Africa, or as it is sometimes called, “The Dark Continent” has long been a place that has captured the Western world’s imagination. It is a land of exotic creatures, beautiful landscapes and was at one point one of the two crown jewels of the British Empire. It has some of the world’s longest rivers and biggest lakes and provides as much excitement when visited as it did when it was explored by great men like Stanley and Livingstone during the Golden Age of exploration. The big question – where to stay when you visit Zimbabwe?
Possibly the most beautiful and popular destination in Africa is Victoria Falls with accommodation readily available for visitors. Victoria Falls is where the mighty Zambezi runs along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and cascades over into a string of six gorges.
Considered the largest waterfall in the world based on height and length and one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is one of the most visited spots in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is named after England’s Queen Victoria.
Where to Stay
The town of Victoria Falls is the jumping off point for tourists who wish to see the actual waterfall as well as for visitors who wish to visit the Zambezi, Mosi-oa-Tunya (translates as The Smoke that Thunders) and of course Victoria Falls national parks.
There are numerous hotels on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls. There are options available that cater to any sort of traveller, from 5-star hotels of which some even feature a casino, to hostels and campgrounds aimed at backpackers.
Spectacular Hotels Near a Wondrous Park
There are several spectacular hotels near the Victoria Falls park itself. These hotels offer not only a luxurious experience with decadent accommodations, but their proximity and view of the park’s wonders can’t be beaten.
The hotels vary in architecture and location. Some are built on a plateau, facing the vast Zambezi National Park. There are lodges built of timber and thatch, resembling large treehouses and offering western-facing views of a wide array of the indigenous fauna that flourish around the large watering hole. In keeping with the reverence for the awesome surroundings, there are also hotels with eco-friendly amenities.
Lodges for the Adventurers
For visitors who are much more adventurous, it is possible to stay within the confines of the Zambezi and Victoria Falls National Parks. Both parks feature self-contained lodges featuring multiple bedrooms and ample communal space to lounge in when not exploring the parks.
These units are located on the banks of the Zambezi river and are a short walk from the actual falls. Built to house up to twelve guests, these lodges are an excellent choice for families or small groups that wish to visit the parks.
Roughing It
There are even spots close to Victoria Falls for travellers who consider themselves to be true outdoorsmen. For the adventure traveller who enjoys fishing, there are several fishing camps located on the Zambezi.
There are also numerous minimum development campsites for vacationers seeking an African experience that closely resembles what British explorers of the 19th century endured.
Wildlife Encounters
Because the lodges and campgrounds are located in national parks famous for their abundant wildlife and aren’t separated from the wildlife by fences, it is likely that guests will encounter all manner of wildlife. The parks are home to the big 5 of Africa: elephants, buffalo, lions, white rhinos and leopards. In addition, there are herds of sable, eland, kudu, impala and zebras that migrate along the river. There are also countless types of birds and primates that inhabit the trees.
A trip to Africa is definitely one of those bucket list experiences that any lover of wildlife will dream of taking. No trip to Sub-Saharan Africa would be complete without a trip to see Victoria Falls and experiencing a traditional safari. Be assured that when you do decide to make that trip of a lifetime, there will be a wide assortment of accommodations available so that you will enjoy your African trip to its fullest.
