Reviews of Stanley Safari Lodge
Wildlife sightings and reviews
21 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Stanley Safari Lodge and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
KK&J
UK
"Generous Hospitality at Stanley"
4 nights Arrived 13 Apr 2016
"We were beautifully looked after in every way.
We were especially impressed with how sensitively they handled a health crisis. The back office staff and the Manager Jason all played their part efficiently and reassured me at a very trying time. (we got home safe and are now receiving NHS care).
Our arrival at 5 pm off the Lusaka flight was perfectly timed for the sunset backlighting the main building in the most dramatic fashion. We were blown away. Also thanks for giving us the Honeymoon suite....it made for a perfect romantic stay. The fishing we asked for was arranged and all the other activities were of the right duration and made it such fun. We had a blast.
The food was good...there was too much of it but that's hardly a fault! Sometimes the meat was a little tough but TIA!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
We were especially impressed with how sensitively they handled a health crisis. The back office staff and the Manager Jason all played their part efficiently and reassured me at a very trying time. (we got home safe and are now receiving NHS care).
Our arrival at 5 pm off the Lusaka flight was perfectly timed for the sunset backlighting the main building in the most dramatic fashion. We were blown away. Also thanks for giving us the Honeymoon suite....it made for a perfect romantic stay. The fishing we asked for was arranged and all the other activities were of the right duration and made it such fun. We had a blast.
The food was good...there was too much of it but that's hardly a fault! Sometimes the meat was a little tough but TIA!" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr B
Hertfordshire
"Stanley Safari Lodge review"
1 night Arrived 11 Dec 2015
"During our 1 night stay there was only 1 other couple there. We were 'treated' to a family room which was huge, probably the lodge's largest which also included a plunge pool, great for cooling off! The accommodation was very good, just a shame were not staying longer to take advantage.
The only downside for us was the lighting which was poorly positioned eg. not close to or over bathroom mirrors, and really dimmed so it was nigh on impossible without the aid of a torch to insert/replace contact lens! This is a common problem we find in many African lodges, lighting is placed for ambience rather than practical reasons.
The chap who met us at Livingstone airport was not very helpful. He was there waiting for us but instead of being directly on hand to assist with our luggage was talking to someone at the end of the arrivals hall and did not come to greet us; we had to go and meet him rather than he meeting us. Fortunately a fellow passenger assisted with our luggage retrieval which is not that easy as the area where the luggage is delivered is very small and the exit door has a metal threshold over which it's very difficult, if nigh on impossible, to push a laden trolley. However this presumably will not be a future problem when the new terminal is opened - due anytime now." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Zambia
The only downside for us was the lighting which was poorly positioned eg. not close to or over bathroom mirrors, and really dimmed so it was nigh on impossible without the aid of a torch to insert/replace contact lens! This is a common problem we find in many African lodges, lighting is placed for ambience rather than practical reasons.
The chap who met us at Livingstone airport was not very helpful. He was there waiting for us but instead of being directly on hand to assist with our luggage was talking to someone at the end of the arrivals hall and did not come to greet us; we had to go and meet him rather than he meeting us. Fortunately a fellow passenger assisted with our luggage retrieval which is not that easy as the area where the luggage is delivered is very small and the exit door has a metal threshold over which it's very difficult, if nigh on impossible, to push a laden trolley. However this presumably will not be a future problem when the new terminal is opened - due anytime now." See all these reviews: 10n in Botswana; 8n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Mr & Mrs N
Herts
"Stanley Safari Lodge review"
4 nights Arrived 15 Aug 2015
"Lovely lodge and excellent views. We felt some of the activities were seriously overpriced e.g $120 each for a cream tea....
Also having to chose breakfast the night before seemed a bit odd. The activities were very good but be aware it adds up." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia
Also having to chose breakfast the night before seemed a bit odd. The activities were very good but be aware it adds up." See all these reviews: 17n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Miss G
Kent
"Perfect place to stay at Victoria falls"
3 nights Arrived 9 Aug 2015
"Regina my hostess was so lovely and took care of my every need.
Stanley Safari lodge was a welcome kick back and relax, after the demanding early morning starts on the safari. It was the right distance away from the falls to not be too bothered by the helicopters constant circling, and there was no pressure to constantly be doing activities. If I wanted to be left alone to relax all the staff respected that.
