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OVERVIEW:
The polar opposite of the small safari camps we sell, The Royal Livingstone provides a contrasting accommodation option before or after your time in the bush! It’s also a very good standalone choice for travelers seeking sheer luxury.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel is owned and run by Anantara. This company operates an impressive selection of hotels, resorts, and spas across Africa, Asia, and Europe. Among its success is Bazaruto Island Resort, offering outstanding value! Accommodation at The Royal Livingstone is booked on a B&B basis, and the hotel is open throughout the year.
ACCESS & LOCATION:
The hotel is accessed via approximately 25 minutes’ road transfer from Livingstone Airport. It’s situated amidst gorgeous gardens on the banks of the mighty River Zambezi, just a short distance from Victoria Falls.
ACCOMMODATION & FACILITIES AT THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL:
There are 173 rooms and suites, across four categories. All have a Victorian-era colonial style, and they’re housed in 17 two-story buildings with the hotel’s grounds. The entry-level option is the Deluxe Room. Occupying 30 square meters, each of these rooms offers a double bed or twin beds and a useful selection of amenities, including air conditioning, satellite television, tea-and-coffee station, mini-bar, safe, free Wi-Fi, and hairdryer. The en-suite facilities comprise flush toilet, washbasin, rainfall shower, and separate bathtub. Complimentary toiletries are supplied. From the bathroom, doors lead out onto either a private balcony or private patio, where you can sit and enjoy views across the gardens towards the river. It isn’t unusual for game such as zebra to roam through and graze nearby! And every Deluxe Room benefits from the services of a private butler. The Deluxe Corner Room is similarly appointed, and offers extra space in which to relax during your stay. The Livingstone Suite is larger still (63 sq. m) and boasts a separate living and dining room. Finally, the Presidential Suite covers 88 square meters and features a spacious terrace that’s perfect for outdoor dining!
Communal facilities at The Royal Livingstone are thoroughly on a par with the hotel’s luxurious guest accommodation. There’s a fine assortment of sumptuous lounges and an extensive range of dining options. For example, The Royal Livingstone Lounge provides light dining options with historic themes, while The Old Drift Restaurant offers an excellent à la carte menu in a very glamorous setting. The Old-World-style Travellers Bar is fantastic for getting to know your fellow travelers, and the likes of Kubu and the hotel’s boma are amazing al fresco venues. Private dining is available, and you can even enjoy a meal aboard the Royal Livingstone Express! Guests hoping to fit in a workout while on holiday can head to the hotel’s well-equipped gym, while anyone in need of a spot of pampering can pop to the spa or request a massage on the banks of the Zambezi river. You can also relax on the sundeck, viewing the famous Victoria Falls spray during green season. And there’s a very inviting swimming pool!
ACTIVITIES AT THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL:
The hotel is a great base for all the fun of the Falls, in addition to cultural pursuits and some wildlife viewing. Here’s a selection of things to do, all at an additional cost:
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Falls tours
– An excellent introduction to the Falls, tours involve a leisurely walk around the world’s largest waterfall while learning all about this spectacular attraction from a knowledgeable guide. And The Royal Livingstone’s guests have free access from 6am to 6pm every day! -
Watersports
– White water rafting, zip lining, gorge swinging, bungee jumping… this is a dream destination for anyone seeking an adrenaline rush. Please click here for more information about sports at Vic Falls. -
Canoe safaris
– Why not clamber into a canoe and paddle the past route of David Livingstone? You’ll see a collection of islands, full of intriguing wildlife, during your adventurers! -
Sunset cruises
– A wonderful way to wind down following a busy day, these cruises offer opportunities to spot hippos, crocs, and waterbirds on a journey along the boundary of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. -
Helicopter or microlight flights
– For a bird’s-eye view of the Falls, you can take to the skies in a helicopter or microlight! For more details, just click here. -
Trips to Livingstone Island
– The island named after the renowned explorer is situated in the center of the River Zambezi. It features the truly terrifying Devil’s Pool, an infinity pool with a 100 meters’ drop! Please note, the availability of this trip depends on water levels. -
Culture tours
– Guided tours of Livingstone town are possible too. You’ll take a look around the main museum, and you can also visit the Railway and Jewish museums for insights about the settlers in the region. Dinners at Makuni Boma are also offered every Friday evening. Accompanied by traditional music, dancing, or warrior performances, these are a real treat! -
Guided game drives
– Add some safari to your Falls stay, by heading into Mosi-oa-Tunya N.P. to observe the likes of white rhino, buffalo, an assortment of antelopes, and ample birdlife. -
Horse riding
– You can see it all from the saddle too! The national park has plenty of trails, and as most species are at ease in the presence of horses you could enjoy some close encounters with wildlife. -
Rides on the Royal Livingstone Express
– All aboard the steam train for a lavish five-course meal while passing through the park and sundowners as you cross Victoria Falls Bridge – an experience to savor.
*This hotel is fenced, however being on the Zambezi River means that animals do still wander into the grounds. If you opt to stay here please be cautious and look out for potentially dangerous wildlife at all times and especially at night.
