Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Built of thatch and timber, the lodge rises several levels, giving the impression of a huge open-plan tree house. Guests gather at the waterhole-focused central lodge area for a drink at the bar, a snack on the deck, with its two-tiered pool, or to dine at the award-winning MaKuwa-Kuwa restaurant. From the pool deck, you watch hundreds of vultures gathering at the "vulture restaurant" in front of the waterhole. There's also a gift shop and comfortable lounges in which to chill.

There are 72 air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms, spacious interiors and sliding glass doors that open onto a private balcony and views of the park, bushveld and sunsets so bright you could watch them forever. Some rooms and six suites overlook the waterhole, which make them a hot choice. The furnishings are subtly stylish in soft earthy colours, the mosquito-netted beds are extra length, the wi-fi is free and many rooms have large, eco-friendly rainfall showers (the Lodge Suites also have bathtubs).

There's no shortage of activities. For adrenalin junkies: white-water rafting, a 111-metre bungee jump, river surfing, kayaking, stomach-lurching gorge swings and more. Not appealing? Keep your blood pressure stable on river cruises, safari drives, helicopter rides above the 1,688-metre Victoria Falls, fishing or visiting the plentiful craft markets. (There's a complimentary bus shuttle to town.) Back at the lodge, watch the behaviour of the animals at the waterhole, especially the cavorting elephant herds. The older members drink first, with the youngsters jostling amusingly between their legs.