528 Victoria Falls: Our full report

528 Victoria Falls is an owner-run boutique bed and breakfast just 3km from the eponymous waterfall.

Sometimes known as 528 on Reynard, or simply 528, it lies in a quiet, leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, and is the smallest accommodation option that we feature in the area.

While 528 isn’t as conveniently located as some of Victoria Falls’ larger and better-known hotels, this small B&B is an oasis of relative calm from the clatter of helicopters and buzz of town. It takes just 20 minutes to get here from Victoria Falls Airport by taxi. The 2.5km into town is a brisk 30-minute walk downhill and the waterfall is another 15 minutes beyond that. After dark, or if walking isn’t for you, 528 can also arrange for a trusted taxi driver to take you between the hotel and town or the waterfall.

The contemporary-style building is decorated throughout with pieces from talented local artisans, from hand-woven baskets to bold African-inspired wallpaper prints and hand-painted frescos. The result is a unique and characterful B&B that is an expression of owners Paul and Meredith.

The hotel’s eight rooms are made up of five twins or doubles, a triple, a quadruple and a family suite that could sleep up to five. All are tastefully decorated with a bold feature wall of patterned wallpaper offset by muted wall paint and white ceilings, giving a light, airy feel. Twin or king-size beds are curtained by mosquito nets with enough space inside for a bedside table and reading lights. Air conditioning helps to cool the rooms in the heat of the day or warm them during chilly winter nights.

A writing desk is home to a coffee machine and kettle with a selection of teas. All rooms have an en suite rain-effect shower, toilet and a copper washbasin. You'll also find a luggage storage rack, sometimes in the en suite, with extra blankets and a small digital safe.

The triple room has an additional single bed, while the quadruple room has bunk beds which would suit younger children. The family suite is made up of two connected bedrooms that share a bathroom. En-suites in both the quad and the family suite have a bath as well as a shower, so would work well for honeymooners or those looking for something extra from their stay.

Dotted around the hotel are several communal areas, cosy spots and hideaways. On the top floor, the Tree Top Bar spills out onto a rooftop seating area offering views over the town and beyond to the Zambezi River. This is the perfect spot to relax with a book or enjoy a sundowner. In the bar, guests will also find a TV, which is rarely switched on but can be useful for catching a "can't miss" sports match or keeping up with breaking news.

On the ground floor, the breakfast room has plenty of seating, so is also an ideal location to escape the heat of the day. Outside, a patio is dotted with tables shaded by parasols overlooking a glistening and inviting pool. If you spend any time outside, you are likely to meet the owner's well-behaved and very affectionate golden retriever (she isn’t supposed to venture into the hotel itself and if you aren’t keen on dogs the owners are happy to leave her at home).

Although 528 Victoria Falls serves only breakfast, their helpful and friendly team are always happy to assist with restaurant recommendations and reservations in town. They also tell us that the nearby Local Buzz café/restaurant, formerly Reynado’s, is a good option for sandwiches, burgers, pizzas and more, but we didn’t have a chance to eat here when we visited in June 2023

Similarly, although activities are not included at 528, most options in the area can easily be arranged by the team. These range from tours of the waterfall and evening river cruises to helicopter flights giving a birds-eye view of the Falls, and more.

Our view

528 Victoria Falls may not be as conveniently located as some of the larger or more well-known hotels in town, but we loved the leafy setting, unique design and sense of calm. We think it’s perfect for those looking for a low-key, personal stop in what can be a busy area, whether to recover from an international flight or to relax after the early starts of a safari.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Zimbabwe

Geographics

Location: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ideal length of stay: Typically 2–3 days is an ideal length of stay here, although occasionally our travellers stay longer if they plan to engage in lots of activities.
Directions: Guests arrive into either Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia) by air and then transfer to the hotel by road. They may also be transferred to 528 by road from one of the other major destinations in the area, such as Chobe, Hwange or Matobo Hills national parks.
Accessible by: Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Bed & Breakfast
Food quality: During our stay in June 2023 we enjoyed an extensive and tasty breakfast. Typically served from 8.00am, it features a buffet of homemade granola, fruit juice, tea and coffee, fresh pastries, muffins, bread, cold meats and cheese. Hot dishes including bacon, sausages, mushrooms, eggs and toast are cooked to order.

Early or packed breakfasts can be arranged on request.

A lovely extra touch are the postcards with the hotel's homemade granola recipe that are found in each room.

As a bed and breakfast, 528 Victoria Falls does not currently serve lunch or dinner, but this may change in the future depending on demand.
Dining style: Individual Tables
Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service: While lunch and dinner are not currently offered at 528, the team here are happy to assist with restaurant bookings in town or can order a takeout to be delivered to the hotel for you.
Drinks included: Tea, coffee and drinking water is provided in the rooms. The Tree Top Bar runs on an honesty system. On our last stay, bottled water was US$1, cans of soft drinks from US$2, beer was US$2, a glass of wine US$4 and a bottle of wine from US$15.

Children

Attitude towards children: 528 Victoria Falls welcomes children aged 5 and over.
Property’s age restrictions: No under 5’s.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: We would suggest 528 for children aged 12 and over.
Notes: 528 is a small boutique hotel with lots of stairs and an unfenced, unguarded pool, so children staying here would always need adult supervision.

Communications

Power supply notes: There is a solar system and a back-up generator to complement the mains power.

Each room has a universal plug socket including US, UK, EU and USB connections.
Communications: Complementarity WiFi is available throughout the property.
TV & radio: There is a TV in the Tree Top Bar with sports and news channels (DSTV).
Water supply: Mains
Water supply notes: All rooms have fully plumed en-suite bathrooms. Hot water is provided by solar geysers so is not limitless, especially in the early morning.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There are hospitals in Victoria Falls town, close to 528. In the event of serious injury or illness, guests would be transferred by air to Harare or Johannesburg if necessary.
Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk
Security measures: The property is fenced with an electric gate for security and to keep out wildlife. The owners live very close by.
Fire safety: There are fire extinguishers in the hallways and main areas as well as smoke detectors in the rooms.

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Canoeing
Cultural excursion
Elephant encounter
Helicopter
Kayaking
Microlight
White-water rafting

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: A laundry bag is provided in each room, with laundry charged at US$10 per bag.
Money: Each room has a small electric safe for valuables. Currency exchange is not offered here.
Accepted payment on location: Cash payments are preferred in US$, although other currencies are accepted at the owners’ discretion. Mastercard and Visa can be used for card payments and are charged in US$.