Located along the shorelines of the Zambezi River, among towering trees is the new Palm River Hotel – another development by the family-run Spencer’s Creek Group, owners of Ilala Lodge Hotel. Both hotels are ideally situated within minutes of Africa’s Natural World Wonder, Victoria Falls in the heart of the popular tourist destination of Victoria Falls town, in Zimbabwe.

Construction of the Palm River Hotel began in January 2019, with a Groundbreaking ceremony attended by honorary members of the council including the Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Matabeleland North Province, Honourable CDE. Richard Moyo and the Mayor of the Municipality of Victoria Falls, Cllr Dhlamini.

The vision for the Palm River Hotel was simultaneously simple and complex: a unique hotel offering unparalleled luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort; vast, unimpeded views which maintained shelter and privacy; the convenience of a central location preserved within a tranquil bubble of peace and quiet.

The Palm River Hotel has been inspired by the architectural style of the Queenslander, distinct in its savvy use of timber and corrugated iron and its consideration of climatic conditions. Highly skilled and professional teams of Zimbabwean architects and interior designers have taken these principles and modified them to create a hotel that is at once aesthetic and functional, modern and timeless, cosmopolitan and perfectly suited to the local environment. The innovative blend of traditional East-Coast Australian design and the unique landscape of the upper Zambezi River has resulted in a brand new and distinctive landmark for Victoria Falls.

The Palm River Hotel offers the discerning traveller luxury accommodation with easy access to explore Africa’s Natural World and Wonder of Victoria Falls, and enjoy a plethora of activities on offer within the historical town of Victoria Falls or soak in the magic of the Zambezi River while experiencing the abundant wildlife and birdlife that inhabit the popular tourist destination.

Well-appointed with modern international 4-star hotel furnishings, all Deluxe Rooms include a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the Zambezi River and the gardens. The spacious bedroom is complete with a writing desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite television, air conditioning, electronic safe, a fully equipped tea & coffee station and a minibar with a complimentary initial stocking.

The Palm River Hotel offers two fully-serviced wheelchair-accessible rooms, both interleading Deluxe Rooms, on the ground floor closest to the Main Area. The rooms are equipped with multiple handrails, carefully positioned to assist with mobility inside the room and bathroom, and furnished with beds and chairs which will be of optimum height for disabled access. Alarms and phones are fitted with light and sound alerts.

2x Deluxe Suites inclusive of 2x bedrooms each (151.9m2)

The Deluxe Suites are situated on ground level overlooking the tranquil waters of the Zambezi River, surrounded by hotel gardens. The suites are perfect for families or couples travelling together and include spacious King and Twin rooms complete with en suite bathrooms, writing desks, complimentary

Wi-Fi, satellite television, air conditioning, hairdryers, electronic safes, fully equipped tea & coffee stations and a fully-stocked complimentary minibar.

Nestled between the two bedrooms is a comfortable and contemporary shared lounge and dining area leading out onto a large, private veranda offering tranquil spaces to relax, unwind and soak in the calming surrounds.

2x Honeymoon Suites (72.9m2)

The Honeymoon Suites are perfectly suited to celebrate recent nuptials, anniversaries and vow renewals – or just spend time reconnecting in idyllic luxury, surrounded by the magic and romance of Africa. The Honeymoon Suite’s stand-out features include a spacious balcony overlooking the Zambezi National Park and mighty Zambezi River, complete with contemporary décor including a romantic daybed and outdoor shower.

The rooms are spacious with luxurious wooden four-poster king-sized beds, writing desks and lounge chairs, while the ensuite bathrooms boast a luxurious gold bathtub, double shower and vanity, and separate toilet.

3x Executive Suites (82.3m2)

For extra privacy and luxury during your stay, the Executive Suites perfectly connect a large bedroom with a relaxing lounge and a peaceful balcony area overlooking the Zambezi River.

The spacious bedroom includes a king-sized bed, writing desk, complimentary Wi-Fi, satellite television, air conditioning, a fully equipped tea & coffee station and a fully-stocked complimentary minibar.

The lounge and guest bathroom has been tastefully designed to incorporate the vast space, high ceilings and open-air setting. The room is complemented by a river-facing balcony complete with a day bed in which to relax and soak in the peaceful natural surroundings.

1x Presidential Suite (112.8m2)

The grandest room in the collection is perfectly situated in central location within the hotel offering unparalleled views of the Zambezi River. The impressive suite features a spacious room with a super king-sized bed, private mini balcony, secluded wardrobe and changing areas. A bold and beautiful bathroom boasts an encompassing bathtub, double vanity and double shower decorated with delicate brass features. Adjoined to the bedroom is a perfectly appointed lounge with luxurious finishes from the floor to ceiling, designed for ultimate privacy and relaxation.

The Presidential Suite also showcases a spacious balcony, shaded from the branches of ancient indigenous trees. The private balcony is perfectly poised to offer a front-row seat to the tranquil Zambezi River.

1x Palm River Villa inclusive of 3x bedrooms

Offering the pinnacle of private residing at the Palm River Hotel is the exclusive Palm River Villa. Made up of an Executive Suite with ensuite bathroom, private lounge and guest bathroom, a Honeymoon Suite with ensuite bathroom attached to main lounge and kitchen area and a twin Deluxe Room with an ensuite bathroom. The secluded and intimate accommodation option showcases the hotel’s range of elegant, stylish and charming room varieties.

