Reviews of Avani Victoria Falls
(85%) From 190 travellersThey do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa.
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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.
Read more about the whole tripZambezi Sun review
It was what we expected from a big hotel with good access to the Falls
We had steps to go to our room but no banister was provided which made it a little difficult.
Loved the wacky decor
A big commercial hotel with an African twist. Nice surroundings and within 5 minutes of the Victoria Falls. Zebra, Impalas, elephants and crocodiles all in or near the hotel grounds.
Rooms were not special, fairly basic. Main advantage was the free access to the falls and he ability to view the falls at different times of the day.
Helicopter trip recommended!
Victoria Falls at Zambezi Sun
This is an impressive but large hotel that simply can't compete with the charm, individuality and personal care of the Robin Pope Lodges and Camps. The breakfast choice was immense, but the food otherwise uninspiring and the rooms, while spacious, were grubby!
The huge trump card for this hotel is its proximity to Victoria Falls. A 10 minute stroll and you are in the presence of one of the newly categorised seven wonders of the world. Stupendous and essential to visit at different times of day and night. We were fortunate to see the Falls framed in a lunar rainbow in the presence of a full moon and then to dip our toes in the cauldron of the "Boiling Pot" below the Falls as the sunrise lit up the Vic Falls Bridge.
That very bridge is only a 15- 20 minute walk away and is the location for the Big Air Experience- 110 metres of free fall Bungee, Gorge Swing and Zip Wire. It is simple to find but does require crossing the border post. A "bridge pass" is readily obtained there (passports required) but do allow 20-30 minutes for queueing. Once on the bridge be prepared for enthusiastic locals befriending you, encouraging you, congratulating you (post jump) but then expecting you to buy a selection of their wares!
The hotel is also well located for white water rafting, with local companies picking you up and driving you to the set off point. We did this with Safpar, who were very professional, great fun and ensured that our expectations were exceeded- an awesome experience.
Finally, ensure you take a stroll through the grounds, to visit the neighbouring Royal Livingstone Hotel. This is a sister hotel, of a higher class, understated elegance and sophisticated with a stunningly located terrace over the Zambezi River, with a fantastic panorama including the top of the Falls.
Zambezi Sun review
If you want to be close to the Falls but not spend a fortune this is the place to stay. Superb location with easy and unrestricted access to the Falls.
We went back to seem them several times and at different times of the day to really appreciate them. The rooms are comfortable. The atmosphere and service is relaxed and efficient if a bit impersonal. Breakfast is very good but lunch and dinner seemed expensive and not great quality.
However it is a short walk to the Royal Livingstone for something a bit nicer and surprisingly not much more expensive.
We have always believed that acting responsibly is the only way to approach tourism and we're one of
the few companies to hold AITO's original coveted 5-star status for responsible tourism. It's a lead
that others are now following.
