The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

Zambia , Livingstone
LIVINGSTONE, Riverside Drive, Off Sichango Road
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75 reviews shown

8/10

Excellent

12 Dec 2025

Vedula SambaSiva

Being a vegetarian food choices are hard but Chef K made some dishes for us and talk care of us

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

14 Sep 2025

Levy

Its so serene and relaxing. The breakfast was very nice with a healthy choice

There are a lot of mosquitoes and the hotel may consider introducing light bulbs that repel mosquitoes especially for areas near the sleeping quarters/guest rooms.

8/10

Excellent

15 Jun 2025

Bertha

That lodge is nice, and the staff friendly and professional. The rooms are clean.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2025

Achma

Amazing rooms, great services!

8/10

Excellent

11 Jun 2025

Matthew

Wonderful hotel and very attentive statt

Business_and_leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

06 May 2025

Dolores

Nice

It was pleasant, there was little to do and food was average. However a stunning location and foyer.
In the middle of a refurb and we stayed in a new room which was lovely.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2025

Mike

The staff were fantastic and the whole environment was the best I have stayed in for some time. The setting was beautiful and quiet with a great view no matter where you are. I also took advantage of the spa, which was SO VERY relaxing. Definitely on my list to return to in the future.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

10 Feb 2025

jill

I really enjoyed my stay here. The room was extremely comfortable and I appreciated the mosquito netting and the tub. Incredible views and lotsa storage space. The restaurant had delicious breakfast and dinners. I went on the boat ride and we saw hippos, elephants, and a big alligator. The store on the grounds had unique and cool bags, clothing, and prints. And the people were kind and considerate. I would go back in a heartbeat and recommend to anyone.

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

24 Nov 2024

cynthia

A beautiful lodge located right on the Zambezi River of Africa, we have Never experienced service like this anywhere else. The entire staff was courteous, friendly, and “over the top” attentive to all of our needs & questions.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2024

Alise

Jungle vibes, on Zimbezi river and can watch elephants crossing and swimming on river. Perfect place as a retreat after long excursions.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

25 Sep 2024

Lulumbi

The service was incredible and the amenities were generally great. I love how close it is to the water and the boat cruise is one of the best on the river.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Sep 2024

Brian

This was a great location on the Zambezi river. The rooms were large and clean, and the staff was always happy to help.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

06 Sep 2024

Kathryn

Property is GORGEOUS! Rooms feel a bit dated though. There was broken tiles and discoloration on grout. Waiters Joseph and Bruce were super nice, other staff felt indifferent to guests. Resort seemed empty but the guests were all put on far side of hotel - kinda strange!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Sep 2024

Rogers

I was more than impressed by the facility. It met all my expectation. The staff were so courteous and helpful. I did get value for my money and would definitely come back. The facilities compliment and promote African culture while allowing you access to many modern amenities. Kudos

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2024

Varshabhanavi

The David is a lovely hotel, if you stay here your experience will be truly unforgettable. My room was spacious, clean, and had a breathtaking view of the Zambezi river. The staff were super helpful and accommodating. I highly recommend taking the sunset cruise and coordinating your excursions with their onsite concierge.

Leisure Self

8/10

Excellent

18 Aug 2023

Connie

Beautiful hotel right in the river with exceptional staff. Rooms could use an update but the beds and linens very comfortable and nice quality. Difficult to get anywhere from the hotel as it’s not walkable.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

05 Jan 2023

Michael

Great vibe with all races and nationalities mixing to party over New Year weekend. And excellent live bands adding to the fun.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2022

Randy

The most scenic and romantic natural setting coupled with a great level of service, foods, and overall excellence.

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2020

Nigel

Highly recommended

Amazing place to stay. Great breakfast with huge variety of foods to choose from. Lunch and dinner menus reasonably priced with excellent choice. Outstandingly comfortable room overlooking the Zambezi. Woken up to sounds of hippos

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

27 Feb 2020

Robert

Bug Spray Required

The staff were helpful and attentive. The rooms were all clean and comfortable though showing age. The air conditioner worked (Hurray!) and no monkeys found the way into our room. The restaurant food was well prepared and timely served. The variety of drinks and such were sufficient.He selections for vegetarians were slim and for vegan pretty much non-existent. A gluten free vegan would have pretty much been left to a salad. But the kitchen knows its market. The \"chips\" were called \"fries\" and the ketchup was Heinz. The burgers came with bacon and didn't pretend to be something special. The biggest \"surprise\" which may have been simply my mistake is that (1) the tip is included in the bill when you charge it to the room (doesn't reflect on the restaurant receipt) so I ended up tipping twice; and (2) the \"airport transfer\" was neither free nor arranged without hassle. I had to pay half again more than taxi rate to go there and back. So, as the Gen Z might say ...\"my bad\" . The riverfront location is marvelous but as with all things on the Zambezi the biting insects were not nearly as charming. Bring real bug spray (100% DEET) and plenty of it. The dining rooms are all outside exposed to the elements.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Dec 2019

Verified traveler

Had a great time, the view is amazing and sunset should never be missed. My wife used the spa and it was first class.

