River Club

The River Club is a sunlit bubble of comfort and hospitality that lies dreaming in dappled shade overlooking the Zambezi River, 18km upstream from the world-famous Victoria Falls. Each chalet has one side completely open to the river, so that there is an uninterrupted vista of the shining Zambezi and glorious African sunsets from both bed and bathtub.

The River Club, with its Edwardian-style house and manicured lawns on the banks of the swift-flowing Zambezi River where hippo and crocodile float, seems to straddle the continents of Africa and Europe.

Its main area is a well-appointed residence, with a comfortable lounge, large dining room, impressive library and wide veranda on which breakfasts and teas are taken. Lush gardens (where midday meals are often served) spread out beneath the trees and a croquet court is an ideal venue for a Pimm’s-soaked croquet game. The pool seems part of the river itself, while a secluded deck with hammocks and loungers provides respite. A wellness centre houses a treatment room for manicures, pedicures, facials and massages as well as a sauna, Jacuzzi and mini gym with electronic exercise equipment.

Ten 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, Simonga Village, local markets and Livingstone town. Livingstone is rich in history and certainly worth exploring. It dates back to 1905 when the famous Victoria Falls bridge, spanning the Zambezi River, was completed in April of that year. 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 general game species like 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!