Within the sound, and the spray of the might Victoria Falls is the small Zimbabwean town which bears the same name – Victoria Falls. Lying on the southern bank of the Zambezi River at the western end of Victoria Falls it is separated from the Zambian city of Livingstone a few miles away by the iconic bridge which spans the Falls. Surrounding the town are three national parks – the Zambezi, Mosi-oa-Tunya and Victoria Falls National Parks. Wildlife, especially vervet monkeys, and even the occasional elephant stroll through the streets – and standing 3.2m high, and weighing up to 8 tons, elephants always have right of way.

There is evidence that this area has been lived in since the Stone Age. The Falls themselves found international fame thanks to Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone. But it wasn’t until 1901 that an actual town began and that was only because there were discussion taking place over the possibility of using the Falls as a source of hydro-electric power.

Despite being over 120 years old and being the city that hosts one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, as well as the principal tourism centre for the Victoria Falls, the town still has a small population.

The town grew when the railway from Bulawayo arrived and the Victoria Falls bridge was opened in 1905 as part of Cecil John Rhodes’ planned Cape-to-Cairo route.

It’s from this bridge, the Falls, and the surrounding National Parks that the town has become the launching-off point for those who have come to marvel at the wonder of the thunderous fall of water – the greatest in the world, or to raft or kayak along some of the best Class 5 rapids on Earth, zip-line, gorge swing or even bungie-jump from the bridge. The adventure sport industry is one of the town’s main tourist attractions. The little town is also known for its craft beer, craft markets and the surrounding stunning natural beauty.

At the edge of the small town, amid shady trees, green lawns, and with views over the Bakota Gorge, stands the famous and historic Victoria Falls Hotel, with its old-world charm and elegance reminiscent of a by-gone era. It is Zimbabwe’s grandest and oldest luxury hotel. Internationally trained chefs and a variety of dining options will gladden the heart of any food connoisseur. If you can’t stay for dinner, then afternoon tea here is a must.