AVANI Victoria Falls Resort | Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Avani Victoria Falls Resort connects the wild side of travellers to Zambia's wondrous landscapes and big game thrills. With iconic Victoria Falls on its doorstep, the resort gives roaring adventures a comfy den with a contemporary vibe and essential comforts, amid dramatic nature.
The resort’s biggest draw is its impressive location, just a five-minute stroll from one of the Seven Wonders of the World; all guests enjoy free unlimited access to Victoria Falls, the world’s largest waterfall. Easily accessible from Johannesburg, guests fly from OR Tambo to Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport,(Livingstone) followed by a 25 minutes’ drive to the resort or alternatively guests can fly from OR Tambo International Airport to Vic Falls Airport (Zimbabwe), followed by a 40 minute road transfer to the resort.
Avani Victoria Falls Resort stands apart for its natural beauty and vibrant local style. The 46-hectare grounds attract zebras, giraffes, impalas and monkeys.
The resort’s rooms and suites overlook either the pool and landscaped gardens or a lagoon bush. Designed for relaxing nights of sleep and down-time between adventures.
An absolute must on every Zambia itinerary, Victoria Falls is just a five-minute stroll from the resort, and all guests enjoy free unlimited visits.
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Rooms
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Activities and Services
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Aerial View
Zebra at Shungu Pool
Vic Falls View
Theatre of Food Restaurant
Lakeside Dining
Boma Dinner Experience_Traditional Dancers
Boma Dinner Experience_Storyteller
Boma Dinner Experience
Microlight Flight over the Falls
River Rafting
Vic Falls Dining Experience
AvaniKids Club
Avani Superior Room
Avani Family Room
Meeting Room Breakout
Theatre of Food Exterior
Lagoon Suite Room
Our Avani rooms are spacious, inviting and designed with your complete comfort in mind. Each space comes with a full range of amenities, contemporary style and welcoming touches.
Get a relaxing night’s sleep on your choice of beds. Take it easy first thing in the morning with a tea or coffee on the balcony, snuggle up with a movie or stay connected with WiFi.
•Double or twin beds •Bath and shower •WiFi internet access •Tea and coffee making facilities •In-room telephone •Hairdryer •Fridge •Closed closet •220V/110V electrical points •Personal safe •Satellite TV •Individually controlled air conditioning •Insect repellent devices •Writing desk •Private balcony (For upstairs rooms only)
Avani Family Rooms provide extra space so your whole tribe can roam in comfort. Stylish space with flourishes of African charm, these modern rooms are perfectly suited for work, play or rest.
•Double beds •Bath and shower •WiFi internet access •Tea and coffee making facilities •In-room telephone •Hairdryer •Fridge •Writing desk •Closed closet •220V/110V electrical points •Personal safe •Satellite TV •Individually controlled air conditioning •Insect repellent devices
Take your Avani stay up a notch with upgraded amenities and services like express check-in, and sparkling wine on arrival. Toast to your view - either lush African bush or the meandering lagoon pool and gardens.
•Double bed or twin beds •Bath and shower •WiFi internet access •Tea and coffee making facilities •In-room telephone •Hairdryer •Stocked mini bar – charged on consumption •Writing desk •Closed closet •220V/110V electrical points •Personal safe •Satellite TV •Gowns & Slippers •Individually controlled air conditioning •Insect repellent devices •Evening turndown •Exclusive access to the resort gym
It’s the suite life in any of our 4 Avani Suites. Spread out in modern comfort with purpose-designed lounging and dining spaces. It’s easy to get a good night’s sleep, enjoy a private in-room meal, or relax after a day out. Stay in touch with WiFi connectivity in each of the comfortably modern suite spaces. Suite guests enjoy express check-in and sip up their first moments in the destination with sparkling wine on arrival.
•Double bed or twin beds •Bath and shower •WiFi internet access •Tea and coffee making facilities •In-room telephone •Hairdryer •Stocked mini bar – charged on consumption •Writing desk •Closed closet •220V/110V electrical points •Personal safe •Satellite TV •Gowns & Slippers •Individually controlled air conditioning •Insect repellent devices •Evening turndown •Exclusive access to the resort gym
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Business Centre, Communal Dining, Conference Centre, Disability Services, Gym (nearby), Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Laundry Service (Available), Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Canoeing, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Helicopter Rides, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Horse Riding, Horse-back Safaris, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Walks (Self Guided)
A microlight flight over the Victoria Falls is a must for everyone. Flight options include a 15 minute
introductory flight over the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River - with genuine bird’s eye view of this
awesome spectacle. The 30 minute trip includes a flight over the Victoria Falls, then upstream over
Long Island, Palm Island, Kakunka and Kandahar Islands and finally onto the Mosi-oa-Tunya National
Park, where you’ll achieve a unique perspective of our famous park.
