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The River Club

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Well-appointed, traditional lodge
- Beautiful riverside setting
- Great location for Victoria Falls

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Overview

The River Club is an upmarket, colonial-style lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in southern Zambia. Accessed by air into nearby Livingstone airport, this sumptuous property sits on the edge of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. The surrounding area supports a diversity of wildlife including elephant, hippo, giraffe, zebra, buffalo, plus the rare white rhino. With well-appointed, albeit somewhat pricey accommodation in a beautiful riverside setting only 18km from the legendary Victoria Falls, the River Club is a wonderful base from which to explore Zambia’s historic Livingstone area.

Set in 50 acres of private grounds, the lodge’s main building is a renovated 1940s farmhouse decorated in a traditional, Edwardian style. Communal areas include a spacious lounge with a fireplace and comfortable seating, plus a dining room, a well-stocked library, and a gift shop. Meals are served both indoors and alfresco on the pretty terrace, either communally or at individual tables. Private dining and special diets can be accommodated.

Outside is a modest-sized but enticing swimming pool with wonderful views of the Zambezi River. Also on site are tennis courts, a croquet lawn, a 2km nature/running trail, plus a games room, spa and gym. Note that it’s worth planning the timing of a visit carefully, since the lodge’s location means that it is somewhat exposed to the elements, particularly during the rainy season, and the very hot October to November months.

Tempting as it may be to stay within the comfortable confines of this charming property, there are plentiful activities to enjoy elsewhere, including game drives into Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, fishing excursions, sunset river safaris, and cultural visits to nearby Simonga and Sinde communities. An excursion to Victoria Falls, at their most impressive between March and October, is a must for any visitor. Canoeing, white water rafting, quad biking, and walking safaris can also be arranged, subject to age restrictions and availability.

The accommodation consists of 11 air-conditioned suites dotted amongst the trees. Each suite combines traditional furnishings with a fresh, contemporary feel, and boasts lovely river views. Accommodating between 2 and 6 guests, all suites house ensuite bathrooms with bath and shower, basin and WC, and a number of them comprise an outside deck with a private plunge pool, and a small but well-tended garden area.

Families with children over six years of age are very welcome at the River Club, with discounts available for youngsters sharing with adults. A two bedroom, two bathroom family unit comfortably accommodates four guests, and an additional bed may be provided upon request. This unit has a pretty garden with decking area, and a plunge pool. Also available is a larger, two bedroom suite, accommodating up to four adults and two children, with the added option of private dining. The lodge provides an ‘adventure kit’ for every young guest, along with an engaging range of child-specific activities including raft building, baking lessons, bird and insect safaris, and catch-and-release fishing. Board games and puzzles are also available. While the River Club staff do go out of their way to entertain younger guests, it remains the responsibility of parents to ensure that their children are closely supervised at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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