For the past few years, Multigenerational Travel has been at the top of most travel trend lists. These days families often live in different countries or are too busy to find time to connect properly. And so annual multigenerational holidays (typically made out of at least three generations) have become the best way to spend quality time with loved ones. When it comes to picking a destination that ticks at least one box for every family member, the iconic, breathtakingly, beautiful Victoria Falls should immediately spring to mind. We have rounded up our favourite family-friendly Vic Falls accommodation options.
Matetsi River House
Recently renovated, and now privately owned, the exclusive Matsetsi River House is not only a feast for the eyes but one of our favourite family destinations. This safari oasis lies within easy access to Victoria Falls with exceptional wildlife viewing and private Zambezi River frontage on the Zimbabwean side.
The Matetsi River House is a four bed-roomed villa that is the perfect family escape as it is entirely exclusive, and even comes with your family’s personal staff including a chef and butler, dedicated guide and private safari vehicle! The villa boasts two en-suite rooms with two inter-leading kids rooms. With its own kitchen, swimming pool and verandah overlooking the Zambezi it’s a family haven fit for the royal family. The grandparents can savour high tea at a secret location near Vic Falls, while mom has a massage on the banks of the Zambezi River, dad experiences a scenic flight over the Falls, and the kids take part in the Wildchild interactive activities. We love that this 50 000 ha private wildlife reserve offers families the one of the best Victoria Falls holidays and the opportunity to observe a great variety of wildlife including buffalo and elephant herds, predators such as lion and leopard, as well as 366 bird species.
The River Family Suite At The River Club
Located close to the historic town of Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Zambezi, The River Club is the perfect location for ending off a family safari spent in Eastern or Southern Africa. Not only is it located on the Zambezi River, but it is also close enough to the Falls to enjoy all its incredible sights, sounds and activities.
We love the luxury River Family Suite, which is perfectly suited to a multigenerational group. The suite lends itself to being a family hub as it is open plan, airy and spacious with breathtaking views over the Zambezi from the deck and two en-suite bedrooms with the option of an additional bed to accommodate three children. There is also a small private garden and a private plunge pool for the little ones to cool off on a hot summer’s day.
The Royal Livingstone Hotel
With its serene location set on the banks of the Zambezi with majestic views of the Falls from the Zambian side, this grand hotel, named after the legendary colonial explorer Sir David Livingstone, is one of the best multigenerational family hotels in Africa.
We love the spacious Victorian elegance of a bygone era at the Royal Livingstone, vast lawns dotted with zebras for the entire family to enjoy and the luxury rooms and suites that lead out to private verandahs with riverside frontage. There truly is something for young and old: enjoy the charming colonial tradition of high tea, catch up on some reading in a hammock next to the river, relish a relaxing massage in a gazebo at the water’s edge, savour sundowners overlooking the Falls, swim in Devil’s Pool, picnic on Livingstone Island, see the Big Five on safari or on a river cruise, go river rafting down adrenaline pumping rapids or simply enjoy the scenery of the iconic Falls while you relax aboard a steam train.
Tangala House At Tongabezi
Voted by The Safari Awards as the ‘Best Family Safari Experience’, Tangala House is a private luxury family home situated close to Tongabezi Lodge, on the edge of the Zambezi with sweeping views over the river, only 15 kilometres upstream from Vic Falls.
Tangala House is a great five star family accommodation option at Victoria Falls as it strikes the perfect balance between luxury interiors and a warm, cosy family home.We love that the entire family can spend precious bonding time with all their needs being taken care of as Tangala House comes with its own chef, waiters, boat, private safari vehicle and guide! Sleeping up to six, it has 4 bedrooms (three with ensuite bathrooms), a children’s playroom, spacious kitchen-dining room and living room complete with Hi-Fi, TV, video and Jetmaster fireplace, as well as a 12 meter private swimming pool which even features a shallow area for kids and comfortable bench seating for the older generation.
Tongabezi boasts an array of activities for young and old to enjoy together, all included in the rate. From visiting the local Simonga Village, romantic dinners on a floating raft in the middle of the river, guided canoe trips, private lunches on a nearby sandbar, guided bush walks and game drives, sunrise and sunset boat trips to outings to view the magnificence of the natural splendour of the Falls. The options are endless.
Azambezi River Lodge
The only hotel in Victoria Falls to be located on the banks of the Zambezi River, the Azambezi River Lodge is only 5 kilometres upstream from the Falls on the Zimbabwe side. We love the thatched family rooms and fabulous bar for afternoon G&T’s in the sun, perfect for family get-togethers spanning many generations. This lodge is best suited for children from the age of six.
Set within the borders of the Zambezi National Park, this is an idyllic place for families to relax in nature together and soak up the incredible surroundings and wildlife. Grandparents can go on guided tours of Victoria Falls or game drives together with their children and grandchildren, and relax in the bar or take a nap afterwards while the younger members of the family seek out the vast array of adventure sports on offer such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting or bungee jumping.
Victoria Falls Safari Suites
Situated just 4 kilometres from the mighty Falls, the Victoria Falls Safari Suites are the ideal option for multigenerational vacations as they offer two to three-bedroom units, all en-suite with lots of privacy. Spacious and stylish, the units are split-level with a lovely big outside patio offering uninterrupted views of the magical African bush that lies beyond its walls.
Another plus point is that the Safari Suites are located within easy reach of all the facilities at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, making it easier for various family members to do different activities or simply chill at ‘home’ in the suites. They are also situated close to the Boma Restaurant which is a must for the entire family! We love the legendary Zimbabwean hospitality, delicious cuisine accompanied by traditional storytelling and spirited performances. Pure Zimbabwean magic!
The mighty Victoria Falls is truly one of the finest family holidays in Africa for young and old to enjoy together and create memories that will live with them forever. If you’re looking for more inspiration for a multigenerational trip, read more about our top safaris for seniors.