The Stanley and Livingstone is a luxury all-suite colonial hotel, approximately 10 minutes from the Victoria Falls. It was named after the famous explorer, David Livingstone and the English reporter, Henry Stanley – known for his famous quote: “Dr Livingstone, I presume”. The hotel is situated on the 6 000 acre Nakavango Estate – a private reserve that borders on the Zambezi National Park. 

The hotel is easily reached by car and a mere 20 minutes’ drive from the Victoria Falls Airport. As you enter the property you get a sense of olden-day glamour. The entire place seems to have stepped out of a period film. Upon arrival guests are greeted by the hotel’s friendly staff, at the ready with moist towels for freshening up and lovely cool drinks to quench their thirsts. 

To emphasise the historical feel of the place, the main building’s parlour is filled with olden books and paintings, comfortable sofas and mahogany furnishings typical of a nineteenth century African Safari lodge.

Our small luxury hotel offers 10 exquisitely furnished suites, each with individual patio and gracious living rooms.


The roofs are thatched and quite high, lighting up the rooms and also keeping them pleasantly cool. Beautiful chandeliers hang from the roof and expertly placed ornaments help to create an authentic feel. The hotel has many artworks of David Livingstone and his contemporaries on their quests to conquer the Dark Continent – constantly reminding you of the heritage of the area and the significance of the hotel’s two namesakes. 

The lounge has a large fireplace and although it was much to warm for a fire, we almost felt like lighting it just for the effect. Dinner is enjoyed in the luxurious dining room with its traditional décor – complemented by the resident chef’s appealing and colourful dishes. The staff members are extremely friendly and pay great attention to your personal needs – adding to the great atmosphere of the place. 

They also have a classy conference room with projectors, flip charts, internet points and beautiful leather seats for those interested in a bush indaba or a business seminar. 

The hotel has a large pool overlooking a nearby waterhole where animals can easily be spotted during the dryer seasons. The native bush plains continue right outside of the garden perimeter and we were pleasantly astonished to see how close we actually were to nature. The surrounds have been left completely untouched, and it’s easy to forget that you are standing with your back to a luxury hotel – right here in the heart of nature. 

The Stanley and Livingstone is a stylish colonial hotel where you can still enjoy the finer things in life with the African bush as backdrop. If you’re looking for old-fashioned luxury steeped in the rich history of David Livingstone and his discoveries, combined with superb service and just the right amount of privacy and exclusivity– this is the place for you. 

The Stanley and Livingstone is an all-suite hotel with 16 luxury suites. The suites are large thatched chalets with great big rooms. The rooms have their own living rooms with comfortable seating, a writing desk, coffee table and television (and book) cabinet, as well as stunning Victorian-style bathrooms. These old English bathrooms are really beautiful with white and green tiles, wooden fittings and a beautiful ball and claw, cast-iron bath. In addition to the bath there is also a modern power shower - ensuring that you have a choice between a relaxing soak and a refreshing start to your day. 

The bedrooms are massive with mahogany furniture and large closets. Each room has its own patio overlooking the gardens and the air-conditioning ensured that we were kept nice and cool. They also have their own mini-bars and electronic safes plus a satellite television and DVD players. The hotel has a DVD library available to guests – so if you’d like to do nothing more than lounge around in your room enjoying the peace and quiet – this option is ideal. 

The Honeymoon suite is really romantic and we could see that a great deal of thought had gone into the design. The suite has a secluded entrance leading to a private garden and outdoor spa bath with great views of the lush surrounds. The room itself has a four-poster bed and luxurious drapes – all adding to that perfect honeymoon setting. 

Dining at the Stanley and Livingstone takes place in the hotel’s elegant English dining room, complete with white linen and crystal glasses. The furniture has been carefully selected and reminded us of colonial days gone by. The meals are excellent and combine classical cuisine with a bit of African fusion.

We loved the idea of a breakfast in the bush – part of the game drive itinerary. Guests are spoilt for choice with a variety of dishes such as fresh fruit, cheese and biscuits, cold meats and our favourite - a full English breakfast. 

The hotel has its own extensive wine cellar with a good selection of French and South African wines. Depending on your package, all drinks are included in the fare, except for specialised beverages. We liked the fragrant Zimbabwean Chardonnay. 

Guests have the option of staying on a bed and breakfast, half board, full board or fully inclusive basis.
 

Location: The Stanley and Livingstone Hotel is situated on the Nakavango Estate, a 6 000-acre private reserve which borders on the game-rich Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe. It is approximately 10 minutes away from the Victoria Falls. 

General facilities: 
• Swimming pool 
• Pool bar 
• Outdoor recreation area 
• Dining room and wine cellar
• Watering hole
• Dam for fishing
• DVD library

Room facilities: 
• En-suite bathrooms
• Air-conditioning
• Mini-bar
• Electronic safe
• Satellite TV and DVD player
• Patio 
• Books
• Tea and coffee making station
• Victorian bathtub and separate shower with adjustable shower head
• The Honeymoon suite is equipped with a four-poster bed and drapes, an outside spa bath with a secluded entrance and a private garden

Activities: 

Included in the fully inclusive rate

• All activities on the Nakavango Estate
• Day and night game-drives
• Game walks around the estate
• Fishing (their dam is continually stocked with Nileoticus bream, bass and catfish)

Excluded

• Tours to the Victoria Falls
• Elephant Back Safaris
• Helicopter Trips
• White Water Rafting
• Jetboating
• Bungi Jumping and abseiling
• Ra Ikane Sundowner Cruises
• Walking with lions
• Gorge swinging, the Flying Fox

Services:
• Laundry
• Room service 

Open: The Stanley and Livingstone Hotel is open all year round.
_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Honeymoon options

The Stanley Livingstone at Victoria Falls is a truly classy hotel and offers a level of luxury unsurpassed by most. The service is superb and the setting is wonderfully private. 

Newly-weds staying in the Honeymoon Suite receive roses and a bottle of wine on each day of their stay! The honeymoon suite is exceptionally beautiful and offers a private garden and romantic spa bath for two. 

We highly recommend this venue as a great honeymoon destination.