The Palm River Villa is complete with a kitchen, dining area, spacious lounge, car park, and private swimming pool with an expansive patio and garden; shared only with free-roaming wildlife that frequent the lush lawns. The Villa allows for families or small travel groups to have their own exclusive space, while immersed in the riverside location of the Palm River Hotel.

Room facilities

All rooms include:

• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• High-quality beds and linen
• Spacious wardrobes
• International & USB charging points
• Luggage storage
• Tea and coffee-making facilities
• Water-efficient rainfall showers
• Air Conditioning
• Laundry Service

Guest services

• Parking
• Complimentary shuttle to Victoria Falls
• Complimentary porter
• Complimentary concierge service
• Travel and Activities assistance
• Complimentary welcome drink Restaurant
• Hairdryer
• Writing desk
• Private river-facing balcony
• Complimentary minibar restocked daily
• Satellite Television
• Digital Safe
• Ceiling Fan
• In-room Dining
• Al-fresco dining experience
• 3 swimming pools
• Beauty Spa
• Bar & Restaurant with river views • Daily serviced rooms and evening turndown

Enjoy a fusion fare within the Palm River Hotel’s grand dining hall, encompassed by tall ceilings, classic parquet flooring and large sliding doors that open out onto an idyllic riverfront vista. The dining experience flows onto to a large patio and out to an al fresco dining space, sheltered by tall ceilings that merge with the canopy of trees.

The restaurant offers an à la carte menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to hotel guests and day visitors, while the cuisine reflects the natural setting, using fresh, local ingredients.

Refreshing and airy dining spaces are complemented by sweeping garden views framed by cobbled pathways leading directly down to the Zambezi River. Guests may enjoy early morning breakfast while looking out over the awakening river, or soak in the atmosphere of dining under a starry African sky.
Outdoor Bar

Under the shade of indigenous trees, the hotel’s outdoor bar serves an array of local and imported beverages, wines, cocktails, specialty coffees and fresh fruit juices, available daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

Daily Riverside Tea

Included in their stay, guests can enjoy daily riverside tea between 3.30 pm and 4.30 pm. This includes a variety of sweet treats, teas and coffees complimented by the Zambezi River view.

Conferencing and Event Facilities

Spacious and privately appointed, the Palm River Hotel conferencing suites feature panoramic views and fully serviced amenities, offering convenience and flexibility for conferences, meetings, small events and gatherings.

Wedding Venue

The hotel grounds offer a charming, tranquil and romantic outdoor wedding venue situated along palm-fringed banks of the majestic Zambezi River. Wedding guests can enjoy two stylish bar options and the choice of à la carte dining under the African sky or an elegant dining facility within the hotel’s grand dining hall. With 73 rooms available, there are a variety of accommodation options for every guest to choose from.

Beauty Spa

Unwind and relax, in the hotel’s luxurious spa, with tranquil views of the Zambezi River. The spa’s offerings include a variety of aromatherapy treatments inspired by the natural surroundings, soothing massages, and beauty treatments such as manicures and pedicures.

Swimming Pool

A 34m infinity pool in the foreground of the main area merges with the horizon and offers a cool oasis under the shade of towering trees. At night the pool area transforms into a starlit wonderland, with the use of cleverly illuminated pebbles and lighting. The pool is cleverly separated into sections; including a 24m lap pool, a shallow splash pool for children, and a refreshing infinity pool on the lower section. The pool runs parallel to the flowing waters of the Zambezi River.

Victoria Falls Town Shuttle

A complimentary shuttle bus runs throughout the day transporting guests between the Palm River Hotel and Victoria Falls Town centre. The shuttle stops at key landmarks for guests’ convenience including the Victoria Falls Rainforest, Ilala Lodge Hotel and the various craft markets along the route.

Tours and Activities Desk

From game viewing to helicopter flights, and river cruises to historical tours of the vibrant town, there is much to see and do in Victoria Falls. The Palm River Hotel tours and activities desk offers an invaluable information asset to help guests plan their stay and book their activities in-house.

Adventure

Victoria Falls is deemed ‘Africa’s Adventure Capital’ delivering everything from helicopter flights above the Falls, highwire activities over the 120m gorges, or white-water rafting the rapids beyond the World Wonder, Victoria Falls waterfall. The adventure also awaits within the 5 National Parks within 100km of Victoria Falls, offering unmatched game viewing in untouched wilderness areas.

Historical

Discover the rich history of Victoria Falls, from a pre-colonial era and traditional African heritage, through to the early pioneers, explorers and missionaries such as Dr. David Livingstone, who journeyed to the Victoria Falls, and ignited the first international interest in the area, over 200 years ago.

Ra-Ikane River Cruises

The luxury Ra-Ikane River Cruise on our historic and intimate cruise boats offers breakfast, birdwatching, lunch and sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, a service exclusive to the Palm River Hotel and Ilala Lodge Hotel.

The well-appointed Ra-Ikane fleet was built to ensure that each guest is able to experience the wild beauty of the Zambezi River in comfort and style. The monohull design of the river boats enables them to navigate further up the Zambezi River, through shallow river channels and closer to the wildlife on the river banks.

The cruises follow a circular route around the Zambezi River islands to provide guests with a panoramic view of the upper and lower Zambezi River and the wildlife and birdlife it offers. Each Ra-Ikane boat has its own crew, made up of a friendly and knowledgeable captain, guide, and waiter to ensure a tranquil and memorable experience on board.