While the jury’s still out on whether Zambia or Zimbabwe has a better view of the Falls, the river frontage on offer at properties north of the river ensure that the Zambia side is sure to provide an unforgettable ‘on the waterfront’ experience.

Say hello then to the David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, which recently celebrated its grand opening on the banks of the majestic Zambezi.

Explorer Sir David Livingstone, who named the Falls for his Queen, once said: “I am prepared to go anywhere, provided it be forward.”

Admirable words indeed, and perhaps the ethos behind the opening of this wonderful new property right on the banks of the Zambezi. Man of the 77 rooms in the lodge offer wonderful views of the river, and on a clear day you can see the spray rising from ‘Mosi-oa-tunya’ is visible in the distance.

Livingstone’s travels are reflected in the décor too, with colonial English influences sitting deftly alongside shades of gold, ivory and rich wood. Billowing mosquito nets and free-standing baths ensure an ‘Out of Africa’ romance, while ornate screens and furniture from Zanzibar send wafts of the spice trade through the room.

This is Africa though, and the design of the lodge reflects this with rough stone walls, rich wooden furniture and dining under the African sky.

Ah yes, the dining.

The Kalai Restaurant, the lodge’s main dining area, is an upstairs dining room well-sheltered from the violent summer thunderstorms that keep the kilometres of bushveld green and lush. This is where you’ll enjoy dinner and breakfast, served from the interactive buffet by ever-friendly local chefs.

But it’s lunch on the Gwembe Terrace that’s the real highlight though. A wooden deck extending right to the water’s edge, it’s a wonderful way to feel the river while you eat. A buffet spread – which changes daily – is laid out under a giant tree on the lawns, with a wonderful selection of fresh salads, breads and meats to keep you powered up for a day of adventure on the river.

Time to get adventurous

And that is, after all, why most people visit the Falls. Once you’ve been drenched by the spray and taken a few pics it’s time to get adventurous. White-water rafting is a must for any first-time visitor to the Zambezi, or you can take the more sedate option and go canoeing above the Falls.

From water to withering heights, the Falls is famous for its bungee jump, and a zip-line and gorge swing have recently been added to the menu of madness.

If you prefer fur to flying, then there’s the option to interact with elephants, walk with lions or go on a game drive in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Safari par Excellence, one of the top adventure operators at the Falls, has an office in the Lodge to make bookings quick and easy.

At the end of the day though there’s only one place you should end up… on the deck of the Lady Livingstone watching the sunset while cruising the Zambezi. The Lodge’s own cruiser offers daily sunset cruises with the chance to spot elephant, hippo and crocodiles, all the while sipping on an ice-cold G&T.

The Lodge is also home to a Camelot Spa, offering a range of massages, facials and body treatments. Decorated in rich eastern fabrics it’s the perfect place to wind down after another ‘tough’ day in Africa. Facilities include a plunge pool, steam room, hydrotherapy bath and double treatment room. Need some pampering? Sign up for the signature Ukuchina Massage, which offers a traditional Zambian massage, hot compressors with sugar as well as stretching to relieve tension.

Not that there’ll be much tension. After a day on the river either lounging by the pool or getting your adrenalin pumping, a few days in this African escape will feel like weeks away from home. Filled with the aura of exploration, adventure and old-worlde splendour, the David Livingstone Safari Lodge is the perfect base to explore ‘the smoke that thunders’.

For more information, visit www.dlslandspa.com or call 0861 000 333.