Reviews of Palm River
Wildlife sightings and reviews
10 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Palm River and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Jul-2022, 9 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Palm River.
Leopard
0% success
Hippo
67% success
Elephant
56% success
Buffalo
0% success
Zebra
0% success
Mr & Mrs M
Cambridge
"Great out of town choice"
2 nights Arrived 15 Mar 2025
"Palm River was a really good choice for the first night of our holiday. We flew into Vic Falls and it was an easy transfer from the airport. Palm River is definitely a hotel and not a lodge, which is what we wanted since we had plenty of lodges coming up. It was nice to have a solid base to start our trip from, and very comfortable beds after a night on the plane. We could charge up our devices and get our packing straight before we headed off on a 3 week trip.
We had a ground floor room which overlooked the immaculate lawned garden and pool. There is a very nice terrace for dining with pretty lighting. The grounds of the hotel run right down to the river so you really are right on the Zambezi and feel you have arrived right from the first minute.
We had very good and helpful activities manager who ran through the activities on offer. Our airport transfer was with Wild Horizons whose office is in Vic Falls town and our driver had tried quite hard to book us a boat trip on our first evening. Palm River ran similar boat trips and they were very happy for us to go with Wild Horizons if we preferred. All the boat trips were more expensive than we had expected, but given that a self-guided walk along the Falls now costs US$50 per person, it soon became clear that everything in and around Vic Falls has gone up dramatically for overseas visitors.
The food was good and so was the service. Would highly recommend if you are looking for something out of town but still close enough to get down to the falls in 10 minutes." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
We had a ground floor room which overlooked the immaculate lawned garden and pool. There is a very nice terrace for dining with pretty lighting. The grounds of the hotel run right down to the river so you really are right on the Zambezi and feel you have arrived right from the first minute.
We had very good and helpful activities manager who ran through the activities on offer. Our airport transfer was with Wild Horizons whose office is in Vic Falls town and our driver had tried quite hard to book us a boat trip on our first evening. Palm River ran similar boat trips and they were very happy for us to go with Wild Horizons if we preferred. All the boat trips were more expensive than we had expected, but given that a self-guided walk along the Falls now costs US$50 per person, it soon became clear that everything in and around Vic Falls has gone up dramatically for overseas visitors.
The food was good and so was the service. Would highly recommend if you are looking for something out of town but still close enough to get down to the falls in 10 minutes." See all these reviews: 11n in Namibia; 5n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report
Elephant
4 sightings
Hippo
2 sightings
AD and JM
edinburgh
"Beautiful setting by Zambezi river"
3 nights Arrived 17 Sep 2024
"After a busy four days on safari we thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on a sunbed by Zambezi. It's a beautiful building with spacious rooms and complimentary drinks in room fridge. It is well located for visiting Victoria Falls and there is a shuttle bus if you want to visit town.
There is an activity person who arranged guided tour of Falls and trip to evening dance show. She also looked after us when we went on sunset cruise which left from pier at hotel.
All staff were helpful and cheerful.
It was also possible to view wildlife within hotel e.g. one night while have a late drink we saw four elephants walking by." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
There is an activity person who arranged guided tour of Falls and trip to evening dance show. She also looked after us when we went on sunset cruise which left from pier at hotel.
All staff were helpful and cheerful.
It was also possible to view wildlife within hotel e.g. one night while have a late drink we saw four elephants walking by." See all these reviews: 5n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Elephant
1 sighting
Mr & Mrs T
TunbridgeW
"Palm River Hotel review"
3 nights Arrived 14 Sep 2024
"A lovely hotel at least 4/5 star rating. the grounds and accommodation were excellent, prices for drinks and extras reasonable and the staff very helpful. The food choice was also very good
Although it is about a 10 minute drive out of Victoria Falls the shuttle bus service provided was good. We visited the sister hotel in the town (the Ilala) for dinner which I could highly recommend.
The Palm was in a lovely setting by the Zambezi whereas the Ilala which was very nice is bugged by the noise from helicopters hovering over the falls.
I would stay in either again" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
Although it is about a 10 minute drive out of Victoria Falls the shuttle bus service provided was good. We visited the sister hotel in the town (the Ilala) for dinner which I could highly recommend.
The Palm was in a lovely setting by the Zambezi whereas the Ilala which was very nice is bugged by the noise from helicopters hovering over the falls.
