Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls
(85%) From 194 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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Nichols at Zambesi Sun
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.
Zambezi Sun review
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.
Zambezi Sun review
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!
Two nights at Zambesi Sun
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.
Very ordinary hotel
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)
Zambezi Sun review
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
Zambezi Sun
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.
Zambezi Sun review
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.
An enjoyable,unusual and relaxing hotel
We received a warm welcome on arrival and were impressed by the level of service in the hotel.
Beautiful grounds and pool with an unrivalled access to the Falls for which there was no charge on entry if resident at the hotel. Breakfasts were excellent. The room was comfortable and well appointed.
We used the hotel shuttle to go to the slightly more luxurious Royal Livingstone where we enjoyed the panoramic views of Zambesi on the terraceat sunset (recommended) and an excellent dinner. However overall we preferred the relaxed atmosphere of the Zambesi Sun and were very happy with our choice of hotel
Zambezi Sun review
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.
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