Perched on the edge of the bush just outside town, Victoria Falls Safari Club offers a peaceful and slightly elevated take on the Victoria Falls lodge scene.
Arranged through African safari specialists Bench Africa, the property delivers exactly what many travellers come to Zimbabwe hoping for – relaxed comfort, genuine hospitality and wildlife that wanders surprisingly close. Quiet, intimate and surrounded by nature, it feels like a calm retreat while still being moments from the action of Victoria Falls.
Welcome 8/10
Checking into Victoria Falls Safari Club, the first thing that stands out is the people. Exceptionally helpful, endlessly cheerful and always appearing exactly when you need them – whether it’s with directions, a drink or simply a warm smile.
Zimbabwe has a reputation for doing hospitality well and Victoria Falls Safari Club proves it.
Location 9/10
Set in a leafy pocket of Victoria Falls town, Victoria Falls Safari Club feels tucked into the bush, although unlike the tourists, the wildlife didn’t get the memo about keeping their distance.
If you can, book an upstairs room for your clients. From there the view stretches further across the bush and it’s much easier to spot wildlife moving along the horizon. It almost feels like sleeping in a treehouse on stilts, watching the African bush quietly unfold around you. I witnessed the beguiling sight of a 30-strong pack of highly endangered painted dogs scuttling between the shrubs from my balcony.
It’s the kind of safari viewing where you barely need to leave your coffee.
The location of the property also means that it’s a perfect jumping off spot, albeit not literally, for the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Rooms 8/10
Rooms are comfortable and relaxed, surrounded by greenery with large windows and terraces opening straight into the bush.
Natural tones, timber finishes and soft fabrics give the rooms an easy feel – the kind of space where you can kick off your shoes, open the doors and simply watch the bush quietly come to life outside, without breaking the bank.
Facilities 8/10
There’s a lovely garden pool, perfect for cooling off during Victoria Falls’ warm afternoons. After a morning exploring the falls or nearby parks, it’s exactly the kind of place you want to drift back to.
There’s also a spa, which is ideal after a long-haul flight or a few active days exploring. A neck and shoulder massage quickly puts the body back into holiday mode.
Afternoons settle into a rhythm many guests could happily get used to: tea and snacks appear, followed later by cocktail hour before dinner.
Close by there is a sister property called Victoria Falls Safari Lodge providing access to more restaurants, bars, pools and one of the most unusual daily rituals in town — vulture feeding at 1pm. The birds know the routine and gather early in the surrounding trees like slightly impatient diners waiting for lunch.
Experiences 8/10
The team can organise most of the Victoria Falls bucket-list experiences directly from the lodge, from guided tours of Victoria Falls to helicopter flights over the gorge and nearby safari excursions.
Even around the lodge itself there’s plenty of wildlife theatre with baboons, impalas, kudus and elephants occasionally moving through the surrounding bush.
Dining & Drinks 9/10
The restaurant at Victoria Falls Safari Club feels peaceful and exclusive. The food here is very high quality while the staff go out of their way to accommodate every possible guest request.
Another nearby highlight is the The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show, a Victoria Falls institution and a lively Zimbabwean twist on dining. Set in a traditional open-air boma within the property, the experience celebrates local culture and cuisine in a wonderfully theatrical way. Think generous selections of grilled meats, vegetables and salads, traditional flavours and a festive atmosphere.
Guests are invited to try regional specialties – from slow-cooked game meats to local dishes prepared over open flames – while drummers and dancers move through the restaurant bringing the evening to life. Dinner quickly becomes a celebration, with many guests joining in the drumming, laughter and music.
Overall 8/10
Victoria Falls Safari Club is the quieter, more intimate side of the accommodation scene in the nearby town. But it’s close enough to be within striking distance, should your clients’ wish.
It’s the kind of place where service feels genuine, wildlife wanders past your window and afternoons drift gently from tea to cocktails – with a refreshing dip in the pool somewhere in between.
Victoria Falls Safari Club is a very good 4 star-plus property that leaves nothing wanting and provides excellent value for money
Either way, one thing becomes clear very quickly, the real luxury here is the people.
For more information on Victoria Falls Safari Club or to book contact Bench Africa rep or visit benchafrica.com or call 1300 AFRICA (237 422).
