Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara is nature’s best kept secret

Located along the tranquil banks of the Zambezi River, this opulent hotel offers an unparalleled experience where wildlife roams freely in their natural habitat. Glamor Features Editor Thobeka Phanyeko shares her journey to discovering layering.

A journey begins…

I depart the Mother City at 1:10 PM and enjoy a smooth and enjoyable flight experience with Kenya Airways. Landing at Victoria Falls Airport at 17:25, we begin a scenic drive through Zimbabwe en route to Zambia. Located between Zimbabwe, Angola and Botswana, Zambia is a modest country with a population of just over 20 million. Our driver, Chris, warmly introduces us to the region and offers insight into its charm and the hospitable nature of the people there. Crossing the border into Zimbabwe, we meet two friendly officials who kindly grant us a 10-day visa to explore the country, despite our shorter stay. In a few moments we arrived at our destination, eager to begin our adventure.

We spot impalas and giraffes as we drive towards the Royal Livingstone Hotel, surrounded by lush countryside. This idyllic setting becomes nature’s playground, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the unparalleled beauty and serenity of the African wilderness. We disembark to the sound of drums as the staff unload our bags and take them to our rooms before checking us in. Our host, Grace Shonga, warmly welcomes us into the opulent lobby and offers us a refreshing glass of iced tea, a welcome respite after a day of travel.

Within minutes, our dedicated butlers escort us through impeccably manicured gardens to our rooms to prepare for dinner. The 5-star hotel has 3 dining areas; We dined on the Kubu Deck overlooking the Zambezi River and acquainted ourselves with an a la carte menu that fuses local and international cuisine before toasting the stunning view of the African sunset.

A new sunrise…

The tone is set for an extraordinary stay, we adapt comfortably to our surroundings. CEO Laurie Burr shares her enthusiasm for the current state of the tourism industry. “It’s an exciting time,” she gushes, mentioning Minor Hotels’ recent expansion, including the acquisition of the Hilton, its inaugural property in South Africa. She shares optimistic plans for further expansion in Rwanda and Namibia. These developments paint a promising picture, especially in light of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Reflecting on this, she sees a surprising rebound in African tourism after the pandemic, suggesting a new interest in traveling to the continent. “Figures have increased since 2021 and we have recently welcomed Flysafair to Livingstone.”

So what draws tourists to this corner of the world? “People come here to fish, and the thrill-seeker’s paradise is a big draw. It’s seen as a mix of leisure, adventure and rejuvenation,” he continued. Considering Livingstone is quite a picturesque destination, it’s no surprise that people like to explore it on foot. Victoria Falls, part of the Zambezi, just a stone’s throw from the hotel, beckons explorers. “People also love to go to the bottom of the gorge to see this majestic splendor from the other side.” It’s my first time in Zambia, so I’m excited to explore this beautiful country. The evening comes to an end and at dawn an exciting itinerary awaits us.

Wandering through the terrain of nature…

I wake up with the sun and am greeted by the sight of zebras grazing along the bank of the Zambezi River. A sight to behold! I decide to take a walk to soak in the lush greenery and as I get closer to the river I see a rainbow arching over Victoria Falls. I enjoy the lovely moment before returning to my room to prepare for breakfast at the Old Rift Restaurant. The menu features a delicious variety of options, from classic dishes to traditional continental breakfasts.

The impressive view of the falls inspires us to embark on a peaceful walk towards them, giving us an intimate encounter with the seventh wonder of the world, an experience that leaves us completely hypnotized. The thunderous roar of water crashing against rocks reaffirms that we are exactly where we belong.

After fully immersing ourselves in the experience, we returned to the hotel for a rejuvenating full-body massage at Anantara Spa, with a picturesque view of the river. The spa treatment proves to be just what the body needs and puts me into a state of deep relaxation, completely at ease.

As my wonderful massage concludes, I realize it’s time for lunch. I head to the restaurant, where chefs eagerly wait to guide us on a culinary journey along the Zambezi. We are treated to a delicious cooking class, courtesy of Spice Spoons, where we delve into the rich flavors and cultural traditions of village life, gaining an insight into the essence of local cuisine. We prepared a feast with Kudu and the Zambian version of pap, complemented by delicious pumpkin fritters for dessert. With glasses raised, we toast to a day full of memorable experiences before embarking on a Sunset River Cruise….

Navigating Serenity…

During the cruise aboard the Princess Anne we delve into its rich historical narrative. “In October 1964, a new government came to power, marking the transition of Northern Rhodesia to the independent state now recognized as the Republic of Zambia.” Our guide explains further the origins of the town of Livingstone, attributing its establishment to the proximity of Victoria Falls, which is located just 10 km to the north. The town’s emblematic sign was strategically selected based on its geographical importance. With this in mind, we explored the Zambian seas and enjoyed the sunsets. We headed to the coast in anticipation of our outdoor dining experience. With nature as a stunning backdrop, the service is impeccable and conversation flows effortlessly. Under the twinkling stars, we raise our glasses in a toast before saying goodbye to the night.

An unforgettable experience…

I eagerly embrace the morning, excited for the epic adventure ahead. Livingstone Adventures transports us to live an exciting microflight experience. Although it is the first time I have embarked on such an adventure, any anxiety disappears as the pilot directs my gaze towards the stunning views of Victoria Falls and the majestic gorge sculpted by the Zambezi River through the surrounding terrain along the time. I begin to fully lean into the moment as I realize that I will never have another chance to relive this EPIC FIRST. This moment is all I have, I am completely enveloped by a feeling of gratitude. I am alive!!!

We also indulged in an exciting quad excursion, another unforgettable first that will forever be etched in my memory. As we return to the hotel, I realize that our time in this beautiful country is coming to an end, which evokes mixed emotions. Free time in the pool area allows me to reflect on the day’s events. As I watch the zebras roam freely, I am struck by the desire to preserve this image as the quintessence of my experience in Zambia: freedom intertwined with nature. The sunset takes on a moving meaning and marks the conclusion of this epic journey. It’s not goodbye, it’s later!