5 Reasons To Stay At The Palm River Hotel

Nestled on the serene banks of the mighty Zambezi River, close enough to hear the hippos at night, The Palm River Hotel strikes the perfect balance between refined luxury and Zimbabwe’s wild, untamed charm. Whether you’re here to tick Victoria Falls off your bucket list or to dive headfirst into Africa’s Adventure Capital, we’ve made a list of five reasons The Palm River Hotel should be your base.

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There are few things more magical than watching the African sun sink below the horizon from the deck of a classic river cruiser. At The Palm River Hotel, guests can step straight from the lush hotel gardens onto a Ra-Ikane River Cruiser for a breathtaking sunset cruise along the Zambezi. These intimate boats, inspired by explorer David Livingstone’s personal vessel, offer an elegant way to take in this iconic waterway, teeming with birdlife and animals that come to drink at the river’s edge.

Drinks and canapés are served as you drift past hippos, crocodiles, and the occasional elephant cooling off in the shallows. No need to arrange transport or transfers—the adventure starts right at your doorstep!

Note: River cruises also run at different times of the day, should you prefer a morning or lunch time excursion.

Seeing Victoria Falls from above is unforgettable. Dubbed by some charter groups as the “Flight of Angels,” this particular brand of joyride delivers panoramic views of the world’s largest waterfall and the winding Zambezi River, often framed by rainbows – especially when seen from the sky. The launch site is just a 10-minute drive away from the hotel, and – best of all – our experienced activities desk can arrange it all for you.

Whether you’re interested in a scenic flight, a white-water rafting excursion, a guided safari, or a cultural village visit, our hotel’s dedicated team would be happy to take care of bookings, transfers, and scheduling on your behalf, should you wish. With us, exploring Africa’s Adventure Capital is effortless.

For those who seek simple pleasures, our hotel’s riverside dining options provide the perfect setting meals with a view. High Tea at The Palm River Hotel is a refined afternoon ritual featuring fresh pastries, finger sandwiches, and locally-inspired treats, all served beneath the shade of indigenous trees with uninterrupted views of the Zambezi.

As day turns to evening, weather-permitting, we set the scene for yet another Riverside Dining Experience – this time with live entertainment, candlelight and wonderful courses of traditional food cooked over the coals right in front of you.

We highly recommend both of these dining experiences for a calm, elegant contrast to the daytime adrenaline Victoria Falls is famous for.

What sets our luxury hotel apart, with all its modern amenities and plush accommodations is its remarkable proximity to wildlife. In the early morning and evening hours, it’s not uncommon to spot elephants moving through the grounds, warthogs grazing near the river, or hippos wallowing just offshore. For many guests, this quiet coexistence with nature is the most memorable part of their stay. There’s no need for a game drive; sometimes, the safari comes to you!

Image Credits: Sarah McLaughlin | @sjmac22 | Through the Lens Collection

Staying at The Palm River Hotel puts you in the ideal spot to explore not just the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls, but also the Zambian side – home to the famous Knife-Edge Bridge, Devil’s Pool, and seasonal Livingstone Island tours. With visa options like the KAZA Univisa (available to many nationalities), crossing the border is simple and hassle-free. The hotel’s reception desk can assist with logistics, making it easy to enjoy two perspectives of the Falls, two cultures, and twice the adventure – all in one trip.

Whether it’s your first time in Zimbabwe or your fifth, The Palm River Hotel provides an unbeatable combination of location, comfort, and connection to nature. From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself drawn into the slow rhythm of the river, the warmth of Zimbabwean hospitality, and the wonder of the world’s most iconic waterfall.

Book your stay in the heart of things at The Palm River Hotel by contacting our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@palmriverhotel.com.

Alternatively, make use of our online booking platform to secure your dates.

We can’t wait to welcome you to the banks of the Zambezi River!