Leisure Family

4/10

Poor

09 Dec 2019

mujahid

Terrible experience

I stayed in this hotel for two nights as soon I arrived in my room, I have noticed no wifi signal and I reported to front desk. Front desk said IT person will be there shortly. No one showed up, I had to do some work so after waiting for him a while, I decided to go in lobby and perform my work. Next day I told them again about my situation and they said they are fixing it. I told manager on duty to come with me in my room to see for himself. He spent 30 minutes trying to explain to his IT with the situation and they came around 1030PM on my last night to provide me with hotspot which I will not need at this point. If you are on business trip, stay away from these folks...

Business

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2019

My friend accidentaly sliped a

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

11 Nov 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful riverside location: great value and helpful staff.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Nov 2019

Karen

Best hotel ever

It was the nicest hotel I have ever stayed in.
The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the position of the hotel overlooking the Zambezi was wonderful.
I loved staying there.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Nov 2019

bruce

Wonderful location, great staff, very relaxing post safari stop

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

08 Sep 2019

Vanessa

I had the Riverside suite and it was lovely and large, although the spa pool was unheated, and the river was barely visible through the trees. I did enjoy the visit from the vervet monkeys, and the staff were super friendly, especially the Activities center staff. Also had a great massage. Lovely place to stay.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Aug 2019

Kevin

Fabulous Zambian adventure

Absolutely loved it. We had a wonderful time.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2019

Verified traveler

Wonderful stay, food excellent and staff very good

6/10

Pleasant

19 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Nothing wrong just booked by mistake wanted 19 September

Business_and_leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2019

Verified traveler

Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River surrounded by a game park.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jul 2019

Ashley

Wonderful!

We had a wonderful stay at the David Livingstone. Beautiful location, friendly staff, and great excursions.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

01 Jul 2019

Nathea

We enjoyed our overall stay. The hotel was very comfortable and the setting is beautiful. The room was unfortunately not very clean when we arrived and smelled of smoke. I immediately wanted to open the patio doors but no-one warned me that that is a super bad idea because it lets all the mosquitoes in. I strongly suggest that before quests check in, that the rooms are checked and fumigated, that the beds do not have the old smelly throws and that the air conditioner is left on to clean the air from bugs and smells.

Family

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jun 2019

William

The resort was amazing, the setting on th Zambezi river was surreal. The dinner cruise is a must , we saw hippos, crocodiles and elephants while cruising. Highly recommend this hotel. One note be prepared for the mosquitoes.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2019

Megan

long Weekend Escape

Great hotel with friendly helpful staff. No complaints
Helicopter flights cause noise that gets to you eventually but that is not something thehotelcan control.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Excellent location, calm and spacious.
Staff always polite and available

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

18 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Devoted and friendy staff, laid-back vibe, accommodating management

Leisure Self

4/10

Poor

16 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

Very disappointed especially because a very expensive hotel. Staff extremely disorganised and the hotel has a major mosquito/wasp and bug problem. I stayed in other hotels in the area and they had hardly any insects around in comparison ( also on the river) so i can only put this down to the hotel not spraying. The mosquito problem was so bad that we had to go down to livingstone for drinks 1 night and the second night we stayed in the room. The balcony is completely pointless as you could not open night or day for mosquitos. The only upside to this hotel was that the food and cocktails were very nice.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The location, and the virw were awesome.
The rooms were nice and so was breakfast. Dinner was not great and expensive. $16 pp for a shuttle from the sirport is greedy.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2019

Kerry

Overall an excellent experience

Brilliant 4 night stay with lovely, well-trained, friendly and attentive staff. Everything about our stay was superb, from the comfort of the bed & room to the dining experience. Only one downside was that the sunset cruise was severely overpriced as the snacks and drinks served were not any where near of the quality of the hotel at all. its a shame as the cruise itself was a nice thing to do, but I wouldn't be able to recommend it to others for the price that we paid - the food was unpleasant and the drinks basic.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2019

