The River Club is in Livingstone Zambia for visiting Victoria Falls.
About The River Club
The River Club is situated 18 km upstream from the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, just across from the Zambezi National Park, and has a distinct Edwardian flavour toit.
The lush gardens are spread out beneath the trees, creating a peaceful and tranquil setting away from the crowds, where guests and bird lovers can enjoy the natural beauty of the Zambezi River and the rich birdlife found in the area.
The Zambezi National Park is located just across the river, and elephants can often be seen on the riverbank. Hippos are also regularly sighted along the river's edge.
The River Club is Livingstone's premier destination on the Zambezi River.
Voted by Travel and Leisure Magazine in 2010, it is ranked among the top three lodges in Zambia, the top 50 in Southern Africa, and within the top 500 hotels in the world.
The lodge won the Heritage and Culture Award in 2009 from the Zambia Tourism Board for its contributions to these areas within the Livingstone region.
It is a proud member of Wilderness Safaris and part of the ECO LUXURY group of lodges worldwide.
This owner-run lodge, located at a magnificent vantage point, provides stunning views over a sweeping bend of the river.
Steeped in history-from the establishment of Livingstone as a settler trading post to a destination for royal travellers and Hollywood stars, as well as a venue for extraordinary sporting events and a gateway for displaced people after World War II-Peter Jones and the members of The River Club and Wilderness Safaris can provide an intriguing insight into the rich and colourful history surrounding the Victoria Falls.
Perhaps the most important point to remember is that The River Club is the place where there are no early 5:30 wake-up calls; here, guests are encouraged to lie in and enjoy the surroundings.
The 'Do Nothing Activity' (DNA) around one of the most magnificent pools in the world is very popular, especially at the end of a safari.
There is no doubt that a few nights' stay at The River Club will add a new dimension to anyone's journey to Africa and leave them planning their next trip before they have even left for home.
The Edwardian-style house is the main area, featuring a comfortable lounge and a large dining room.
It also boasts a very impressive library with a fireplace, making it the perfect place to enjoy a good read.
The wide outside veranda overlooks the Zambezi River, where guests can enjoy their breakfast or tea.
The pool seems to be part of the river itself and has a secluded deck with hammocks and loungers, where guests can soak up the sun or find a peaceful retreat.
For those who enjoy playing snooker, there is a games room with a lounge where guests can play to their heart's content.
The Rooms
- 7 x Riverside chalets with downstairsbathroom and a second toilet on the bedroom level.
- 2 x River suites, Rhodes and Livingstone, with plunge pools on an outside teak deck in private gardens.
- 1 x Family suite, Litunga, with a teak deckand plunge pool, featuring a second bedroom with twin beds and an outdoor shower.
The chalets are named after individuals who, in their day, played a special part in the history of the country.
All are individually set within magnificent trees on the edge of the river and have impressive views over the Zambezi.
All are west-facing and take advantage of the spectacular African sunsets.
Each room is open-plan and beautifully decorated with furniture and fittings made from Rhodesian teak wood.
Amenities include Wi-Fi access, a mini fridge with bottled water, a digital safe, a hairdryer, reading lamps, a small library, a writing desk, and a sitting area.
Large mosquito nets drape over the beds, combined with an electric fan and air-conditioning/heating units to provide a comfortable flow of air.
Each room has a bath, shower, shaver socket, and a "loo with a view" overlooking the river. Screen doors can be opened to provide unimpeded views for those wishing to capture the scenery on camera.
Every room has:
- River and Sunset Views
- Air conditioning
- Second half bathroom
- Safe
- Hairdryer
- Multi-national electrical sockets
- Bottled water
- Twin beds / converted Empire King on request
- Good lighting
- Screening
- Fan
- Mosquito net
- Portable fan
- Reading lamps
- Bedside table and lamp
- Wardrobe
- Drop-down blinds
Some Key Features
- A lodge within the Wilderness Safaris group
- Luxury bespoke accommodation with views of the Zambezi River from all rooms, the gardens, and swimming pool
- Breathtaking views of Africa
- Tours of The Victoria Falls
- African village tours, emphasising social development
- Game drives in Mosi O Tunya Park-chance of seeing a white rhino!
- Elephant back safaris
- Tour of Livingstone Town and the Jewish Tour
- Golf at the Historic Livingstone Royal Golf and Country Club
- Ten in-house activities including river cruises, tennis, fishing, running track, gym, croquet, nature walks, and a games room
Features of The River Club
- Swimming pool overlooking the river
- Curio shop
- Nature walks surrounding the lodge
- Games room
Some Ideas of What to Do at The River Club
- Tour of the Zambian side of The Falls
- Visit to Simonga Village
- Evening cruises on the river
- Game drives in Mosi Oa Tunya Game Park (white rhino)
- Fishing (Tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen)
- Boat game cruises
- Bird walks
- Croquet
- Running trail within the camp
Also on offer is a variety of adrenaline-loaded activities at extra cost: white water rafting, bungee jumping, abseiling, and helicopter flights over the Falls.
Where is The River Club?
Located on the north bank of the Zambezi River, about 18 km upstream from the Victoria Falls, it is easily reached by a well-maintained dirt road. Livingstone Airport is located 20 minutes from the camp.
Zambezi House - 1948
The main building, known as The Zambezi House, is an impressive Edwardian-style entertainment area with high plantation ceilings.
Converted from the original farmhouse built in 1948, it provides a wonderful setting for hosting guests at the lodge.
The house offers imposing views over a sweeping bend on the Zambezi River.
The large dining room can seat all guests at one sitting at the impressively long teak dining table, although most meals tend to be served outside on the elegant terrace or poolside.
There is a comfortable sitting room with a fireplace and a small library featuring an interesting collection of books, journals, and board games.
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the main building and most areas of the property.
The gift shop sells clothing, jewellery, postcards, books, curios, and crafts.
Facilities
The lodge is set on a 50-acre secure property with manicured gardens, allowing guests to relax without having to go anywhere if they choose not to.
A magnificent swimming pool offers one of the best views of Africa from its infinity vista. Pool loungers, a private deck, and hammocks complete the setting.
An all-weather hard tennis court, a central croquet lawn, and a 2 km nature trail, which can also be used as a running track, cater to those who wish to keep their fitness levels topped up.
A gazebo within the garden can easily convert into a small chapel for wedding ceremonies or private dinners, while a summer house provides extra privacy.
The games room, featuring a snooker table and dart board, can also be utilised as a small conference venue equipped with a plasma flat-screen TV, projector, pull-down screen, and blinds.
The River Club has two 11-seater boats for cruises on the river, three 13-seater minibuses for airport transfers and excursions to Livingstone town and The Victoria Falls and one game viewer for safaris into the small nearby Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, the highlight of which are the white rhinos.