STAY HERE VICTORIA FALLS
Decent, affordable camping is hard to find in Vic Falls, but there are some good guesthouses in the leafy suburbs. Big, pricey lodges abound on the outskirts of town. If you don’t stay at one of the lodges, you can still pop in for a meal or a drink.
Batonka Guest Lodge
This is a stylish-looking new place with 22 double rooms: US$120 (R1 663) per person sharing, breakfast included. They have a pool, a bar and a restaurant. The lodge is 2,2 km from the falls, so you can walk, but bear in mind that it’s uphill on the way back. GPS: S17.92939 E25.82799 Contact: 00 263 13 46923;
batonkaguestlodge.com
Victoria Falls Backpackers
This backpacker place is also in the quiet, residential suburb part of town, about 2,5 km from the falls. Camping is well priced: US$10 (R139) per person for a stand with a power point. There’s a communal kitchen and washing-up facility. You can also order food.
Other accommodation options: dome tent with beds US$40 (R554) per night for two people; backpackers’ dorm US$18 (R249) per person; double room with shared bathroom US$50 (R693) per night; en suite double room US$60 (R831). There’s a pool and a nice garden. GPS: S17.92231 E25.82595 Contact: 00 263 13 42209;
victoriafallsbackpackers.com
Drifters (Greenfire) Lodge Victoria Falls
This place is in the residential area, in a quiet back street – but still close to the shops. They have 18 rooms and a pool. B&B R540 per person sharing. You can book any Vic Falls activity from here. GPS: S17.92236 E25.82790 Contact: 011 888 1160;
drifters.co.za
Victoria Falls Hotel
Accommodation here is expensive – it’s listed more as an attraction. Sit on the wide verandah and order tea or a Zambezi Lager. The view is awesome: Batoka Gorge, with billowing condensation from the falls in the background, and the railway bridge connecting Zimbabwe to Zambia – the epitome of the British colonial dream of connecting Cape Town to Cairo. The hotel was built in 1904. Check out the old photos and antiques inside. If you’re lucky, pianist Harry Maseko will be playing some music.
Twin room from US$401 (R5 555) per night in case you’ve won the Lotto. GPS: S17.92989 E25.84190 Contact: 00 263 13 44751;
victoriafallshotel.com