Waira

Retreat worthy million eyes

It was amazing stay, and staff both at reception and dinning were wonderful.
The boat cruise was sparkling ,so were the room service

Friends

8/10

Excellent

08 Mar 2019

Verified traveler

The location is superb. I felt like a colonist, the place remined me of period movies, it is overstaffed and over attentive

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Beautiful location, excellent hospitality and service. Very good food. Peaceful. Spa and swimming pool excellent. It is a place I will return to again and again

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Feb 2019

Verified traveler

Location is great.
Breakfast excellent and staff very friendly.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2019

Verified traveler

This property is breathtaking! The rooms are comfortable with your own private balcony facing the Embezi River. The staff are so welcoming and treated us like royalty. There's pretty much everything you need right here, pool, cruise, spa, gym, two restaurants. It's quite nice.

Leisure Partner

8/10

Excellent

20 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

The Hotel was good and staff were very nice and friendly but was annoying was Expedia never told us of the $50 per person to enter the country which was embarrassing at the counter at the airport So be very aware that the country you are visiting may have charges and Expedia Do Tell You

10/10

Exceptional

15 Dec 2018

STP

All rooms have balconies and river views, as do the restaurant and bar. Lovely to watch the sunset and to take the river cruise boat that leaves from the dock at the hotel.

Business_and_leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

13 Dec 2018

Verified traveler

Position on the river is exvellent. Amazing swimming pool and fantastic staff.

Leisure Family

8/10

Excellent

20 Nov 2018

Marika

Great setting with beautifully peaceful river view from the room and private balcony (and from the bath, and even the river view from the toilet!). We had a lower level room, so we could look underneath the tree canopy to the river. Nice big shower with lots of water. Super breakfast (great variety) with excellent view. Really big bed (seems bigger than a normal king size) with crisp clean linen. I would love to stay there again. The location was very convenient with lots of activities close by.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Nov 2018

Alexander

Good base on the river

Located on the bank of Zambezi River, the lodge is a comfortable and picturesque base in Livingstone with stunning sunset views. The activity desk is excellent and very helpful with booking various tours as well as taxis at a good price, and breakfasts are good. Mosquitoes are a perennial problem – luckily we could change our room on arrival, the first room offered had literally hundreds of mosquitoes flying around. Ceiling fans in the dining area (as in Royal Livingstone Lodge nearby) could also help a bit to keep mosquitoes away at dinner.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2018

Allison

BEST way to end our safari trip! After camping for 12 nights, this was total luxury. From the moment we walked in the door, the staff catered to our every need. Paul helped with our bags & always greeted us with a smile. He also helped set up a driver, who was amazing. Leandre & Ruth at the spa were amazing! Pure relaxation, definitely pay them a visit during your stay. HP (General Manager) & David (Front Office Manager) went out of their way to ensure our experience exceeded our expectations. Thanks for the extra hospitality!

10/10

Exceptional

22 Oct 2018

Ralph

Lovely and relaxing

The place and staff and service were excellent. One would want to have a car in order to explore more of the surrounding but the hotel offers a free shuttle to town for shopping, museums, etc. in addition to a free shuttle to see the falls.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Oct 2018

Doron

Wonderful place for staying at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2018

Johan

Excellent. Franklyn was a star employee - pro-active, friendly, quick. But staff in general were superb.
You may consider installing some neonlight mosquito electrocution machines in the restaurant area closest to the river, for use 6pm till closing. The bugs were bothersome..

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2018

Danielle

Best Hotel in Livingstone

This hotel was probably the best I saw while I was in Livingstone. The President of Zambia showed up while we were there so obviously it fits the bill as a great hotel! The gym is great. The setting is great. The other hotels are not enough for the money. If I ever go back to Livingstone I will be staying here again. Loved it! Shout out to the spa too. Very reasonably priced and the massage I got was one of the best I have had. Go here and enjoy a drink while looking for hippos on the patio!

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2018

patrice

Most amazing resort we have ever stayed at!!!

This was the most amazing resort my husband and I have ever stayed at. From the time we arrived the hostess Nalu greeted us with drinks and helped us into our room. The staff we encountered in each part of the resort were absolutely superb from Chris the bartender to Victor the van driver. We stayed three nights and was sad when it was time to leave. My husband celebrated his birthday while there and Nalu and the staff surprised him with an amazing cake. Furthermore the Resturant/food was absolutely amazing. We look forward to returning here next year.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

13 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Beautiful place, nice clean very good service,rooms are very clean and comfortable.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Nice hotel right on the Zambezi!

