THE RIVER CLUB
Victoria Falls, Zambia

Introduction

The River Club is situated on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River, 18 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. It faces westward into the sunset and onto the Zambezi National Park on the opposite side of the river. The River Club is set among the lush riverine vegetation and the camp has a distinct Edwardian flavour. Guests here can enjoy the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River in a peaceful and tranquil setting away from the crowds.

Camp Description

Ten luxury thatched chalets accommodate a maximum of 20 people. The rooms overlook the Zambezi River, and have en suite facilities including a bath, shower, toilet and basin. Two honeymoon suites are available. All the rooms have fans. The main house comprises the dining room, lounge and pub area, and has an interesting library. The swimming pool has a magnificent view over the river for those who wish to relax in the sun. Guests may stay here either under an all~inclusive rate, or on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Game Viewing

Although The River Club is not a game lodge, the Zambezi National Park is located just across the river, and Lion calls can often be heard at night. Rich birdlife is found in the area. Hippo are regularly sighted (and heard) along the river's edge. Fishing is good, with Tiger fishing featuring prominently in the warmer months. Birding in and around the lodge is superb. The Victoria falls is one of the seven "Wonders of the World" and is arguably the greatest waterfall anywhere. Daily excursions to the Falls are a highlight and boating trips to the Zambezi River's islands provide wonderful activities. Fishing and sundowner trips are offered, as are daily visits to the Mosi~Oa~Tunya National Park for White Rhino and other game. Trips to the Livingstone and Railway Museums and a nearby African village are also offered. Other activities available at extra cost include: white water rafting, river surfing, bungi jumping, abseiling, parachuting, microlight and helicopter flights over the Falls, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting and canoeing.

The Owners

Peter Jones is the owner and lives at River Club. He is a Zambian who designed and built the lodge.

Laundry policy

Daily service included in fullboard price.

Extras payment

Payment can be effected by cash in any major currency, travellers' cheques or the following credit cards: Visa or MasterCard. If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Lodge staff - US$5.00 per guest per day.
Driver/guides - US$7-10 per guest per day
Porterage - US$2 per guest per movement
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Flight to/from Kasane to Livingstone 20 mins.
Livingstone Airport located 20 minutes' drive from camp, transfers included in the tariff.
Drive to/from Victoria Falls town 45 mins, extra cost for transfer drive
to/from Victoria Falls Airport 1hr, cost for transfer is extra (Remember there is a border post to negotiate).

Air strip details

Livingstone Airport co-ordinates: S 17.49.00, E 25.49.00
Victoria Falls Airport co-ordinates: S 18.05.20, E 025.49.50
Own helipad at the lodge, helicopter transfers can be arranged
Guests are transferred by vehicle and boat to the lodge.
Option to ride to camp from the airport on horseback.

Electricity

o Normal power, 240v
o Video battery recharging facilities
o shaving plugs, 240/110v
o 2 x 3 pin square plugs in bedrooms

Guest Comments

It is hard to believe that it has been about 2 & 1/2 months since we were pampered by your warm hospitality. Sue & I have shared with our friends all about River Club and the fantastic time that we had. Thanks to you I gained abvout 12 pounds but have since taken it off. If that's not a testament to your cuisine that your staff provided. My photos were great especially the ones from our sunset cruises. Everytime I play golf here in Miami, I have to chuckle about our golf game on the lawn of River Club played with the balso golf balls. We have told Norman Pieters what a fantastic time we had and told him to be sure and include River Club as a destination to all visitors that he sends to Africa.
Sincerely, S & S S

River Club: It was my 5th time up at VFA...but I have never been on the Zambian side.....from now on only Zambian side!! It so much nicer to view the falls from this side! Incredible how much water the Zambezi had! I loved my room at River Club especially the bathroom....I wish we would have such temperature in cold Switzerland what would allow an outside bathroom!
N Switzerland

We thoroughly appreciated the comfort our room and its amazing view. We became very attached to the chorus of our individual Hippo.
Rev A.B. and Mrs D.B., USA

We thought our stay at the River Club was the high point of our African trip and we could barely bring ourselves to leave. Victoria and Sophia thought they were in heaven. All of your staff were great.
J.I.P.-M., U.K.

