One of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning a trip to see Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) is where to stay in Livingstone. The Zambian town sits just minutes from one of the world’s most famous waterfalls and serves as a base for everything from helicopter flights and river cruises to safari day trips and white-water rafting. With so many accommodation options available, choosing the right hotel can feel overwhelming.
During my time in Livingstone, I stayed at three very different properties: The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge (campsite), Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, and the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Each offered a completely different experience, from laid-back riverside accommodation to one of the most luxurious hotels in Zambia.
Staying at multiple properties gave me a unique perspective on what each property does well, who it’s best suited for, and whether it’s worth the price. If you’re wondering where to stay in Livingstone, here’s my honest assessment of my three stays.
Understanding the Different Areas to Stay in Livingstone
Before diving into the hotels themselves, it’s worth noting that most visitors to Livingstone are choosing between two types of experiences. The first is a more activity-focused stay. These hotels tend to be great bases for exploring Victoria Falls, taking day trips, and spending most of your time out and about.
The second is a resort experience where the hotel becomes part of the destination. In these properties, you’ll likely spend a significant amount of time enjoying the grounds, river views, restaurants, and amenities. Having stayed at three very different hotels, I experienced both sides of Livingstone.
My first two days in Livingstone were largely dedicated to outdoor activities. I visited The Elephant Café shortly after arriving on day one and spent most of day two on safari in Chobe National Park in Botswana. Since I knew I’d be spending very little time in my room, choosing accommodation on the more affordable end of the spectrum felt like the right decision. I still wanted to stay by the river, though, which made The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge an easy choice.
The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge
I began my stay at The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge’s campsite and, in many ways, it felt like the perfect introduction to Livingstone. Set along the banks of the Zambezi River, the property has a relaxed atmosphere that immediately puts you into holiday mode. This is not the place you choose for ultra-luxury. Instead, it’s the kind of hotel where you spend your mornings heading off on adventures and your evenings watching the river.
What I enjoyed most was how connected the property felt to the destination itself. The atmosphere was friendly and unpretentious. It attracted a mix of travellers, from locals gathering to enjoy sundowners to holidaymakers exploring Victoria Falls.
For travellers wondering where to stay in Livingstone on a moderate budget, this is a strong option. While The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge offers camping facilities, the property is first and foremost a riverside lodge with a range of comfortable accommodation options.
Even if camping isn’t your thing, the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and well-suited to travellers looking to enjoy the Zambezi without paying luxury hotel prices.
After Waterfront, I moved to the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort.
Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort
The property feels modern, polished, and intentionally designed for travellers who want comfort without sacrificing access to nature. Built along the Zambezi River, the resort manages to blend contemporary luxury with its natural surroundings remarkably well.
I booked a standard room here, and it was spacious, stylish, and thoughtfully designed. But the real standout was the bed. After spending the morning across the border in Zimbabwe, I returned completely exhausted and sank into it for a quick rest. That moment is permanently etched in my memory. To this day, I don’t think I’ve ever slept in a more comfortable bed!
In addition, the service throughout my stay was excellent. Staff were friendly, professional, and consistently helpful without feeling intrusive. What makes Radisson Blu particularly appealing is that it occupies a sweet spot in Livingstone’s hotel scene. It feels luxurious, but it’s generally more accessible than some of the ultra-premium properties in the area.
For many travellers, I suspect this may be the best overall hotel choice in Livingstone because it delivers a high-end experience while remaining relatively attainable.
Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara
My final hotel was the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, arguably the most famous property in Livingstone. The hotel’s reputation precedes it, and I arrived wondering whether it could live up to the hype. It did.
The first thing that struck me was the setting. The grounds are beautiful, with sweeping views of the Zambezi River and easy access to Victoria Falls. Staying here feels less like staying at a hotel and more like staying within one of Zambia’s most iconic landmarks.
One of my favourite memories was seeing zebras, giraffes and impalas casually wandering the grounds. It was one of those moments that felt quintessentially African and completely surreal at the same time.
The biggest advantage of staying here is undoubtedly the location. Being able to walk to Victoria Falls so easily changes the experience entirely. Rather than planning your day around a visit to the falls, the falls become part of your surroundings.
I found myself appreciating small moments that might otherwise have been missed. Early mornings, quiet walks, and the ability to return whenever I wanted made the experience feel much more immersive.
Of course, all of this comes at a price. The Royal Livingstone is firmly positioned at the luxury end of the market. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. If it’s within your budget, it’s easy to understand why so many people consider it one of the best hotels near Victoria Falls.
Even if it’s outside your budget, you can still experience some of the property’s grandeur by booking an experience such as afternoon tea, lunch, or dinner.
Alternatively, consider staying at Avani, the Royal Livingstone’s equally beautiful sister property. Guests enjoy access to the falls at a more affordable price point while still benefiting from many of the same experiences.
So, Where Should You Stay in Livingstone?
After staying at all three properties, I don’t think there is one definitive answer to where to stay in Livingstone. Instead, I think the best hotel depends entirely on the type of trip you want to have. If your priority is value, adventure, and spending most of your time exploring, I’d recommend The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge, the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, or a similar property.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want the most iconic luxury experience in Livingstone, my top recommendation would be the Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara. Tongabezi would be a close second and another excellent choice for a truly memorable luxury stay.
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No matter which property you choose, you’re never far from the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, and the countless adventures that make Livingstone one of the most rewarding destinations in Southern Africa.
