(Article updated March 2022) The zambezi river separates the two countries and, like a cut in the throat of Africa, suddenly the falls that the natives knew as Mosi-oa-Tunya , 'the smoke that thunders', plunge the river into a deep gap 100 meters deep. It is, without a doubt, one of the most impressive places in the world.
Adjacent to the falls is the Royal Livingstone Hotel. The last reform they did in the hotel achieves an impressive colonial atmosphere. Few sensations are as evocative as taking a gin and tonic at the Livingstone bar watching the African sunset.
Wild gardens of the hotel.
On the terrace, as zebras and giraffes pass by you , a monkey tries to rip off the flower-patterned dress of a tourist who doesn't know that at these latitudes you can't bring drawings that look like food. The sound of hippos frolicking in the water puts you right where you are . I doubt Livingstone had any of these comforts, but he sure felt privileged in this unique place in the world.
The hotel pool, very close to the falls.
A personal tip: Boats depart from the hotel pier to reach the island in the middle of the falls. From there you can walk and swim to one of those points that will mark you for the rest of your life: devil's pool , a small natural pool that forms right on the edge. From September to December you can swim 20 centimeters from the waterfall and a 100-meter waterfall . Something awesome.
Terrace of the Royal Livingstone with views of the falls.
Be careful with the minnows that are nibbling your legs. They are not dangerous but they tickle.
Livingstone went down in media history, more than for his explorations in Africa, for that famous phrase. Its author was Henry Stanley, who in 1871 found Livingstone living on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
Devil's Pool.
The Royal Geographical Society reported the missionary explorer as missing and the New York Herald newspaper commissioned a relief expedition. When he finally found him, Stanley uttered a mythical and ironic phrase "Dr. Livingstone, I suppose."