Highlights

• Spectacular views over Zambezi National Park.
• Personal and intimate club atmosphere.
• Eco-lux suites overlooking the river.
• Exclusive events and safari packages.

Background

The River Club is a 5-star award winning lodge which was voted one of the top 500 hotels in the world and given the Heritage and Culture Award in 2009. The Zambezi House is the main building and was originally a farmhouse built in 1948 at the edge of the Zambezi River. The property has passed through numerous hands over the years and today the adventurer, Peter Jones is in control.

Jones took ownership in 1997 with Wilderness Safaris and converted the old farmhouse into one of the top three lodges in Zambia. Since opening The River Club’s doors, Peter has been heavily involved with the community and social development in the area. In 2009, The River Club was added as member of the Eco-Luxury Group for its work in preservation and support of the environment and local population. One of the highlights is the owner’s dedicated personality which guests can discover over drinks and dinner.

Experience

Coming from the Botswana border I took a taxi to the property which was just under an hour on the road. Livingstone airport is also easily accessible. After a drive down a dirt road flanked by reeds and bush, you reach The River Club which sits on 50 acres bordering the Zambezi River.

Check in was very casual and took place in the public area of the Zambezi House. Inside there is a well stocked library, a comfortable sitting room complete with fireplace, an elegant dining area that extends to the terrace. The lounge area was outfitted in lovely dark wood with a television, dvd player, small library and its own bar area.

I stayed in one of the newly renovated Suites, all named for significant figures in the Livingstone’s history like famous explorers or British Royalty. Some suites also feature a small pool on the deck overlooking the river.

The suite had two floors with the bedroom and simple bathroom on the top floor and a complete bathroom with bath on the bottom floor. The room features ceiling to floor windows to take advantage of the magnificent views. Waking up to hippos roars and bird songs brings you the reality of being in the wild of Africa. 

There are also Luxury Rooms which are fully furnished with a writing desk, small library, mini fridge and a small sitting area.

Each of suites and rooms have access to wireless internet, mosquito nets, insect screens, air conditioning, ceiling fans, and an in-room safe.

Dining at the River Club is a grand event with dinner being the main highlight. This is a celebratory gathering where guests sit indoors around the long teak table or outdoors at the dining area on the terrace and converse. Peter told me about some of the amazing happenings during these dinners such as when two surgeons from different parts of the world met at dinner and found out they already read each other’s books!

The cuisine is absolutely a delight with meals expertly prepared under a South African trained chef.

The River Club takes pride in offering choice to every guest and that includes sightseeing and hotel activities. On the hotel grounds are tennis courts, croquet, a running track, nature walks, and of course the infinity pool. The inviting pool almost melts into the river, surrounded by magnificent scenery, lounge chairs, and hammocks.

One activity the lodge recommends Do Nothing Activity which encourages guests to just relax. Seemingly simple and obvious, guest often forget to slow down, look around and just take in the environment.

Guests who book with the Fully Inclusive Rate get access to tours and hotel run activities at no extra cost. These include a sunset cruise down the Zambezi River to watch wildlife, a tour through an authentic rural African village, game drives through Mosi-O-Tunga Zoological Park where you can possible glimpse the incredibly rare white rhino. The hotel can also organize a fishing trip to try and catch the highly sought after Tiger Fish. Also check out the unique Livingstone Express, a dining experience on a historic steam-train.

I enjoyed the sunset cruise where I saw many hippos, crocodiles, and different bird species. The boatman was particularly experienced and provided professional knowledge on the animals and their habitat. He also has some great local stories like how his village is on the hunt for a man-eating crocodile.

The sight most visitors are most eager to see is Victoria Falls which is also included with your stay at The River Club. A helicopter tour is another option.

I visited the falls with a guide who was very knowledgeable. He briefed me at the Zambezi House using the diagrams and pictures on the wall before we set out. After a short drive we arrived and explored the natural wonder. The guide was very well prepared with ponchos and an umbrella to shield you from the waterfall mist as you took pictures. He also knew the best vantage points. After the tour, you also have time to browse the shops for souvenirs before returning to the hotel.

For couples there’s something extra special, a small island reserved for nuptials and exclusive celebrations. The island only emerges for roughly a month and a half every year which is one of the reasons why it is one of the most sought after locations. If you miss that special period of the year, there are three other lodge locations available for religious or civil ceremonies.

The River Club is also a perfect location for small conferences or team building retreats. The secluded spot ensures a peaceful and quiet environment for any type of event. There is even a helicopter pad available for executive use. The Conference Room is separated from the Zambezi House and is outfitted with the latest technology like a plasma TV, a digital projector and screen, dvd and video player, Bose sound system and access to wireless internet.

Service at The River Club was flawless. Peter has instilled a passion among his team to create the highest level of personalized care and attention to make sure each guest is well satisfied. From the moment you step foot onto the property you feel as if you are home with great friends.

The exclusivity makes the lodge feel like a private club where you can quickly get to know the other members and form lasting friendships.

With an unparalleled location, excellent service and activities, and an intimate lodge atmosphere, a stay at The River Club is more about discovering Africa, likeminded people, and even oneself.

When you visit Zambia, you start to get a feel for the country. After an enlightening conversation with Peter and guests, you’ll feel as if you’ve always been a part of it. That is the magic of The River Club and I’d highly recommend a stay for any discerning travelers.

Contact
The River Club
Address: Farm 1519a, Nakatindi Road, Livingstone, 60469, Zambia
Telephone: +260 213 327457
Website: http://www.theriverclubafrica.com/
Email: riverclub@iconnect.zm