is only one course!
Read more about the whole tripZambezi Sun review
The staff were attentive; several asked questions about my day and was I enjoying myself-they were personally interested. The activity center was ultimately helpful but initially seemed to have difficulty hellping me plan solo activities.
The guide was knowledgable that they recommened for the tour of Livingston but also busy running his business on the cell phone.
Enjoyment by the Falls
First impressions were something of a shock - brightly coloured buildings and loads of people after the remoteness of the safari camps - but the position, so close to the Victoria Falls, was excellent. The food, accomodation and staff were good.
We complained about the lights on the stairs to the rooms, many of which were not working, and it was hazardous to use the stairs at night.
Zambezi Sun review
Excellent service. Friendly and efficient. Wonderful breakfast. Lovely grounds in a beautiful position.
We could have done with an extra night, at least, in order to explore and enjoy all the many and varied activities and experiences.
Back to civilization - Zambezi sun
A huge change from being on safari, but a great location right on the falls.
Recommend the White water rafting, not for the faint hearted as we went swimming four times.
Food and service good, but for that really special dining experience a visit next door to the Royal Livingstone hotel is a must.
A superlative experience.
The slightly disappointing experience at Chobe Safari Lodge left us a little in trepidation of what to expect at the Zambezi Sun. Would it be another large impersonal hotel? Large it may be, but the hotel excelled in every other way. The location is fantastic. While not having the views of the 'smoke' from the falls that the Royal Livingstone has, the 5 minute walk to the falls and unlimited access is fantastic. The Falls are everything you've ever heard and read - and then some.
The adjoining rooms were great - not very large but big enough - comfortable and were very well appointed. The animals wandering around the hotel grounds (zebras, vervet monkeys, giraffes) were great entertainment for the kids. The choice of restaurants was good, though we opted for the Squires bar only for our two nights eating in the hotel. The staff here were really very helpful and friendly - as were the main restarant staff at breakfast. The breakfast buffet had a vast array of food to choose from and was very good.
The activites available from the Activity Centre seemed limitless. We did the sundowner cruise on the African Queen - pleasant but not quite like the 'up close' experiences in Namibia and Botswana. We also did the Livingstone Island trip & the view of the main falls was breathtaking. But it was the falls, which we visited on numerous occasions, that was definitely the highlight and main draw. This was an excellent way to round off our trip and we have recommended the hotel to our friends already.
Zambezi Sun review
The proximity of the falls (5 mins walk) was a major bonus for a one night stay. Hotel staff very efficent, dining facilities acceptable but for anybody wanting to enjoy better quality food we would reccommend an advanced booking is made at the Royal Livingstone restaurant.
The riverboat cruise on the African Queen exceeded our expectations. We also really enjoyed the experience of the border crossing from Botswana into Zambia.
Expert Africa comments
We'd 'second' that excellent suggestion of eating one or more meals at the Royal Livingstone's restaurant if you are staying at the Zambezi Sun. In our experience, the food isn't much more costly, and when we last visited the ambience and service were great. So do venture next door ... and you don't always need to book for lunch!
Great Victoria Falls location at Zambezi Sun
As we expected it was a bit of a shock coming from the camps in Botswana to the brash, busy hotel that is the Zambezi Sun. We chose it solely on the location and we were happy with our choice, We could walk to the Falls in a few moments and did so at different times of the day, avoiding the crowds and seeing the Falls in different lights, and they really were superb.
We were less than impressed with the buffet style dinner at the Sun, and ate at The Royal Livingstone (next door and easily reached by shuttle bus), where the food was gorgeous and the atmosphere quite different. We also treated ourselves to spa treatments in tents overlooking the Zambezi at The Royal Livingstone, and felt they were worth it for the view alone.
We canoed for a full day on the Upper Zambezi with wonderful islands, wildlife and rapids in the morning, but after lunch the going was not so interesting, and as we had a strong headwind all day turned into a bit of a struggle. On a calm day where one could occasionally float with the current this would not be a problem.
We also went micolighting and that was brilliant, giving us spectacular views of the Falls and the most enormous grins when we got back. We both highly recommend this even if you don't like heights.
Friendly, helpful staff - ideal location.
The room was great, hotel location ideal, staff helpful, but the cost of meals is excessive.
