Hotel Review
Hotel Review: Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Zambia
This plush hotel is as close as you can get to the Victoria Falls without falling in, writes Paul Ash
LOCATION
Livingstone, Zambia, in one of the world's most enviable locations - a stretch of river bank as close as it is possible to get to the Victoria Falls without actually falling in.
STYLE
There are 212 airconditioned rooms, decorated in a mixture of Zambian and international styles. Go for a room looking into the forest on the river bank - you will be lulled to sleep by the thunder of the falls.
All rooms have satellite TV, a minibar and Wi-Fi.
THE SERVICE
Relaxed - in a good way. The people of Livingstone are generally easygoing and this bonhomie spills over into the hotel.THE EATING
Resort-style international cuisine, with a nod towards local delicacies in the form of venison - the ultimate organic, free-range meat.
THE 'DO' LIST
See the falls - bonus points if you go in winter when the spectacle is thunderous and you feel the earth shake.
Take a canoe trip on the upper part of the river, do a sunset cruise to see the hippos and crocs and - if you're there on a Wednesday or Saturday - ride the beautiful steam-hauled dinner train to the famous bridge over the Batoka Gorge.
BEST TIME TO GO
Winter is best for tolerable temperatures, no mosquitoes and the sound of the river falling 100m over the falls at full spate.RATES
From R3,825 per room per night, including breakfast, and R3,951 per night for a family room sleeping two adults and two children.
BOOKING
Call +27-10-003-8977, e-mail reservations.africa@minorhotels.com or see minorhotels.com/en/avani/victoria-falls.
• Ash was a guest of Avani...
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