The massage there was also one of the best I have ever had, it may lack the polish of the top resorts and spas but the massage itself was absolutely brilliant.
Our trip to the falls was awesome too." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Stanley Safari lodge was a welcome kick back and relax, after the demanding early morning starts on the safari. It was the right distance away from the falls to not be too bothered by the helicopters constant circling, and there was no pressure to constantly be doing activities. If I wanted to be left alone to relax all the staff respected that.
The massage there was also one of the best I have ever had, it may lack the polish of the top resorts and spas but the massage itself was absolutely brilliant.
Our trip to the falls was awesome too." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Hammersmth
"Stanley Lodge review"
3 nights Arrived 14 Jul 2015
"The staff were extremely friendly and very helpful. The food was great and it is a beautiful place to stay: very luxurious and comfortable rooms, and the fact that they are open to the elements is fantastic!
Other than the guided tour to the Victoria Falls, the other tours which are included in the cost of the stay are not all really worth it. We weren't able to go to the Livingstone Museum as there was some sort of demonstration in town (described as a riot!) and so we missed out on what, by all accounts, is an excellent museum.
However, these are minor concerns: the whole place is very relaxing and it was a good place to start our holiday." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Other than the guided tour to the Victoria Falls, the other tours which are included in the cost of the stay are not all really worth it. We weren't able to go to the Livingstone Museum as there was some sort of demonstration in town (described as a riot!) and so we missed out on what, by all accounts, is an excellent museum.
However, these are minor concerns: the whole place is very relaxing and it was a good place to start our holiday." See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Andreas
Switzerland
"A cosy place to start our trip"
3 nights Arrived 5 Jul 2015
"This is a beautiful, peaceful place. After the long trip from Europe, we enjoyed the hospitality and joyfulness of the staff. Thank you to Katie, Peter and Babylon for looking after our needs, for long, interesting conversations and for keeping the children entertained.
The primary purpose of the trip was to visit the Victoria Falls, followed by seeing local culture. We did not take advantage of the adventure entertainment offered in the area as it was primarily geared towards adults and exceedingly expensive. Between activities, we found the Stanley Safari Lodge wonderful for relaxing, gazing into the landscape and watching spectacular sunsets." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
The primary purpose of the trip was to visit the Victoria Falls, followed by seeing local culture. We did not take advantage of the adventure entertainment offered in the area as it was primarily geared towards adults and exceedingly expensive. Between activities, we found the Stanley Safari Lodge wonderful for relaxing, gazing into the landscape and watching spectacular sunsets." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia; 4n in Malawi
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Average
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms A
Brookfield
"Stanley Safari Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 26 Apr 2015
"Everything was fabulous.
The staff was wonderful, helpful, food was great, room was great." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
The staff was wonderful, helpful, food was great, room was great." See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
T Family
London
"Stunning setting"
3 nights Arrived 19 Aug 2014
"Stanley Safari Lodge was also superb. Again, there is a host to cater to your every need, to check on you and to organise things for you. The rooms wee beautiful - very different to the safari (obviously) but lovely settings and very well equipped. All the staff were friendly and warm.
You are allocated a particular driver and a particular waiter which is clever because they are your 'go-to' people for everything and this system works very well." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
You are allocated a particular driver and a particular waiter which is clever because they are your 'go-to' people for everything and this system works very well." See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms A & L
Oregon
"Stanley Safari Lodge review"
2 nights Arrived 15 Aug 2014
"A beautiful location with quick access to Victoria Falls and other activities. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. The hotel accommodations were very nice as well. Would also recommend.
I was surprised at the end of the stay to have to pay for activities as I believed that all activities were included" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
I was surprised at the end of the stay to have to pay for activities as I believed that all activities were included" See all these reviews: 7n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs E
Croydon
"Excellent short visit to Stanley Lodge"
2 nights Arrived 7 Aug 2014
"Beautiful, very comfortable lodge in quiet location with long view towards the Falls. Very helpful and attentive staff who organised visits to Victoria Falls park, a helicopter trip and evening sunset cruise. We had two nights there and felt that an extra day would have been better to fully explore Livingstone and just enjoy the lovely surroundings.
The food was excellent." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Malawi
The food was excellent." See all these reviews: 8n in Zambia; 3n in Malawi
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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.
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
