Luxury Out-of-town Safari Lodges and Camps in Victoria Falls

Old Drift Lodge – Luxury Zambezi River Safari Lodge

Size: 14 suites
Price range: $ $ $ $
Location: Zambezi National Park, approx. 7km upstream from Victoria Falls

Why this is one of our top choices

• Located within Zambezi National Park, this offers a genuine safari lodge setting along the river while still being within easy reach of Victoria Falls — a great option if you want both safari and waterfall experiences
• One of the standout features is its intimate scale, which gives it a more exclusive feel compared to larger lodges — particularly well suited to couples and honeymooners
• We think the design strikes a great balance between luxury and authenticity, with elegant tented safari suites, indoor and outdoor bathrooms and private plunge pools overlooking the Zambezi River
• The experience feels well curated, with game drives, river cruises and guided activities included — a strong choice if you're looking for a lodge with a safari experience built in
• Service is consistently attentive, and from our experience, the guiding adds real value to the overall stay
• The all-inclusive setup works particularly well here, making everything feel easy and well organised while still allowing access to Victoria Falls
• Overall, we see this as a premium safari lodge that blends comfort with a more immersive setting — ideal for romantic getaways and first-time safari travellers

The Elephant Camp – Luxury Safari Lodge with Views of Victoria Falls Spray

Size: 24 suites (including Elephant Camp West)
Price range: $ $ $ $
Location: Private concession, approx. 10km from Victoria Falls town

Why this is one of our top choices
• Set on a private concession just outside town, this offers a good balance between seclusion and accessibility — ideal if you want a quieter setting without being too far from Victoria Falls
• A key advantage here is the view of the rising spray from Victoria Falls, which adds a unique connection to the destination
• The lodge follows a classic safari lodge style, with spacious suites, large decks and private plunge pools — best suited to couples and relaxed, upmarket stays
• The overall experience is well balanced, with a mix of guided activities, cultural visits and wildlife interactions — a good fit if you want variety alongside a lodge stay
• We like the generous room sizes and layout, which create a strong sense of comfort and space, especially for longer stays
• Service is reliable and well organised, contributing to a smooth and easy experience throughout
• All things considered, this is a strong option for travellers looking for premium accommodation with iconic lodge views and good accessibility — particularly for first-time visitors

Matetsi Victoria Falls – Luxury Private Reserve Safari Lodge

Size: 18 suites and 2 private villas
Price range: $ $ $ $ $
Location: Private concession along the Zambezi River, approx. 40km upstream

Why this is one of our top choices
• Set within a private reserve along the Zambezi River, this offers one of the most exclusive safari environments near Victoria Falls — best suited to travellers prioritising privacy and space
• In our experience with travellers, this is one of the most iconic lodges in the region, known for its high-end safari experience and attention to detail
• We think the contemporary design is a major highlight, combining modern architecture with natural materials to create a refined, design-led lodge
• The safari experience is highly curated, with excellent guiding, river safaris and game drives — ideal if you're looking for a premium safari experience alongside your Victoria Falls visit
• Spacious suites and private villas, many with private swimming pools and uninterrupted river views, add to the overall sense of luxury — well suited to couples, families and small groups
• Service levels are consistently high, with a strong focus on personalised hosting and guest experience
• Overall, we see this as top-tier premium accommodation — a strong choice for travellers seeking an exclusive and fully immersive safari lodge experience

Victoria Falls Island Lodge – Luxury Private Island Safari Camp

Size: 5 tented suites
Price range: $ $ $ $ $
Location: Private island on the Zambezi River, upstream from Victoria Falls

Why this is one of our top choices
• Set on a private island along the Zambezi River, this creates a truly exclusive and intimate safari camp experience — ideal for couples and special occasions
• What really sets this apart is the sense of seclusion and tranquility, making it one of the more unique tented safari camps near Victoria Falls
• We think the design is elegant and understated, with luxury tented suites and private decks positioned right on the river
• The small number of suites ensures a highly personalised experience — perfect for romantic getaways and honeymoon stays
• The combination of river-based activities and access to Victoria Falls offers a good balance between relaxation and exploration
• The all-inclusive structure works well from a practical perspective, keeping everything simple and seamless
• In summary, this is a premium, boutique-style lodge with a safari experience that feels both intimate and distinctive — ideal if you're looking for something a little more unique