About this hotel
General information
Mukwa River Lodge is a small private lodge on the banks of the Zambezi above Victoria Falls, part of the family-run Residence Collection. Its suites are spread along the river and the winding channels between small islands, each with its own plunge pool, while families have a separate cottage and house with several bedrooms. Interiors pair classic restraint with modern comfort, and the mood is quiet and intimate.
Food is taken seriously: herbs, vegetables and fruit come from the lodge’s organic gardens, the rest from local markets, and bread and ice cream are made on site. Breakfast is served looking over the Zambezi, dinner under the open sky in the boma. There is a spa, a library and a gym, and the lodge supports its neighbours, among them a youth football team drawn from the surrounding villages.
Location
The lodge stands on the bank of the Zambezi near Livingstone, about 20 minutes from Victoria Falls, an easy base for the Falls themselves, the town of Livingstone and outings on the river.
Spa
The Spa at Mukwa sits in a quiet corner of the lodge, with treatments drawing on African nature and local ingredients: a facial, back, neck and shoulder massage, deep-tissue, Swedish and hot-stone massages, and reflexology. The signature is the 90-minute Tanyati Ukuchina Journey — a foot exfoliation and massage, traditional warm compresses and a full-body massage.
Sports & leisure
The lodge runs its own programme of experiences on and around the Zambezi, and has a gym.
- Sunrise or sunset cruises on the Zambezi, past hippos, elephants and abundant birdlife
- A private guided tour of Victoria Falls
- Tiger fishing in season, from June to mid-December
- A tour of the lodge’s organic gardens, home to free-ranging chickens
- A hands-on Zambian cooking session with the lodge’s chefs, followed by a private dinner
- A trip into Livingstone for its markets and crafts
- Guided visits to nearby villages, schools and creative centres
Restaurants & bars
Breakfast is served overlooking the Zambezi, and dinner is served beneath the stars in the boma, an open-air dining circle around a fire. Menus follow the seasons and the harvest from the lodge’s own gardens; there is a bar and lounge, and meals can also be brought to the suite. Private dinners of local flavours round off the lodge’s cooking sessions.
Swimming
Every suite has its own plunge pool looking over the river or the channels. Mukwa Garden Cottage and Mukwa House each have a heated pool, the cottage’s set in a private garden with loungers.
Rooms
The lodge is made up of suites along the Zambezi and its inner channels, plus a two-bedroom cottage and a three-bedroom house for families or friends, each with its own kitchen for preparing meals.
Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a fully stocked minibar, a Nespresso machine, a safe, bathrobes and slippers, turndown and housekeeping.
River Facing Suite
A suite with an extra-length king-size bed, a balcony and terrace over the Zambezi, a private plunge pool facing the river and an open-air shower. For two adults.
Island Suite
A suite set among the winding channels between the lodge’s islands, with an extra-length king-size bed, a balcony, a private plunge pool overlooking the water and an open-air shower. For two adults.
Mukwa Garden Cottage
A two-bedroom cottage within a walled private garden: both bedrooms are air-conditioned and en suite, the main one with an outdoor shower and bath. A lounge, dining area, kitchen and heated pool with loungers; up to four guests.
Mukwa House
A three-bedroom house with views over the channels: air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, dining room, outdoor dining area and a kitchen for preparing meals. A heated pool outside.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.