finding a Hotel at Vic Falls

Q: We are driving to the Victoria Falls in early January 2012 and are struggling to find reasonably priced four-star accommodation without a fly-in package deal. We can pay up to $100 a night per person for a double room. We will be at the Falls for four nights and are happy to stay in either Zimbabwe or Zambia. - Alicia Thompson

A: It is difficult to find four-star hotels within your price range at that time of the year. However, perhaps you would like to consider the three available hotels I found on the discount website, www.hotels.com. Only one is officially rated four-star, but all offer good quality accommodation and service. The Kingdom Hotel has standard rooms on offer from 180 US dollars (90 US dollars per person). This hotel is located very close to the Falls on the Zimbabwean side, and has great facilities such as three outdoor swimming pools and three restaurants. It is rated three-star, but is very popular among South Africans. The second hotel is the Protea Hotel Livingstone, which is located in Livingstone on the Zambian side. However, it is only 6kms from the Falls and offers very comfortable rooms and good facilities. For a more natural setting, you can try the Old Ursula Camp, which has a four-star rating. This intimate lodge is available from 144 US dollars per night on www.hotels.com. If you opt for something cheaper, you can try the Vic Falls Restcamp, which is located in the centre of the village on the Zimbabwe side. The camp has good security and a big swimming pool. The best accommodation is in self-catering lodges with private facilities. A two-bedroom lodge used by 1-3 people cost 93 US dollars per night, while a chalet with communal bath is 34 US dollars and a dome bungalow tent 60 US dollars. For further details check the www.vicfallsrestcamp.com website. (6/11/11)