An Honest Review of the Victoria Falls Safari Club Hotel

For my 49th birthday at the end of August 2024, I spent a weekend at the Victoria Falls Safari Club Hotel, located within the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge complex in Zimbabwe. Sharing the property with the Safari Lodge and Safari Suites, this exclusive 20-room boutique hotel promises a premium experience for discerning travellers. Here’s my comprehensive review, blending my personal experience with additional insights into what makes this hotel stand out.

The atmosphere & service at Victoria Falls Safari Club

The Victoria Falls Safari Club is all about exclusivity and personal service. With just 20 rooms, the hotel feels intimate, offering a butler-style concierge service, a rare luxury in most hotels. This attention to detail is evident from the moment you arrive, as the staff exude warmth and professionalism. However, it’s important to adjust expectations to the local rhythm. “African time” can mean that service operates at a more relaxed pace than one might expect from a high-end establishment.

The hotel includes thoughtful complimentary touches, such as afternoon tea from 3:30 to 4:30 and canapés from 5:30 to 6:30. These small luxuries enhance the overall experience and add to the sense of exclusivity.

Amenities & facilities

The hotel is on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding bushveld. The sunsets here are truly spectacular, and you can enjoy them from the comfort of the communal lounge or the private balconies of your room​.

For relaxation, the two-tiered swimming pool, which includes a lap pool exclusive to Club residents, provides a peaceful retreat. Additionally, guests have access to a modern fitness centre, perfect for staying active during your stay​.

The rooms include a complimentary minibar restocked daily with local beer, house wine, soft drinks, and bottled water. This small yet meaningful touch reflects the hotel’s attention to comfort and detail. For added convenience, the rooms also feature a pillow menu, mosquito nets, and Nespresso machines.

The rooms

We booked a suite at the Safari Club, which featured a small lounge area with a couch and chairs. However, the room’s layout didn’t fully meet expectations. The lounge area was rather dark, with limited natural light due to its positioning and a small window. This made the space less inviting, and we spent more time on the bed or at the desk where the lighting was better. The furniture felt somewhat dated, which detracted from the otherwise luxurious experience.

The open-plan bathroom was spacious, with a rainfall shower, a freestanding bathtub, and a single basin. Despite the ample space, the suite lacked a view of the watering hole, one of the property’s main attractions. Additionally, the proximity to the family rooms and the nearby Drum Restaurant meant quite a lot of noise from children during the day and drumming until about 10 p.m., which could be bothersome if you’re seeking complete tranquillity​.

Dining experience

One of the hotel’s standout features is its fine-dining restaurant, which offers a modern culinary experience that caters to all dietary needs. Breakfast is served from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m., lunch from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m., and dinner from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. Afternoon tea, cocktails, and canapés are all complimentary, further adding to the sense of luxury​.

For more casual dining options, guests can access the nearby MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, the Buffalo Bar, and The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show. These options provide a variety of culinary experiences, from relaxed dining to lively, traditional entertainment​.

Wildlife & location

One of the Victoria Falls Safari Club’s most appealing aspects is its proximity to nature. The communal lounge overlooks a large watering hole, where guests can witness a variety of wildlife. During our stay, we were fortunate to see herds of buffalo and elephants, a lone giraffe and other animals. This close connection to nature makes the hotel a special place to stay, offering a unique blend of luxury and wilderness​.

Other amenities

The hotel also provides a complimentary shuttle service to Victoria Falls town, making it easy to explore the area. Alternatively, a local taxi ride costs around $10 USD. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary same-day laundry service, which is particularly useful for longer stays​.

Final thoughts

The Victoria Falls Safari Club offers many highlights, including its tranquil setting, exclusive atmosphere, and personalised service. However, there are a few areas where the experience could be elevated. The rooms, while comfortable, could benefit from a refresh, and the proximity to noise from the family rooms and the Drum Restaurant might detract from the serenity that some guests expect.

For those looking to experience Victoria Falls in style, the Safari Club is worth considering, particularly if you’re seeking luxury and a close connection to nature. However, if uninterrupted peace and the best views are a priority, you might want to explore the rooms at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which overlook the watering hole and are further from the Drum Restaurant.

Lastly, if you plan to visit Victoria Falls in all its glory, consider timing your trip for when the falls are at their fullest. August, while dry, offers fewer crowds but less impressive waterfall views.