Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara

The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara stands directly on the Zambezi River approximately 200 metres from Victoria Falls, with the hotel's private entrance gate opening onto Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the main cascade viewpoints reachable on foot within 20 minutes. The property occupies a prime stretch of riverfront on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road in Livingstone, making it the closest five-star address to one of the world's most visited natural landmarks. Built in a grand colonial style with wide covered verandas, pitched thatched rooflines, and cream-washed facades, the hotel blends Victorian-era architectural scale with contemporary African interior décor — rattan furniture, locally woven textiles, carved wooden panels, and bronze wildlife sculptures punctuate the public areas. Zebras, giraffes, and various antelope from the adjacent national park wander the landscaped lawns freely throughout the day; this resident wildlife presence is a defining characteristic found at no other hotel in the region. The 173 rooms and suites span Lodge and Riverview categories, all with butler service. Riverview rooms open onto private balconies with unobstructed Zambezi sightlines; Royal Suites add separate living areas, oversized soaking tubs, and premium minibars. Dining centres on The Royal Livingstone Restaurant, an open-sided pavilion cantilevered above the river where the menu blends Continental technique with African ingredients. Breakfast is a highlight — a hot buffet with à la carte eggs and river views that attract even non-staying visitors. The Sundeck Bar draws guests each evening as hippos surface below and the falls spray catches the sunset light. The spa operates from dedicated treatment rooms with Zambezi-facing relaxation areas. An infinity pool faces the river directly. The activity desk coordinates helicopter flights over the falls, white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and mokoro canoe excursions with vetted third-party operators, and the concierge team can arrange private sandbank dinners in the dry season. The hotel is most suited to honeymoons, anniversaries, and aspirational leisure travel rather than large conference groups.