Sight guide · Victoria Falls · Zimbabwe
Visiting Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
The Edwardian-era hotel, opened in 1904, is a landmark of colonial-era travel, with a terrace looking down the gorge to the bridge framed by spray.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: SpringbokSam, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace is an architectural landmark in Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, Victoria Falls. Allow 1–2 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Architecture
- Area
- Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, couples, views and architecture
- Best months
- December–February
About Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
The Edwardian-era hotel, opened in 1904, is a landmark of colonial-era travel, with a terrace looking down the gorge to the bridge framed by spray. Non-guests can visit for afternoon tea or a drink on Stanley's Terrace.
Tip: Come for high tea in the late afternoon and walk down the garden path to the bridge view afterwards.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 1–2 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, edwardian grandeur on the edge of the gorge, steps from the bridge.
Best time to visit Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- January: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 15 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- February: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 31°C (88°F) highs, about 13 rainy days, moderate crowds.
For the view at golden hour: in mid-January the sun sets at about 18:58 local time (calculated for Victoria Falls).
When to visit Victoria Falls has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Victoria Falls itinerary visits Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace on day 1, together with Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side), Victoria Falls Bridge and Lunar rainbow visits.
- No. 7 of the 14 sights in our Victoria Falls things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
Near Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
Also in Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge, so you can walk between them:
- Victoria Falls Bridge — 1–2 hours, low cost
- Victoria Falls rainforest (Zimbabwe side) — 2–3 hours, mid-priced
- Lunar rainbow visits — 1–2 hours, mid-priced
If you like Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
- Helicopter 'Flight of Angels' — Victoria Falls town centre, 1–1.5 hours including transfers
Staying near Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace
Stay in Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge ($$$$) to walk here: edwardian grandeur on the edge of the gorge, steps from the bridge. All areas to stay in Victoria Falls.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace?
Plan 1–2 hours. With Victoria Falls Bridge nearby, it fits a half-day in Victoria Falls Hotel and the bridge.
+Is Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace?
December–February, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Come for high tea in the late afternoon and walk down the garden path to the bridge view afterwards.
+Do I need to book Victoria Falls Hotel and Stanley's Terrace in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.