The most awesome perspective to see the Victoria Falls from the bottom of the gorge. Swimming in the rock pools below the Falls, surrounded by the massive black basaltic rock towering up above you and the water cascading down, seemingly out of the sky, is certainly one of the most breathtaking experiences you will ever have. This activity is a perfect combination with white water rafting: swim under the Victoria Falls before you hop in the raft and experience the thrill of ‘rafting at its best’.
The Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is widely considered to be the very best rafting river in the world. A deep channelled, high volume river, the Zambezi has class 3-5 rapids interspersed with tranquil pools. This enables you to marvel at the magnificent beauty of the Batoka Gorge between some of the most exciting and challenging rapids rafted anywhere on the planet. Highly
professional guides ensure your safety and enjoyment of this amazing adventure.
The ultimate safari experience is a day-trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana, which boasts the world’s largest elephant population. The game cruise on the Chobe River brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of watering hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants, breathtaking in their sheer number. The afternoon’s land-based safari heads deeper into the Park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home.
A daring highlight of visiting Zambia is swimming in Devil’s Pool. This uniquely located plunge pool resides right on the edge of Victoria Falls, where the waterfall’s thundering cascade plummets 350-feet down, providing a pulse-racing dip. The pool is also special in that it can only be visited between mid-August and mid-January, before the summer rains swell the Zambezi River. Afterwards, the pool remains hidden under the river’s pounding flow.
The Zambezi - river of dreams and romance, evoking images of the
great era of adventure and exploration. Wild and captivating, the Zambezi beats to a rhythm and a time that is fast disappearing. The clear waters of the river and the game reserves that surround
it, attract herds of elephant, buffalo, several species of antelope,
giraffe, zebra, lion and leopard. You will negotiate small but exciting rapids, canoe through narrow channels and drift down open stretches. No previous canoeing experience necessary.
The African Queen and the African Princess are berthed just upstream of The Victoria Falls. Fully inclusive morning, lunch and sunset cruises are offered daily, treating passengers to sophisticated
views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding game reserves.
The Royal Livingstone Express ‘time travels’ back in history using beautiful steam locomotives and carriages lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos Rail. In this magnificent, romantic, steam-powered train we offer ‘The Dinner Excursion’ which includes a run along the “Cape to Cairo” mainline, which will then go on to the Victoria Falls Bridge in time for sunset. Don’t miss this unique chance of experiencing the sights and sounds of Zambia
Enjoy a once in a lifetime helicopter ride and watch from above as the mighty Zambezi River carves its way through the steep cliffs of the Batoka Gorge and transforms from a gentle and serene river into the rampant Victoria Falls that descend 120metres to the floor of the valley.
Located alongside the swimming pool, The Theatre of Food is a great spot to tuck into delicious breakfasts and international dinners. Tantalise your taste-buds with different cuisines on offer each night of the week whilst live music every evening adds some festive food fun for the entire family.
Cuisine: African and International
Opening Hours: Breakfast - 6:00 am – 10:30 am Dinner - 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Kick back in the African sun and let your stresses wash away while you’re in Zambia. At our pool bar, we bring refreshing sips and savoury bites right to you, so you just worry about topping up your tan. Fill up on wood-fired pizzas baked fresh in front of you, and stretch out with a cold cocktail. Cuisine: Drinks and Light Bites
Opening Hours: 10:30 am – 10:00 pm
Try Zambian cuisine at its best at Mukuni Boma. Sit under the stars for an authentic boma meal. Lounge fireside with a Zambian feast. Fill up on barbecue meat and spiced delicacies. Enjoy live bands and traditional dancing. Make yourself cosy in our Mukuni Boma Village, on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River.
Subject to weather conditions.
Opening hours: Tue, Thu, Sat: 6:30 pm – 10.30 pm
The ultimate private dinner – Sip Champagne and treat yourself to irresistible flavours against the backdrop of the Victoria Falls. Create a bespoke menu of local and international fare with your personal chef and let your waiter tend to your every need.
