Summer Luxury Holiday Destinations, part 4 – Victoria Falls

Early summer is the absolute perfect time to head to Victoria Falls for a luxury holiday.  After the rains have finished but before the cool of winter has set in, you can truly appreciate the glorious scenery of the waterfall and go on a true adventure in either of the border countries.  If you’re looking to get away from your ordinary life for a couple of weeks just before everyone else has booked holiday, Victoria Falls is your perfect choice.

The Victoria Falls themselves are a UNESCO world heritage site and could truly be considered one of the world’s wonders.  The indigenous name, ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or ‘the smoke that thunders’ go a long way towards explaining just what a visit to this amazing site might be like. The first European to view the spot, Englishman David Livingstone, named the falls after his queen, Victoria.  The falls are at the point where the Zambezi River widens to 1.7 kilometers and drops over 100 metres down to a chasm which is between the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia.  It’s a stunning spot to visit and could be the central focus of a holiday spent in either country.

Since Victoria Falls are such a popular site, it’s fairly easy to get between Zimbabwe and Zambia and visas are issued at the border, increasing the possibilities for a holiday spanning a variety of African countries.  The Falls are a huge site for tourism, for Africans as well as the rest of the world, so they’re fairly easy to access.  Combining your safari holiday with a trip to the Falls can add variety and beauty to your holiday that you may not have experienced otherwise.  Plus, after the rainy season you can go whitewater rafting in the gorges, bungee jumping from the bridge above (not for the faint of heart), game fishing, horse riding, kayaking, or even take a helicopter flights over the falls.

Nearby accommodation focuses on the beauty of the African continent while providing the best in luxury.  The Islands of Siankaba, for example, is a small resort housed entirely on two sand islands in the Zambezi River.  Though it’s 24 miles upstream from the Falls, you’ll still be able enjoy all the beauty of the river from your balcony and the tree canopy walkways as you navigate between your chalet and the main bar and restaurant.  Each chalet is lovingly constructed from teak and custom made canvas and raised on a wooden deck above the river. The Islands of Siankaba’s restaurant has been acclaimed for its fine, open air dining, while the honeymoon chalet is the perfect retreat for lovers seeking privacy and luxury.

A bit closer to the Falls is The Royal Livingstone, named for the first European to view the Falls.  Designed in the colonial style, the hotel is just five minutes’ walk away from the Victoria Falls, providing easy access to the glorious site whenever you desire.  Each of the 173 rooms has a private terrace that overlooks the river or the Falls.  The hotel also boasts a swimming pool, spa, and delicious cuisine; river cruises and canoeing can be easily arranged whenever you like.

For a beautiful summer luxury holiday destination, Victoria Falls works best in conjunction with an extended African holiday, perhaps on a safari or nature reserve.  No matter how you mix it up, you’re guaranteed to have the time of your life.