Located along the shorelines of the Zambezi River, among towering trees is the new Palm River Hotel – another development by the 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 the vision for the Palm River Hotel being to juxtapose simplicity and complexity: a unique hotel offering unparalleled luxury without compromising a sense of home comfort; vast, unimpeded views which maintain shelter and privacy; and 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 took these principles and modified them to create a hotel that is aesthetic as much as it is 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 buildings flanking the view are linked, with a slender steel bridge, just enough of a statement to create a welcoming threshold and frame of the view of the Zambezi River, while at the same time referencing the original iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. Guests are welcomed through this viewing portal onto a travertine terrace, from where they are presented with a tranquil panoramic view of the Zambezi River.

As a first-time guest, you arrive, explore, and become thoroughly immersed in the natural beauty of the river frontage; long before being confronted with the formalities of checking in at reception. This is according to the design intent to keep the pleasure of arriving at the forefront of the experience. Instead of standing at a reception desk with your back to the view, you are seated at a comfortable river-facing terrace, where the receptionist brings you a drink and takes you through an informal briefing.

The Palm River Hotel’s appeal

The Palm River Hotel offers the discerning traveller luxury accommodation with easy access to explore Africa’s Natural World Wonder of Victoria Falls, 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.

The Palm River Hotel offers a total of 73 rooms and suites spread over seven blocks, some of which are named after trees that are indigenous to the area such as the Acacia and Baobab blocks. 60 Deluxe Rooms including two wheelchair-accessible rooms all award guests 4-star hotel furnishings of international standards, with all deluxe rooms also availing of a private balcony where guests can enjoy views of the Zambezi River, and the gardens, a spacious bedroom with a writing desk, fixed luggage storage, right and left bedside tables, bedside reading lights and a fully equipped tea and coffee station. The contemporary bathroom features an open and spacious shower, a double vanity for both guests to enjoy their own space, and all the amenities necessary to compliment your stay. A generous fixed wardrobe space includes shelves and ample hanging space.

The two fully serviced wheelchair-accessible rooms are both interleading Deluxe Rooms and 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 the handicapped.

access. Alarms and phones are fitted with light and sound alerts.

A suite life on offer

The hotel’s deluxe suites are situated on the ground floor overlooking the flowing waters of the Zambezi River and surrounded by lush green gardens. The suites are made up of two spacious bedrooms including a large King Deluxe room and a Twin Deluxe room complete with a writing desk, fixed luggage storage, right and left bedside tables, reading lights, and a fully equipped tea and coffee station. Centred between the rooms is a comfortable and contemporary shared lounge area offering a peaceful space in which to unwind and relax and soak in the tranquil surroundings.

The two 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 suites most stand-out features include a spacious room, and lush balconies, nestled in the treetops. Other memorable features include a relaxing outside lounge and hanging daybed, as well as a starlit outdoor shower. The rooms are spacious with king-sized beds, writing desks, and lounge chairs. The bathrooms boast a beautiful bathtub, double shower and vanity, and separate toilet.

For those looking for extra privacy and luxury during their stay, the executive suites perfectly connect a comfortable room with a relaxing lounge and peaceful balcony area overlooking the Zambezi River. The rooms are tastefully designed to incorporate the vast space, high ceilings, and open-air setting, without detracting from the beautiful landscape surrounding the suite. The well-appointed executive suites also offer an intimate dining area, suitable for 4-6 people to enjoy private in-room dining experiences.

And then there’s the Palm River Villa

Offering the pinnacle of private residing at the Palm River Hotel is the exclusive Palm River Villa. Made up of a twin Deluxe Room, a Honeymoon Suite, and an Executive Suite, the secluded and intimate accommodation option showcases the hotel’s range of elegant, stylish, and charming room varieties. The Palm River Villa comes complete with a shared kitchen, dining area, spacious lounge, private car park, and private swimming pool with an expansive patio and garden; shared only with free-roaming wildlife that frequents the lush lawns. The secluded space allows for families or small travel groups to have their own exclusive space, while immersed in the riverside location of the Palm River Hotel.

Dining, entertainment, and events at Palm River Hotel

A large al fresco dining area under a canopy of trees will offer an à la carte restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner to hotel guests and day visitors. In-room dining is also available for guests who prefer to retreat in their rooms. The dining area’s position offers stunning garden views sweeping down and out onto the flowing waters of the Zambezi River. The cuisine reflects the natural setting, using fresh, local ingredients to create unique fusion fare.

Set under a canopy of trees in the main area, the outdoor bar serves a selection of local and imported beverages, wines, cocktails, specialty coffees and fresh fruit juices daily from 10am to 10pm. While the River Deck, built on the edge of the Zambezi River, offers an idyllic vantage point for the mighty Zambezi River, with its breath-taking sunsets and a front row seat to view the wealth of wild animal and bird life along the banks of the river.

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. Suitable for maximum groups of 50 people.

Hotel grounds are 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.

If one is looking for a little relaxation, an opportunity to unwind and relax awaits 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.

Exploring Victoria Falls from the Palm River Hotel

A complimentary shuttle bus which runs on a regular basis throughout the day transports guests between The Palm River Hotel and Victoria Falls Town, stopping at the key landmarks for guests’ convenience: the Victoria Falls Rainforest, Ilala Lodge Hotel and the various craft markets. With so much to see and do in the Victoria Falls and surrounding area, the tours and activities desk offers an invaluable information asset to help guests plan their stay and book their activities inhouse.

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. Adventure also awaits within the 5 National Parks within 100km of Victoria Falls, offering unmatched game viewing in untouched wilderness areas.

Guests can 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 Victoria Falls and ignited the first international interest to the area, over 200 years ago.

On the River with 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 riverbanks.

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 onboard.

To learn more about the Palm River Hotel, visit www.palmriverhotel.com For More information on the Ra-Ikane cruises visit www.raikane.com