Sit back and savour every moment – from sunset cocktails to starry African skies. Romantic dining in Zambia doesn’t get better than this, and this experience is exclusive to Avani Victoria Falls Resort.
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Cycling, Fishing, Flora, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife
Kafunta River Lodge | South Luangwa National Park
Kafunta River Lodge is owned and operated by Anke & Ron Cowan who have made the Luangwa Valley their home for the past 25 years.
The 10-room lodge is located on the floodplains of the Luangwa River, away from the busier area near the park's Mfuwe gate. During the peak season the lodge accesses the national park via its own pontoon.
Central to the lodge is a spacious bar and dining area. Built around a semi-evergreen wild mango tree and thatched in the traditional style, it offers superb panoramic views over the Luangwa River and the South Luangwa National Park. Great game viewing and bird watching from the lodge is guaranteed.
Adjacent to the bar is a refreshing infinity pool and the only natural hot spring tub in the Luangwa Valley. This unique hot tub is fed from a source on Kafunta’s grounds, offering a constant temperature of 38 degrees.
Activities on offer include game drives, bush walks, village & cultural tours as well as a wellness spa.
Since the end of 2023, the lodge also features a private tented villa, The Sunset House, with 3 en-suite bedrooms. Perfect for multi-generation families or small groups of friends seeking privacy and flexibility.
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Kafunta Safaris Game Drive ChildCredit: Izla PhotographyLearning about wildlife
South Luangwa ElephantsCredit: Izla PhotographyFamily of elephants strolling by
South Luangwa LeopardCredit: Izla PhotographyLeopard resting
Kafunta Safaris Game DriveCredit: Izla PhotographyWatching Lions
Kafunta Safaris Game DriveCredit: Izla PhotographySouth Luangwa Scenery
Kafunta Safari Game DriveCredit: Izla PhotographyTea break on morning safari
Kafunta River Lodge Main DeckCredit: Izla PhotographyView from the main deck
Kafunta River Lodge FireplaceCredit: Izla PhotographyFireplace overlooking the floodplains
Kafunta River LodgeCredit: Izla PhotographySpa
Kafunta River Lodge FloodplainsCredit: Izla PhotographyView from the lodge
Kafunta River Lodge Pool Credit: Izla PhotographyPool with a view
Kafunta Safaris Dining ExperienceCredit: Izla PhotographyBrunch at Kafunta
Kafunta River Lodge - Fireplace & LoungeCredit: Kafunta SafarisSuperb fireplace and deck overlooking the floodplains
Kafunta River LodgeCredit: Kafunta SafarisView of the lodge from the floodplains
Kafunta River Lodge - the main areaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of the dining decks
Kafunta River Lodge - The lodgeCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - the lodge and water plains seen from above
Kafunta River Lodge - arrivalCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - front circle
Kafunta River Lodge - From the plainsCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge seen from the plains in front
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of one of the standard chalets, from the outside
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view ofstandard chalets, from the outside
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of one of the standard chalets and the fig tree
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury suiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Outside view of a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - the main areaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - view of the pool and lounge decks overlooking the plains
Kafunta River Lodge - Pool & Natural Hot TubCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Infinity pool near the lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Pool & Natural Hot TubCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - natural hot spring made as a hot tub
Kafunta River Lodge - SpaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Spa
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping area and deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping area and passage to bathroom
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Luxury suite main sleeping and sitting area
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - upstair mezzanine which can be converted in a sleeping area
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Upper deck of the luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - bathroom in a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Luxury SuiteCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - bathroom in a luxury suite
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - spacious standard chalet
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - standard chalet with private viewing deck
Kafunta River Lodge - Standard chaletCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - en-suite bathroom in a standard chalet
Kafunta River Lodge - LoungeCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Relaxing lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Inside diningCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Inside dining area, lunch area
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deckCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Lounge deck overlooking the plains
Kafunta River Lodge - LoungeCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - relaxing lounge
Kafunta River Lodge - Bar areaCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - bar between the lounge and the pool area
Kafunta River Lodge - Lounge deckCredit: Kafunta SafarisKafunta River Lodge - Extensive and multilevel lounge deck overlooking the plains
Kafunta Dining on the DeckCredit: Kafunta SafarisFine dining is served on the main deck with a four-course dinner
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisThe aerial view
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisSunset House decks
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisSunset House bedroom
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisPool, deck and view of the flood plains
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisEagle Room
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisEagle Room with the day bed
The Sunset HouseCredit: Kafunta SafarisEagle Room dual showers
The Sunset House LayoutCredit: Kafunta Safaris
The lodge features 8 standard chalets. The chalets consist of a twin-bedded bedroom with ensuite bathroom, minibar fridge, ceiling fan and private verandah overlooking the floodplains.