I would stay in either again" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia; 3n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Elephant
2 sightings
Mr & Mrs H
Leicester
"Palm River Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 4 Sep 2024
"Great location on the bank of the Zambezi, suitable distance and convenient for town which we are pleased we didn’t stay in. Walk along the Falls ( 2 hours stroll) did not need a guide.
Hotel room superb, food and service very good but didn’t appreciate the hard sell on checking in to have the barbq on the lawn. The a la carte was a much better option.
The swimming pool was a big disappointment, not even tempted to venture in.
Helicopter ride over the Falls (piloted by young man from Cambridge) was well worth the $175 each.
We didn’t go on any safaris as we hoped to see plenty later in our trip but did see a family of warthogs strolling around the hotel grounds which was a treat!
Careful what you eat at the dire food outlet at the airport, my only instance of food poisoning in the month!" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
Hotel room superb, food and service very good but didn’t appreciate the hard sell on checking in to have the barbq on the lawn. The a la carte was a much better option.
The swimming pool was a big disappointment, not even tempted to venture in.
Helicopter ride over the Falls (piloted by young man from Cambridge) was well worth the $175 each.
We didn’t go on any safaris as we hoped to see plenty later in our trip but did see a family of warthogs strolling around the hotel grounds which was a treat!
Careful what you eat at the dire food outlet at the airport, my only instance of food poisoning in the month!" See all these reviews: 22n in Namibia; 3n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Ms G and Mr C
Merton
"Palm River Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 28 Aug 2024
"We loved the Palm River Hotel
The room, food and service were really excellent and all in an amazing setting next to the Zambezi" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe
The room, food and service were really excellent and all in an amazing setting next to the Zambezi" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Dr S.
USA
"Palm River Hotel review"
3 nights Arrived 17 Jun 2024
"The Palm has a great location on the Zambezi. The grounds are beautiful and we had an incredible family suite with 2 huge rooms with 2 huge luxurious bathrooms and a large comfortable living room in the middle with a lovely patio. There were snacks and champagne waiting for us. The restaurant was nice and the food was good and the staff tried to be helpful, but at times the service lacked. We often had to ask for things multiple times and the day we left, our transport called and moved our departure time back an hour but no one from the hotel ever told us. The shuttle annoyingly stops at 6 pm so you have to take a cab to and from dinner. One cabbie tried to rip us off. It was a bit large for my taste but better than most options. They have a nice gym and ping pong and an activities desk - some people were helpful, others less so."
See all these reviews: 7n in Zimbabwe; 4n in Botswana; 3n in Rwanda; 2n in Kenya; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Sightings Report
Elephant
1 sighting
Hippo
10 sightings
A&L Polo
USA
"Palm River Hotel review"
1 night Arrived 24 Dec 2023
"Very nice and quiet place. Very convenient for river cruises."
See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya; 3n in Rwanda; 3n in Botswana; 3n in Tanzania; 2n in South Africa; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
D&K
New York City
"Palm River Hotel review"
3 nights Arrived 25 Jun 2023
"Excellent, high end accommodations. Very special and lovely place. Unparalleled location right along the Zambezi waterfront. Staff were very friendly, attentive,helpful.
We were impressed by the number of excellent vegetarian choices at the restaurant, even more so by contrast with the menu at Cassia Restaurant at Ilala Lodge.
The rooms at Palm River were well-appointed and very comfortable having a balcony that looked out on the Zambezi! The communal areas (which are covered but open to the outdoors) were very comfortable and inviting.
The shuttle buses are available on demand to go to Vic Falls town, not on a limited basis. The drivers were very nice and accommodating. Easy transfers to and from Cassia Restaurant.
The hotel put us in touch with a local operator for a one day excursion to see the Zambia side of the Falls and Livingstone which we found very worthwhile
Please urge your guests to use his services and see the Zambia side and Livingstone on a day trip!" See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
We were impressed by the number of excellent vegetarian choices at the restaurant, even more so by contrast with the menu at Cassia Restaurant at Ilala Lodge.
The rooms at Palm River were well-appointed and very comfortable having a balcony that looked out on the Zambezi! The communal areas (which are covered but open to the outdoors) were very comfortable and inviting.
The shuttle buses are available on demand to go to Vic Falls town, not on a limited basis. The drivers were very nice and accommodating. Easy transfers to and from Cassia Restaurant.
