The River Club Photo: Dana Allen
The River Club is situated on the banks of the swift-flowing Zambezi River, famous for its hippo and crocodile populations, and for the Victoria Falls over which the river rushes.
Its main building is an Edwardian style residence, with a comfortable lounge, large dining room, impressive library and wide veranda on which breakfasts and teas are taken. Lush manicured gardens (where midday meals are often served) spread out beneath the trees and a tennis and croquet courts game offer a sporting option. The pool seems part of the river itself, while a secluded deck with hammocks and loungers provides opportunity for relaxation. 10 luxury chalets are spread out amongst the riverine vegetation, comprising luxurious bedrooms and en suite bathrooms, most being split-level. Their originality stems from the fact that one side is completely open to the river, so that there is an uninterrupted vista of the Zambezi and its far bank from both bed and bathtub. Each room looks west into glorious African sunsets best viewed from the privacy of a ball and claw bath, brim-full with bubbles. All have a concertina screen door or window across the front of the bedroom and/or bathroom. The River Club also provides a special setting for a wedding away from it all and is an idyllic ending to any African safari. Activities include sundowner cruises, visits to the Victoria Falls, a local village, local markets and Livingstone town. Livingstone is rich in history, dating back to 1905 when the famous Victoria Falls bridge, spanning the Zambezi River, was completed in April of that year. |
 Photo: Dana Allen  Photo: Dana Allen  Photo: Dana Allen |
Many of the town amenities date back to the early 1900s, including the recently renovated 18-hole golf course (1908), the country's first synagogue (1928) and later on its Museum (1953) where many of David Livingstone's personal possessions are on display today.
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.
Although The River Club is not a traditional safari camp, elephants can often be seen in the Zambezi National Park opposite and hippo are regularly seen and heard in the river itself. Game drives are also offered into the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where there is an abundance of game species such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala.
There is rich bird life in the area, including several rarer species such as Schalow's turaco, African finfoot, half-collared kingfisher, African skimmer (seasonal), rock pratincole (seasonal) and collared palm thrush.
There are leisurely nature trails around the lodge, boat cruises and island walks.
The Zambezi River offers ample fishing opportunities. Tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months. There are several varieties of bream (Tilapia) that are also a good catch. For the more sporting, try catching them on fly!
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.
Although The River Club is not a traditional safari camp, elephants can often be seen in the Zambezi National Park opposite and hippo are regularly seen and heard in the river itself. Game drives are also offered into the nearby Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where there is an abundance of game species such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala.
There is rich bird life in the area, including several rarer species such as Schalow's turaco, African finfoot, half-collared kingfisher, African skimmer (seasonal), rock pratincole (seasonal) and collared palm thrush.
There are leisurely nature trails around the lodge, boat cruises and island walks.
The Zambezi River offers ample fishing opportunities. Tiger fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly during the warmer months. There are several varieties of bream (Tilapia) that are also a good catch. For the more sporting, try catching them on fly!