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Credit: Kafunta Safaris
The lodge features two luxury suites, set further away from the main dining area. The suites offer a double bed on the ground floor and the possibility to make 2 extra single beds on the upstairs mezzanine. The suites have a large bathroom with shower and separate stand alone bath. There is a viewing deck as well as an upstair deck both overlooking the floodplains.
The suites come with a small supplement, and can accommodate a family of up to 4 people.
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Kafunta River Lodge has a satellite bush camp called Island Bush Camp, located further south, on the banks of the Luangwa River. Check Island Bush Camp for complete information.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
Kafunta Safaris' newest camp, Three Rivers Camp, opened in 2017, features 5 sophisticated tents with individual sleep out decks. Check Three Rivers Camp for complete information.
Credit: Kafunta Safaris
The Sunset House
Opened in late 2023, The Sunset House at Kafunta River Lodge is a 3-bedroom canvas-roofed safari house with a private pool and private services (butter, chef, safari guide). The unit is split into a two-bedroom tent with a large dining area and outdoor lounge. Each bedroom is en-suite and completed with a sitting area. The second tent is adjacent to the central unit and features the third en-suite bedroom with a sitting area. The villa has spacious multi-level decks, an infinity pool, lounging chairs, and a fireplace.
Each bedroom has a king-size bed and an additional 3/4 double day bed which can be turned into an additional bed. The unit can therefore accommodate up to 9 people.
It is perfect for a multi-generation family or a group of friends travelling together and seeking more privacy. The view towards the floodplains of the Luangwa is magnificent.
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Property Facilities
Accept Credit Cards, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Children Friendly, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service, Mobile Connectivity, Outdoor Pool / Pool Deck, Parking, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, Spa, Vegetarian, Wheelchair Access
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath Towels, Driver's cabin, Electrical Outlets, En Suite Bathroom, Family Safari Tent, Fan, Fridge, Hairdryer, Hand Towels, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Mosquito Netting, Private Lounge / Sitting Area, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah, Wheelchair Friendly
Bird Watching, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Safaris
Twice daily guests have the option to join the game drives into South Luangwa National Park. Safari vehicles are equipped with a shade roof and have 3 rows with a maximum of 6 guests per vehicle. During the peak season (April to October) game drives access the park directly at Kafunta's pontoon.
The afternoon game drive stops for sundowners and continue into a night drive using spotlights, to find smaller nocturnal animals or predators on the hunt.
South Luangwa is the birthplace of walking safaris. Bush walks bring another dimension to a safari, focusing on smaller things, birds and flora while observing animals in the distance. Bush walks are not strenuous, but can take place over rugged terrain, lasting usually 3 to 4 hours.
Qualified walking guides and escort scout are a must. Unfortunately children under the age of 12 are not authorised to participate.
The hide is set up right under the dining deck and is facing the floodplains and lagoon where many waterbirds including fish eagles and saddle-billed storks are often seen, along with elephants and giraffes.
Kafunta Safaris highly recommend a visit to the village of Mfuwe where Project Luangwa has a visitor center where one can learn about the many projects benefiting local education and communities, there is also a café and a craftshop . It is also possible to organise a side trip to the Mulberry Mongoose jewellery workshop and to the iconic Tribal Textiles factory and shop and its Artisan market. In Central Mfuwe there is also the Conservation South Luangwa visitor center to learn more about conservation efforts.
Great for younger visitors is the Chipembele Wildlife Educational Center only 20 minutes away from Kafunta River Lodge.
Kafunta River Lodge features a small intimate spa with an array of relaxing treatments performed by an on-site therapist. Enjoying the infinity pool, the natural hot tub and booking a massage at the spa are a perfect way to spend the midday hours between game viewing activities. There is also a small gym with a selection of equipment and treadmills/bikes.
Kafunta River Lodge
Kafunta serves a light breakfast before the morning activity, or cooked breakfast for those staying in camp, followed by a buffet lunch later in the day. Dinner is a four-course affair served on the main deck with direct view of the flood plains!
Dining is generally hosted but private tables can be arranged as well. Kafunta caters for special diets.