Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Victoria Falls Reviews

It's all about expectations... My mother had stayed here and raved about it. She told me that the water hole was worth the splurge alone, and when I saw I could have a room for ~$160, I jumped at the chance.... Turns out the S&L is really two separate hotels. One (the lodge) is a 5-star experience, with gorgeous rooms and a beautiful lodge, and the other, the Ursula (where I stayed) is more like 3.5 stars. I should have known that ahead of time, but the website doesn't really make it explicit. My little bungalow was very basic -- no TV, basic carpeting, hostel-style shower, etc. I even had the impression I could mosey between the two properties and experience some of the lodge (meals, pool, etc) despite being a guest at Ursula. That's not the case (they don't even let you walk between the two -- you have to schedule a shuttle even though it's only about 100 meters). The other thing the website should mention is that the animals aren't at the water hole half the year. So, I paid largely for the chance to gaze out my veranda at elephants & giraffes, but turns out that only happens during the dry season... All that said, this is a classy place with great service. A few of the staff members haven't quite nailed the concept of "Western" service, but they'll mostly go out of their way to accommodate you and make sure you're having a great stay.

The hotel has a colonial look, but with every modern convenience, including the internet. The staff are very attentive and willingly arrange transfers and activities for you. We were only there for one night , but it would be an ideal place to combine relaxation with a range of activities. It was 30C in August but not oppressive. The hotel is located outside of Victoria Falls which is a real benefit. It is in the bush about a ten minute ride from town and has its own water hole which attracted a range of animals for great photo opportunities. Transfers to and from Victoria Falls were easily arranged on request. Well worth a visit.

As stated earlier the staff was very friendly and the hotel was immaculate. Believe me I looked, because the hotel we came from in Cape Town was beautiful and I was ready to be let down and kept my expectations low, but no need. I loved it except for the fold away bed, not comfortable. There were three of us girls. We rotated the three nights we were there. I just got more than I expected with the accomdations. We did have to pay for lunch at the lodge and you have to pay for transport after one on the house transfer. That is ridiculous considering there the only game around if you want to go to town. This was a once in a lifetime trip for me so I planned on spending so no problem. The staff more than made up for anything I felt was superfluous in the way of charges. I like the quiet and secludedness of the S and L. I viisited the VF hotel beautiful, but a lot of people. The lodge is intimate even though full while we were there it didn't feel that way. Again bring cash, dollars, rand, or euros, not ATM, bank, or credit cards accepted. Do the helicoptor flight over the falls and the Zambezi River cruise, breathtaking!