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.

Tanzania’s landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from the deserts of the Serengeti to the rainforest bordering Mozambique in the south.  Visit Lake Victoria, Africa’s largest lake, or the enormous Ngorongoro Crater.  It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers with the most diverse animal population in Africa.  Many of these animals live on nature reserves and every year, you might be witness to the annual migration across the African plains – the wildebeests move north in June, perfect timing for a summer holiday.

Because there is such a huge amount of game in Tanzania, you would be sorry not to head on one of the country’s fantastic safaris.  We mentioned safaris a few weeks ago and all of those benefits definitely apply here.  It’s impossible to head to a place full of the world’s most exciting wildlife and not have the chance to see it yourself in person.

There are a large variety of luxury resorts to choose from when you’re heading on safari.  Some of them are even in the path of the annual migration, like Klein’s Camp on the northern Serengeti.  It overlooks a beautiful valley and provides opportunities to participate in night game drives, track the wildebeests, and head out on bush walks.  Many of the safari lodges have been designed to evoke African culture, reminding you of precisely where you are and providing a unique experience, while still brimming with luxury and convenience.

Don’t fear that you’ll be missing out on beaches by heading to Tanzania, either.  The country is far from all desert and its tourism certainly isn’t limited to safaris.  Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous island nation spread along the coast, will provide any beach luxury you might desire out of a summer holiday.  Pemba Island, for example, is a stunning jewel of a tropical island with some of Tanzania’s most majestic peaks in the centre.  A resort like Fundu Lagoon is accessible only by boat due to the mountainous nature of the island.

In fact, Fundu Lagoon is one of the best choices for accommodation if you’re looking for a true summery feel.  Its tented rooms and suites are spread amongst wooden walkways, providing the ultimate chic beach experience.  All rooms have gorgeous ocean views and a few will house you breathtakingly close to the water.  The others face the mountain; the ocean is still only a minutes’ walk away and you’ll enjoy the cooler mountain breezes at night.

For a proper summer experience, imagine a sunset cruise along the beach or a canoe safari through overhanging mangrove trees.  If you’re heading on holiday with your partner, the islands of Zanzibar have these wonderful options for romantic interludes which can truly spice up your time together.

If you’re looking for the perfect holiday – summery or otherwise – consider Tanzania as the chance to live out your African dreams.

1. Adventure – A safari is probably the most adventurous holiday you’ll ever embark on.  You could get up close and personal with a huge number of exotic and dangerous animals.   When else might you spot a lion sunning itself on a rock or stalking a gazelle? Imagine riding in to your camp on the back of an elephant, undetected by local wildlife which goes about its business naturally with you observing to your heart’s content.  You could also reserve a couple of days for exploring on your own away from the big game parks.
2. Variety – Safaris will get you visiting a huge variety of places you might not travel to yourself in one trip.  You can travel up and down the country if you stay long enough, choosing from a lovely range of safari lodges, eco resorts, and even luxury camps.  Africa’s different countries vary wildly in climate and you might find yourself travelling through rainforest one day and the desert the next.  It’s totally worth the experience.
3. Photography – If you love to take pictures, then you can hardly miss out on a safari.  What photographer wouldn’t relish capturing wild animals and exotic plants in their natural environment?  Just imagine the extraordinary landscapes and close-ups you might get from your safari.
4. Romance – If you’re a couple heading away on holiday together, don’t miss out on the opportunity a safari offers for romance.  Having adventures together is always better than having them alone.  Feeling like you’ve risked something – even if you’re totally safe the whole time – will bring you closer together and inspire a little extra urge for romance.
5. Roughing it – If you’d rather sleep on the ground than in a luxury tent, safaris can accommodate that too.  Some people love the idea of roughing it on their holiday, getting off the grid and living without electricity (although I think very few of us are willing to go without running water!).  While the idea of this goes against the luxurious grain of our blog, we know there are plenty of people out there who are eager to experience nature to the fullest.  If that’s you, then a safari would be a dream for your holiday.

The Banyan Tree at Madivaru offers just that, opulent design and décor making The Maldives a perfect luxury holiday destination. A Maldives luxury holiday offers much more than crystal clear waters and endless miles of beach. Banyan Tree Madivaru offers your own dedicated island butler and boatman who are at your disposal 24 hours a day bringing you anything you need no matter how challenging the request. Romantic sunset meals can be arranged by your island host including deserted sandbanks, luxury private yachts or secluded beaches, anything is possible on a Maldives luxury holiday.

Each villa consists of 3 detached tents split into separate living, sleeping and bathing areas each offering exquisite views giving you the most from your luxury holiday. Situated on the North Ari Atoll, the vivid blue lagoon encompasses the island like a tropical halo, with the house reef protecting the tranquil waters from the endless ocean; this allows your luxury holiday to be matched with a luxury location, with the waves gently and rhythmically endeavouring to lap at your feet.

To get more information information on the incredible Banyan Tree visit our luxury tour operator.

Soneva Gili in the Maldives is exactly what I’d prescribe for the perfect week away, the Six Senses resort offers relaxation on a whole new level including world class spa treatments along with exceptional views and tranquil settings. Set on the island of Lankanfushi the resort is the epitome of paradise, offering seclusion and privacy whilst still being a 15 minute boat ride to the capital Male.  A collection of 44 sea villas, Soneva GIli offer exclusivity as standard as soon as you arrive. The lagoon which surrounds the villas are some of the finest in the world with crystal clear water surrounding the resort like a incandescent halo removing the need for swimming pools as there is one on your doorstep.

A luxury Maldives holiday is not complete without meeting the locals, Soneva Gili has first class SCUBA diving areas with one of the most populated reefs in the grounds of the resort, here you can get back to nature seeing teems of wildlife cover the reef from schools of tropical fish to vibrant corals and reef dwellers.

After a morning of fish spotting the dining table is ready and waiting at your villa when you return, the catering and services team are some of the friendliest people you’re ever likely to meet, providing the finest in contemporary cuisine along with first class service and an infamous wine list. The resort grows a wide range of herbs and salad leaves giving an incredible aroma and freshness to every dish, whilst maintaining simple cooking with the finest ingredients.

Together the “hosts” (they are not called staff) provide a world class service creating a decedent ambience to match the surroundings unlike any other, each villa has a personal butler giving you the opportunity to request anything your heart desires and as far as they are aware, no one has been disappointed or left unfulfilled.

Overall a luxury holiday in the Maldives provides you with everything you need to have a perfect break, lifting a finger is practically prohibited giving you the opportunity to relax, put down the mobiles, laptops and PDA’s as these things can wait, the Maldives cannot.