The Zambezi is the longest river in southern Africa and one of the most untamed and atmospheric in the world. It runs along Zimbabwe’s northern border with Zambia. The famous Victoria Falls, the only African site listed among the official Seven Wonders of the Natural World, the expansive lake Kariba, and a number of national parks home to lions, elephants, hippos, and other African species are among the highlights.

After returning to Zimbabwe for a few weeks, our expert Philip Briggs shares his thoughts on some of the most enticing resorts and camps along the powerful Zambezi.

There is no set order of quality for the hotels listed below.

1. Mana Pools National Park, Mana River Camp

Located on the high bank of the Zambezi as it runs through Mana Pools National Park, Mana River Camp is a semipermanent camp situated in a section of riverbank forest. A glimpse of a little forested island where waterbirds flutter through the greenery and hippos graze completes this serene African riverbank scene. The roomy and cozy tents include modest private balconies with peaceful river views surrounded by enormous mahogany, fig, and acacia trees, as well as en suite hot showers that are heated by donkey boilers.

Mana River Camp is ideally situated for wildlife viewing on a section of the floodplain that is known to draw significant numbers of elephants and buffalo, as well as frequent sightings of lions and African wild dogs. Activities include boat trips and guided walking safaris.

2. Mana Pools National Park’s Ingwe Pan Camp

Mana River Camp and Ingwe Pan Camp are both managed by the same organization, and they work in perfect harmony to provide visitors with a well-rounded picture of Mana Pools National Park. Constructed around a small natural pit that retains water throughout the year and is sheltered by tall trees, Ingwe is situated in the impenetrable, low-canopied jesse-bush thicket typical of the park’s interior.

From African pygmy geese and African jacana on the lily-covered water to weavers, babblers, and starlings chatting in the trees, the birdlife is amazing. The leopards (ingwe), for whom the camp is named, are frequent nightly visitors during the dry season, when other wildlife frequently stops by to drink.

Eight luxurious, environmentally efficient standing tents are available for lodging surrounding the pan on stilted wooden platforms. Because of the camp’s location in a private concession, sightings in the immediate area—a wonderful spot to search for the local Sharpe’s grysbok and nyala antelope—never get crowded. Additionally, if local conditions are slow, you may always travel 30 minutes north to the consistently lucrative Zambezi floodplain.

3. Victoria Falls’ Victoria Falls Hotel

It’s difficult to believe now, but the magnificent Victoria Falls was once a little worker’s hostel when the Cape-to-Cairo railway was being laid and a bridge over the Zambezi Gorge was being built. In 1904, it was converted into a hotel, and it has since grown to become one of Africa’s most prominent places.

A daughter and granddaughter of Queen Victoria were among its first visitors in September 1904, and King George VI and the future Queen Elizabeth II were held there in 1947. It has a long history of being associated with the British royal family. Today, a large patio and well-kept planted grounds that extend to the edge of the Zambezi Gorge compliment the magnificent interior and exquisite Edwardian architecture.

The Victoria Falls Hotel is by far the most appealing lodging option in the town that bears its name, provided that your budget allows it. Even if money is tight, it’s worth making time for a leisurely high tea on the terrace while taking in the views of the tranquil garden and the atmosphere of the regal period.

4. Matusadona National Park’s Rhino Safari Camp

Not only does the Zambezi have the greatest waterfall in the world, but it is also dotted with the largest lake ever created by humans. This is Kariba, which was established in 1959 after a hydroelectric arch dam was built in the isolated Kariba Gorge. Today, Kariba is home to the charming Rhino Safari Camp and the underappreciated Matusadona National Park, which are located on a private concession with a view of a floodplain that is alive with antelope, buffalo, elephants, hippo, and other animals.

Guests stay in stilts, open-sided wooden tree homes at this rustic, traditional bush camp, where a mosquito net is the only thing keeping you from the enchanted African night. Since there are only two campgrounds in the park, you hardly ever meet other tourists on guided walks, game drives, or boat excursions. The remaining Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, and elephant) are still present, although the camp is named for the black rhinos that were frequently seen nearby before they were poached out in 2016.

5. Mana Pools National Park’s John’s Camp

On the banks of the lower Zambezi, which runs through Mana Pools National Park—which, like Victoria Falls, has been listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site—lies this traditional, old-fashioned mobile camp. There are no permanent buildings here, except for a lofty viewing platform in a fig tree at the far end of camp. Scattered along the covered riverbank are just six spacious en suite standing tents, each with a shaded balcony and bucket shower.

During the day, a lot of wildlife passes in front of the camp, and in the evenings, you may enjoy breathtaking astronomy while sitting by the campfire. Activities are planned according to each visitor’s preferences, although they usually center on the excellent guided walking safaris that Mana Pools is known for.

6. Zambezi National Park’s Tsowa Safari Island

Tsowa Safari Island is the ideal place to find a peaceful riverbank getaway that is conveniently close to Victoria Falls for a day excursion. This upscale small lodge is located on a heavily forested island in the far northwest of Zambezi National Park, surrounded by grunting hippos, chattering monkeys, and songbirds.

While game drives away from the river may offer thrilling encounters with lion, giraffe, eland, and sable antelope, sundowner cruises on the Zambezi often feature buffalo, elephants, and a variety of antelope. Drives can also be extended to include a stop to the magnificent Victoria Falls, which is by far the most picturesque site on the Zambezi—in fact, on any African river.