The Elephant Camp West

The camp's communal area – a large open-plan tent propped and draped romantically on a wooden deck – has sliding glass doors that allow you views of the falls in the distance. (Stay closer to the cascade at your peril – the noise is indescribable.) The ambience is serene, with a chorus of birdsong, dappled shade from old-growth trees, and plenty of fresh air. Inside, the cushioned lounge has several seating areas, and there's a dining area and small bar.

Four spacious tented suites beneath the canopy accommodate four families in comfort, with a four-poster bed for the adults, sleeper couches for the children, a richly dressed lounge, and a spacious bathroom complete with a deep bathtub perched beside the window. All have private decks and personal plunge pools (perfect for hot African afternoons), and dramatic views of the landscape and the mist cloud that hovers above the Victoria Falls rainforest.

Victoria Falls' inexhaustible list of activities includes river cruises, bungee jumping, gorge swinging, a dip in Devil's Pool (on the lip of the falls), or a helicopter flight above it all. Included in your stay are guided visits to local villages, Victoria Falls National Park (for views from the opposite gorge), the Batoka Gorge, and the reserve, which is home to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust. Do visit this research/conservation/wildlife rehabilitation centre if you care about making a difference yourself.