Vic Falls Hotel

With dramatic views of the gorges of Zimbabwe’s spectacular Victoria Falls, The Victoria Falls Hotel, built by the British in 1904, was originally conceived as accommodation for workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway) and today it is a famous luxury brand . Now a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Serene Lily ponds, arched loggias and broad verandas – offering magnificent vistas – seem custom-built for a spot of high tea or a relaxed gin and tonic, while a private path leads to the falls, an idyllic 10-minute walk away. Some rooms offer stunning views of the gorges and bridge below.

The history of The Victoria Falls Hotel is incomplete without the reference to the development of the railway system in Zimbabwe. Cecil Rhodes had tasked his friend and colleague Sir Charles Metcalfe with overseeing the development of the railway system and Metcalfe took heed of Rhodes’ dreams of the railway line stretching “from Cape to Cairo,” hence he started plans for the first bridge across the mighty Zambezi. Rhodes was insistent that the bridge should be built in a place that the spray from the falls would fall on the passing trains, which is why the site was chosen just a little below the Boiling Pot, at almost right angles and in very close proximity to the falls.

The Victoria Falls Hotel was built and operated by the railways administration, but in the early 1970s it was leased to the then Southern Sun hotel group, forerunner of today’s African Sun Limited. A significant development in the late 1990s was the involvement in the hotel of another leading Zimbabwean hospitality operation, Meikles Africa Hotels. Today the property itself still belongs to the National Railways of Zimbabwe and there is a shared 50/50 partnership operation between African Sun and Meikles Africa.

RESTAURANT AND BARS
Stanley’s Terrace
Delightful setting for light meals throughout the day. Traditional afternoon tea is served daily, with spectacular views of the Victoria Falls bridge and spray from the Falls below.

Livingstone Room
The legendary Livingstone Room offers a superb 7-course degustation dinner menu or a’ la carte and a Diners Club Gold Award Wine List with a wide choice for all palates and occasions. Recommended Dress code is smart – long sleeved collared shirt and trousers required for gentlemen and no jeans, sandals or sneakers.

Jungle Junction
At Jungle Junction, the Africa Spectacular show is performed nightly and consists of a variety of exciting dances performed by local tribes, giving diners the opportunity to sample the wonder and mystery of African ceremony and culture whilst enjoying a dinner buffet under the stars.

Stanley’s Bar
As the day draws to an end, Stanley’s Bar is the ideal pre-dinner spot for relaxation and reflection whilst sipping on one of our signatory cocktails.