Reviews of Royal Livingstone Hotel
Wildlife sightings and reviews
86 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Royal Livingstone Hotel and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa

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"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
We found the service impeccable at the Livingstone. Our room was immaculate and, though not very large, it was very nicely furnished and had a patio with a table and chairs that also provided a nice place to watch the sun set over the river.
Check-in was very efficient and accompanied by their signature iced tea (very delicious). The hotel wasn’t very crowded when we visited at the end of October, which was very nice. The property is very spread out with a large indoor and outdoor bar area. There were several dining locations. The Old Drift restaurant is more formal with indoor and outdoor seating options. The food was outstanding. The breakfast buffet is served here in the mornings and was very good. Kubu restaurant is outdoor dining (dinner only) on a deck just along the Zambezi River. It it a very pretty location and the food is not as formal here, but it sure was delicious.
A very friendly staff member took us on a bit of an impromptu walking safari our first morning and showed us the giraffes, impala and zebras. The second morning we made the 10-minute walk to the Zambian side of Victoria Falls to view them. It was low water, but the views from the Zambian side at Danger Point are beautiful and we did see a magnificent rainbow at Rainbow Falls. The view of the Victoria Falls Bridge is also quite nice. After touring the falls we took the Boiling Pot Trail down to the Zambezi River. It is quite a steep and rocky trail. We sat and watched the rafting groups put in and float down the river. It was shady and cool and quite a nice experience. There is no charge for entering the park from the hotel.
The Royal Livingstone was a perfect stop for us between safaris in Zimbabwe/Zambia and Botswana. It was nice to sleep late for a couple of mornings and not be on a schedule. We will stay there again." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 10n in Botswana; 6n in Zimbabwe

Elephant
1 sighting

Hippo
3 sightings

Zebra
3 sightings
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
Zebras, antelope, and giraffes wander through the hotel's grounds." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia

Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Loved our stay"
We particularly enjoyed the location which has allowed us to stroll over to view the falls and which meant we had a lovely view of the Zambezi river from our room. Another highlight for us was the outdoor bar down near the river where we could see the “smoke“ from the falls in the distance and hippos across the way. The activities desk was very helpful in booking several activities for us (Sunset cruise, Livingston’s island/Devils Pool, and elephant café).
The complementary ride on the Royal Livingston Express train that was included in our booking was lots of fun." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
Free roaming zebra, giraffes along with impala and baboons in the grounds.
Lovely view of Zambezi river from our room.
We had a problem with our room which management addressed less promptly than would have been desired." See all these reviews: 14n in Zambia; 2n in South Africa

Zebra
6 sightings
"Victoria Falls at the end of the garden!"
Attentive service, helpful staff assisted in arranging self trip to the Zimbabwe side of the Falls. Ideal start of the Southern Africa journey after the long flight. Wildlife on premises also a great introduction pre-safaris, e.g. zebras, giraffes, impalas, mongooses, monkeys as well as hippos in the river." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

Hippo
4 sightings

Zebra
4 sightings
"A great base for the awesome Victoria Falls"
A great base to see the falls." See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

Elephant
3 sightings

Hippo
1 sighting

White Rhino
2 sightings

Zebra
4 sightings
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
The hotel was really lovely with great food, terrific service and of course an outstanding view!
I wept when we arrived at the waterfalls, such an incredible experience which reminded me of my insignificance on the planet and the awe of the natural world.
We loved our microlight experience over the falls, one we will never forget!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
"Lovely hotel, but mixed service"
The rooms are comfortable, with safe-to-drink tap water and views of the river (not to mention views of our zebra and impala friends, too!). The hotel is a short walk to the Victoria Falls park, where we ventured to get close-up views of the Falls (or at least, experience the mist given the volume of water contributing to the Falls).
However, the level of service was not reflective of a five-star property. The staff, while friendly, were a bit robotic, delivered incorrect items at meal services, and could have been more attentive. Aside from the breakfast spread, which was vast, the meals on offer were mediocre (though, we did enjoy the meal on the Livingstone Express). Ironically, after each meal, the staff provided guests with feedback cards; however, one felt compelled to not only provide a review, but a positive one at that, given the waitstaff hovered over you as you filled the card out." See all these reviews: 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia

Elephant
1 sighting

Zebra
10 sightings
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
"Royal Livingstone Hotel review"
It was marvelous and we've been treated as members of the Royal family would have been.
Our romantic dinner in front of the Zambezi river was unforgettable!
Victoria falls were beautiful even during the dry season." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 6n in Botswana
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