There’s nowhere on earth quite like Victoria Falls. Holding prime position on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ is one of the most awe-inspiring and majestic waterfalls you are ever likely to see, and thanks to its central location, it is easy to combine a trip to the falls with your South African Safari, Chobe Wildlife Adventure or Mauritius Beach Holiday.

When it comes to choosing accommodation at Victoria Falls, the choice is vast. You’ll find everything from cute and cosy family-run guesthouses to luxurious riverside lodges, but if there is one hotel that stands head and shoulders above the rest, it would have to be The Victoria Falls Hotel, Zimbabwe’s oldest and grandest luxury hotel.

Situated just a short stroll from Victoria Falls National Park, the aptly named Victoria Falls Hotel was first built in 1904 to accommodate workers building the Cape-to-Cairo railway. Fast forward some 113-years, and this ‘Grand Dame’ is now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, with luxurious accommodations, Edwardian verandas, and spectacular vistas of Africa’s largest falls. On a clear day, one can easily see the deep gorges, the iconic bridge that crosses the falls, and the clouds of spray that billow above like clouds of smoke.

Staying at The Victoria Hotel is an experience in itself. If you are lucky, you will be greeted by Duly, Head of Concierge, who is the gentle giant of Victoria Falls. Quick to smile, eager to assist, and accustomed to posing for photos, Duly will ensure your check-in goes smoothly, your luggage is transported to your room while you enjoy your welcome drink, and that your transfers run like clockwork.

When you book a room at The Victoria Falls Hotel, you can expect a true 5-Star experience. All rooms are luxuriously furnished in a style the complements the traditional hotel, with fine-wood furnishings, crisp Egyptian cotton linens, and marble bathrooms to make your stay memorable.  If you are looking for extra space, the executive suites are the perfect choice, with sumptuous lounge areas, four-poster beds, and perhaps the largest bathtubs in all Africa.

During your stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel, it is essential that you indulge an ice-cold Gin and Tonic from one of the many beautifully appointed verandas. As the sun begins to set, dinner can be enjoyed alfresco on Stanley’s Terrace, or inside The Livingstone Room, where one can enjoy a seven-course degustation menu followed by dancing to a live band.

From the moment you arrive at The Victoria Falls Hotel, you are made to feel like a valued guest and not just another tourist dollar, and in a world where money talks, this is refreshing… to say the least!