The hotel put us in touch with a local operator for a one day excursion to see the Zambia side of the Falls and Livingstone which we found very worthwhile
Please urge your guests to use his services and see the Zambia side and Livingstone on a day trip!" See all these reviews: 3n in Botswana; 3n in Zimbabwe; 2n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr and Mrs L
USA
"Palm River Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 29 May 2023
"The Palm River is a lovely, modern hotel on the banks of the Zambezi River. It was perfect for a two night stay after our flight from the U.S. first stopping in Johannesburg for one night. They have a delicious Boma barbecue set up by the river with fire pits and soft drumming- during our first dinner we were informed that the hippos had arrived! Two hippos had come up from the river to graze on the grass- such an exciting thing to see! We toured the spectacular Victoria Falls- so many rainbows!
Be prepared to get drenched- bring flip flops and a rain poncho. The second day we had an elephant encounter that was fantastic to be so close to these gentle giants - very informative about their rescue and potential release. You are able to walk with them and feed them.
Another highlight is the sunset cruise that leaves from the hotel’s dock. A beautiful ride and introduction to seeing elephants, hippos , bird life in and along the river. Gorgeous blood orange sunsets to enjoy with drinks and snacks.
The food - friendly hospitality and pretty decor was a wonderful two day stay before going on Safari in Botswana." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Be prepared to get drenched- bring flip flops and a rain poncho. The second day we had an elephant encounter that was fantastic to be so close to these gentle giants - very informative about their rescue and potential release. You are able to walk with them and feed them.
Another highlight is the sunset cruise that leaves from the hotel’s dock. A beautiful ride and introduction to seeing elephants, hippos , bird life in and along the river. Gorgeous blood orange sunsets to enjoy with drinks and snacks.
The food - friendly hospitality and pretty decor was a wonderful two day stay before going on Safari in Botswana." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Sightings Report
Elephant
Multiple sightings
A and N
VA
"Palm River Hotel review"
2 nights Arrived 8 Jul 2022
"Very polite and helpful staff. Restaurant and lobby area very attractive decor. All rooms have river view and porch or balcony which is very nice. Bathrooms are spacious. Restaurant had a medium sized menu but enough choices, everything was very good. You can order off the "snacks" menu for lunch and dinner which worked well for my teenager. Breakfast was great, a continental buffet plus hot dishes off menu. Pool attractive and pleasant. Complimentary tea w/ a few sweet and savory snacks in afternoon was nice. Staff can book outings and activities. They also arrange a shuttle to the falls for guests, but you need to arrange for your complimentary return with your shuttle driver which was a little confusing, I'd prefer shuttles on a schedule, but we managed to work it out. There is nothing nearby so if you want to be in the middle of things or walk to restaurants don't choose this place, but if you want to have a quiet and tasteful base for activities I recommend it. We stayed on our way from US to a safari in Botswana, it was nice to have a day to help adjust to time change before the safari, this was a great place for that. You can get picked up at the hotel for any local activities. The hotel has boat line associated with it that docks on the property, but they were not available for cruises while we were there but the hotel arranged a dinner cruise with another group and it was easy and we had fun."
See all these reviews: 8n in Botswana; 2n in Zimbabwe
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
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Other lodges in Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Ilala Lodge
Exceptionally well located between the Victoria Falls and the town of the same name, Ilala Lodge has comfortable rooms, a friendly atmosphere & great food.
Victoria Falls Hotel
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Batonka Guest Lodge
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Victoria Falls Lodge
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Sprayview Hotel
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The Elephant Camp
The Elephant Camp is a luxury tented camp in its own private concession within Victoria Falls National Park, just 15-minute's drive town.
Old Drift Lodge
A lovely addition to the options in Victoria Falls, the stylish Old Drift has a great location in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, with a range of activities.
Victoria Falls Club
Just outside of Victoria Falls Town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base to explore the area.
Pioneers
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Gorges Lodge
Gorges Lodge has spectacular views from its perch on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. Although it is out of town it isn't too far from the main attractions.
Zambezi Sands
Zambezi Sands is a stylish new camp with a range of activities on a remote stretch of the Zambezi River.
528 Victoria Falls
528 Victoria Falls is a charming, owner-run, boutique B&B in a leafy suburb of Victoria Falls town, offering an oasis of calm in an often-busy location.
Matetsi River Lodge
Situated in the private Matetsi Reserve, Matetsi River Lodge offers luxury suites, game drives and river activities within reach of the Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls Suites
Just out of the town, Victoria Falls Safari Suites offers an exclusive, relaxing and luxurious base from which to explore.
Mpala Jena
In Zambezi National Park, Mpala Jena offers a luxurious but eco-friendly experience, within easy access of the Victoria Falls.