Awesome place to stay and relax in Livingstone. Great restaurant, nice staff, sunset cruise right off the back porch!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2018

Verified traveler

A night at the Waterfalls.

Outstanding place, nice staff, good food and great view!

10/10

Exceptional

02 Jul 2018

Paul

Perfect, Idyllic, excellent

Excellent service standards and customer satisfaction - nothing was too much trouble.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

Excellent, staff are very friendly always smiling
Had a little problem with the bulb in the bathroom light and they fixed it the next day

2/10

Poor

15 Mar 2018

Verified traveler

Poor customer relations and conflict resolution

I experienced unfair treatment at David Livingstone and a Discrepancy resulted due to the reception and front desk not adequately advising and accommodating my request as a guest. The hotel refused to take full reasonability and rendered additional charges at check out against my will as the patron. I did not leave my stay in good spirits or feeling accommodated as the guest. Upper management never came to address our concerns or made themselves available to see that as the patrons we were satisfied with the outcome. Because of my poor service I will not return to the hotel nor refer others there.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Mar 2018

Zuber

Lovely Hotel

Great place to stay, only thing is the service drops during busy periods.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2018

Jeanette

Fantastic hotel

We had a wonderful stay. The lodge is great and the staff are super-friendly and helpful.

I was a little unhappy about being charged a whopping amount for the airport transfers (US$75 versus US$25 for a taxi), while our friends had it included in their package for free. I also think the sunset cruise was ridiculously over-priced at $75 a head.

If you can avoid those two traps you will have an amazing holiday.

10/10

Exceptional

31 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Great stop for a couple of nights.

Really good service. Nice and clean hotel.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

Wonderful hotel in a wonderful location on the Zambezi. Great staff and food and pool and, and, and...

10/10

Exceptional

23 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Beautiful environment, relaxing, great experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Sep 2017

Andrew

Great post safari experience

Excellent place to relax after bouncing around the bush
Lovely room with Zambesi view ; fab food ; good spa ; friendly, efficient, helpful staff.

8/10

Excellent

05 Sep 2017

Bevan

David Livingstone Hotel, Livingstone, Zambia

Not as good as the Royal Livingstone, but ok. Very different character and ambience to the Royal. The not-very-extensive grounds were full fenced with an electric fence so we were unable to go for a walk, or walk to the falls. The food was better than the Royal, but on balance I think I prefer the Royal.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

30 Aug 2017

Helen

Romantic stay.

My husband and I stayed here for two nights 'childfree'. Despite me having phoned from the UK beforehand, no-one was at the airport to collect us, which, if you've not stayed in Africa before, could have been extremely stressful. The taxi driver they sent was lovely though and pointed out all the local landmarks on our journey to the hotel. The lady on the 'events' desk was delightful and although her colleague was a little unsmiling, she made up for this. The free shuttle transport we found to be a little hit and miss in terms of the times of pick ups and I'd recommend phoning the hotel when you are ready to return to the hotel rather than waiting. The hotel has wonderfully romantic views of the Zambezi and the sunset cruise on the Lady Livingstone is well worth the money. I had treatments in the spa and they were again fabulous. We enjoyed the food in the restaurant and considered it good value for money compared with UK prices. The room we stayed in just felt a little tired and were expecting slippers and robes for the star rating of the hotel. I'd definitely recommend for a romantic break away and for those wanting to relax.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 Aug 2017

Sandra

Memorable experience. The safari arranged through the hotel was exceptional. The hotel more than met expectations.

Family

4/10

Poor

30 Jul 2017

Verified traveler

Room had an opening in the doors, letting mosquitoes in, which was only partly fixed when I complained. Breakfast was routinely terrible. Location is tricky; would have rather, in retrospect, stayed in Victoria Falls. Or anywhere else, really.

6/10

Pleasant

26 May 2017

ALEKSANDR

In room with the neighbours

Nice location, but rooms/service overpriced.. service very mediocre, while rooms small and offer no sound isolation to the room next door - my neighbors were talking next door till 2 am, and it felt like they are in bed with me.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Apr 2017

Sharon

Great hotel on Zambezi river

Great hotel in a prime location on the Zambezi river. Staff very helpful and friendly. Food excellent..... good vegetarian options. A fantastic place to stay.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2017

Heather

Amazing hotel

This is one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. It's absolutely stunning -- both the hotel and the location by the lake. You can eat or swim right by the lake and the bugs aren't too bad. I would absolutely recommend this hotel to friends.