I really believe The River Club is the best lodge in Africa! We had a really good time and think that the whole team at the lodge are excellent. Thanks for making us fat and drunk! Please also thank Lucksom for all his patience fishing with us - he was great.
G.J. and M.J., South Africa

We all really enjoyed The River Club and Livingstone. We thought the rooms were beautiful and unique, the food outstanding and the service just great. It is safe to say that everyone in my family had a fantastic time at The River Club and we will always have the memories of those wonderful experiences for the rest of our lives.
P.C., S.C., S.C. and S.C., USA

What I want to say is what an incredible place Africa is....it effected me beyond any anticipation I could have dreamed up. When friends ask me how my trip was I say two things mostly...it was beyond words and I am going back!!! I loved your haven that you have created. Congratulations! Truly impressive!
M.C.

Our stay was only 2 days, but it will live with us for a very long time... it was the most wonderful experience we have had and we would love to think we will be back sooner rather than later. Peter, you have created a perfect place with everything possible thought out so well, we don't think you could improve on anything. We will be recommending the River Club to all of our friends and acquaintances. Many thanks again for such a wonderful few days, everything was perfect from the location, to the lodges, to the food, to the staff, to the weather etc.etc. we could not have asked for anything more.
J.M and F.M., USA

We had a wonderful time at the lodge. The staff are excellent and go to the ends of the earth for you. The accommodation is cool, peaceful and great for close up birding. We saw an African Finfoot which made our trip. Activities on tap; food fantastic ...so overall, a wonderful offering.
P.P., South Africa

Just got in last night, and cannot wait to tell you about it. Thanks so much for arranging all of this for me. I had the most wonderful time. Thought the accommodations at River Club is outstanding. They are just such gracious hosts, and made everyone in the group feel very welcome. Meet and greet service was on time, efficient and very well handled. I cannot tell you how impressed I am with services throughout. The ambiance, surroundings and knowledge of staff at River Club is outstanding.
R.J., USA

I just wanted to send a quick note about the excursion to Botswana and Victoria Falls. I had the greatest time and it was more than I expected. Thank you for the recommendation. It is truly a place I would return. I especially enjoyed Little Vumbura. It was intimate as there were only 2 others there and the accommodations were superb. The guides Rex and Kit were incredible and we saw much game. I would highly recommend Little Vumbura and Duma Tau. The River Club was fantastic and the accommodations were also wonderful. I would also highly recommend this too. They would do anything for their guests and they did everything for me. Very romantic and relaxing.
D.U.

I spoke to B.F. last week and he was just absolutuely ecstatic about The River Club and all your wonderful wedding arrangements. He gave you (and us) the highest marks - said Liz was great also. He really appreciated the special details - the lunch on the island, the wedding dinner in their room - the minister - they really liked him. You made their wedding very special and we thank you so much - I know you went to special efforts to get all the paperwork cleared. Staff are very attentive - all of them seemed happy to be working here and were glad to see us. Truly refreshing. It was a wonderful way to close our 3 weeks in Southern Africa.
Mr B., USA.

This was our first trip to Africa and you made it intimate, memorable and amazing. We have already made plans to come back. Thank you so much!
Mrs D., USA.

Breathtaking views - a sheer delight.
Dr A.-J., UK.

The River Club is a rare find in a world of pre-packaged mass tourism. You have achieved a wonderful balance of quality, service, excellent accommodation with a sense of adventure. You have made the start of our honeymoon truly memorable.
Mr K.-J., UK

Sublime, we were treated like royalty
T. Family,UK.

The accommodation and facilities were all first class - the best we have experienced in Zambia.
Mr C., UK.

It is very very beautiful, serene and timeless both in terms of the natural surroundings and the simple, handsome architecture.
Ms P., USA.

The River Club was amazing. We have both agreed that it is simply the best place we have stayed in!
Mr J., UK.

The food was fabulous - the holiday of a lifetime.
Mrs M., UK.

The Club makes each guest feel as though he or she is the only one there who matters. The personalized service is extraordinary!
Mr G., USA.