Iconic Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls & Safari

Built in 1904 to house workers on Cecil Rhodes's Cape-to-Cairo railway, The Victoria Falls Hotel stood at the edge of the gorge for longer than almost any other building in Zimbabwe. The Edwardian architecture, arched loggias, lily ponds and broad verandas barely shifted in a century. The hotel looks out over the gorge and the Victoria Falls Bridge, with some rooms carrying that view into the bedroom itself. The Livingstone Room sets the tone for dining, an opulent Edwardian space that earned a reputation as one of the finest hotel restaurants on the continent, with both a la carte and table d'hôte menus served beneath chandeliers and high ceilings. Jungle Junction offers a more relaxed alternative, with lavish buffets and nightly traditional entertainment overlooking the gorge. Stanley's Terrace hosts daily afternoon tea, with the spray of the falls drifting up from below. Victoria Falls is within walking distance, while the gorge offers an extraordinary variety of experiences. Helicopter flights reveal the full scale of the falls from above, white-water rafting tackles the Class V rapids of the Batoka Gorge, and sunset cruises drift past hippo pods as golden light settles over the Zambezi. Chobe National Park, known for having one of the highest elephant concentrations in Africa, lies just 88 kilometres away. Insider's Tip: Water volume is at its peak between April and June. The spray is so heavy that a raincoat is worth carrying, but the scale of what you'll see makes it the most dramatic time to be there.

Situated in a large private concession in the heart of the Zambezi Valley’s Mana Pools National Park, Wilderness Ruckomechi looks out from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River. It is a remote, picturesque place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river, the adjacent woodland and the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment. Ten spacious and beautifully decorated en-suite tents, including two family rooms, lie beneath the ana trees, best-beloved of local elephants for their nutritious seeds. The camp's central living space includes an inviting fire pit for pleasant evenings beneath the African night skies. Other unique features include a pool which overlooks a broad sweep of the river, an outdoor “bath with a view” in a secluded, scenic spot, and a romantic Star Bed by a busy waterhole. Open 4x4 vehicles, motorised pontoon boats, canoes and good old safari boots facilitate the wildlife viewing. Wilderness Ruckomechi is open throughout the dry (winter) season. Insider's Tip: A boat cruise along the mighty Zambezi is a wonderful way to see wildlife and waterbirds from a different perspective. For the more adventurous – there’s the option of canoeing along this famous river!

A charming, intimate camp in the south-east of Hwange, Wilderness Little Makalolo features prominently on the mental maps of local wildlife, all drawn to its reliable waterhole. A log-pile hide affords unique, thrilling close-up views of elephants, and habitat diversity ensures year-round wildlife. Activities focus on game drives and morning nature walks. The many waterholes produce amazing sightings, or guests can relax in camp and wait for wildlife to come to them. The six spacious en-suite tents (including a family tent) are only surpassed in the experience stakes by the opportunity to sleep out at the Madison Pan star bed. Insider's Tip: Visit the log-pile hide between game drives to enjoy close up viewing of wildlife at the productive waterhole. Elephants are often the star attraction so make sure you have your camera ready ...