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Royal Livingstone Hotel
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Landmark
The Royal Livingstone Hotel is a luxury resort situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Livingstone, Zambia. It is distinguished by its immediate proximity to the Victoria Falls, with guests enjoying exclusive access to this UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel is designed in a Victorian colonial style, exuding an elegant old-world atmosphere. Zebras and other wildlife often graze freely on the extensive hotel grounds, enhancing the natural experience. The property is operated by the Minor Hotels group under the Anantara brand and provides world-class amenities such as a riverside spa and fine dining options. The architecture features open verandas and classically furnished rooms that provide panoramic views of the river and the rising spray from the falls. It is a major player in Zambian luxury tourism, attracting guests from across the globe. The combination of historical flair, direct river access, and five-star comfort makes it one of the most exclusive accommodations in the Southern African region.
- Location: Zambia
- Top sights: Field Museum · World War I Memorial · Victoria Falls Bridge
- Nearby: Livingstone (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 21 | 19 | 18 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 28 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 131 | 125 | 92 | 33 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 64 | 137 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Royal Livingstone Hotel sits on the banks of the Zambezi, right next to Victoria Falls National Park. The hotel grounds and public areas are accessible only to hotel guests and restaurant patrons.
Typical hours
The hotel is open around the clock, but access for non-guests is limited to restaurant reservations. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner at typical meal times, usually from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Photography
Photography on the hotel grounds is allowed for guests, but be discreet to respect other guests' privacy. The best shots of Victoria Falls can be taken from the hotel along the river.
Time needed
If visiting for a meal, allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed dinner. A walk through the garden to the view of the falls takes an additional 20 minutes.
Combine with
Combine a stay or meal at the hotel with visiting Victoria Falls itself - the national park entrance is just a few minutes' walk away. A sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi is also highly recommended.
Getting there
The hotel is about 5 kilometers from Livingstone's town center, on the edge of Victoria Falls National Park. It is best reached by taxi or the hotel shuttle; parking is available.
Insider tip
Reserve a table at the riverside restaurant to enjoy the sunset over the Zambezi - an unforgettable experience. Book well in advance as the hotel is very popular and tables are limited.
Geography
Facts
- Part of the Anantara brand under Minor Hotels group
- Features 173 luxury rooms in Victorian-era design
- Provides direct and free access to Victoria Falls for residents
- Wild zebras are known to roam freely on the hotel grounds
- Located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park by the Zambezi
- Boasts an award-winning spa situated on the river banks
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Royal Livingstone Hotel (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Royal Livingstone so special?
It is located directly on the Zambezi River and provides exclusive access to Victoria Falls.
Can you eat there if you are not a guest?
Yes, but prior reservation for the restaurant is highly recommended.
What are the prices?
The hotel belongs to the luxury segment; prices reflect the high standard.
Is there wildlife on the hotel grounds?
Yes, zebras and giraffes often roam freely on the hotel grounds.
How is the view?
You have a spectacular view of the river and the rising mist of the waterfalls.
Royal Livingstone Hotel: where is it located?
Royal Livingstone Hotel is located in Zambia.
Royal Livingstone Hotel: what is there to see?
Highlights include Field Museum, World War I Memorial, Victoria Falls Bridge.
Royal Livingstone Hotel: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Royal Livingstone Hotel: why is it worth visiting?
The Royal Livingstone Hotel is a luxury resort situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in Livingstone, Zambia.
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Nearby cities
Livingstone
Livingstone is a historic colonial city and tourism center for the Victoria Falls.
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Choma
Choma serves as the provincial capital of the Southern Province and an agricultural center.
Monze
Monze is a significant agricultural town in the Southern Province, named after a local chief.
Kalomo
Kalomo was the first administrative center of Northern Rhodesia before the capital was moved to Livingstone.
Siavonga
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Maamba
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Sinazongwe is a town on the northern shore of Lake Kariba in the Southern Province, mainly focused on fishing.
Lake Kariba
The world's largest man-made lake, a paradise for anglers, houseboat vacationers, and sunset lovers.
Blue Lagoon National Park
A small, water-rich paradise in the Kafue Flats, famous for its incredible birdlife and swamp-dwelling antelopes.
History & landmarks
Victoria Falls Power Station
A historic hydroelectric power station at the falls that generates electricity for the region.
Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula Airport
The international airport in Livingstone that serves as a gateway to the famous Victoria Falls.
Lochinvar National Park
A birdwatcher's paradise on the Kafue Flats, famous for thousands of waterbirds and the unique Kafue lechwe antelope.
Kariba Dam Wall
A massive engineering structure between Zambia and Zimbabwe that controls the flow of the Zambezi River.
Nature
More places
Victoria Falls Power Station
A historic run-of-the-river hydroelectric power station near the famous Victoria Falls.
🗺️
Mukuni Village
A historic village of the Leya people, established before the arrival of European explorers.
Old Drift Settlement
The first European settlement near the Victoria Falls, mostly abandoned due to malaria.
Maramba Fort
An early colonial police outpost in Livingstone, playing a role in the establishment of Northern Rhodesia.
Livingstone Railway Station
A historic railway station that played a vital role in Northern Rhodesia's early transport network.
Zambezi Boat Club (1905)
One of the oldest recreational clubs in Zambia, established on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Kalomo Administrator's House
The residence of the colonial administrator when Kalomo was the capital of North-Western Rhodesia.
Mamba Coal Mine
The most important and largest coal mine in Zambia, located in the south of the country.