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At Royal Livingstone, Edward Minyoyi’s stories cascade just as spectacularly as the falls.
BY PAUL WILSON
Wildlife wandering the gardens at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
When you take in the sights at Victoria Falls, you enjoy some of the most spectacular views on Earth, but using your ears is equally important.
“LISTENING IS EVERYTHING,”
Says Edward Minyoyi, known to all as the ‘storyteller of Victoria Falls.’ The magnificent waterfall on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe is merely steps away from The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara, where Minyoyi works as a Guest Relations Officer. “When you talk and listen together, that is how you come to understand new things. I am proud to tell people what life is like here. I have lived my life in this place.”
Edward Minyoyi welcomes guests at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
FROM THE LOZI TRIBE
In western Zambia (the hotel is at the country’s southern tip), Minyoyi speaks nine languages and brings the history, culture and magic of his country to life through his stories. He is often the first person that The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel guests meet, and remains with them in their memories long after they leave.
“People arrive here and say, ‘Where’s Edward?’ Their friends have told them about me and the hotel, and then they come to stay. If people have a good time here then I’m doing my job.”
Presidential Suite Terrace views at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE
Is the only hotel to directly overlook the majestic falls. Zebras wander its grounds. Watching the magnificent sheet of water cascade at sunset, with a glass of something cold and refreshing, is a true pleasure. “I like to say that being here is a remedy,” Minyoyi says, referring to the healing and restorative powers of the hotel and of the falls. “You feel better about everything.”
The majesty of Victoria Falls
I like to say that being here is a remedy. You feel better about everything.
THE DEVIL’S POOL
Is a natural swimming spot at the lip of the falls, where there is little to no current and a lip of rock that allows people (with a guide, after taking a boat ride) to literally soak in the water next to the sheer edge. Perfectly safe, it is a unique experience that will also leave anyone who takes the plunge with one of their most jaw-dropping holiday photos ever. “I tell everyone they have to do this,” Minyoyi says, “and everyone loves it.” To embrace the full majesty of the falls, he says, take a bus or taxi across the border into Zimbabwe and enjoy the view across the Zambezi River into Zambia.
A river safari at The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
SAILING ALONG THE ZAMBEZI
Is also high on Minyoyi’s must-do list. “Joining a river safari on a boat is a great way to see the Big Five [elephant, lion, buffalo, leopard and rhino], and perhaps the cheetahs, too.” Boats stop upriver at The Elephant Café, Minyoyi’s recommendation for a spot of lunch or dinner.
Also on his list is a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. “But my advice to guests is to go for the longer trip,” he advises. “If you choose the 15-minute ride, it’s over far too quickly and you just fly close to the falls and back to land. A longer ride [there is a 22-minute and a 30-minute option] takes you into the gorges. The views are so good there.” This is the magic of Victoria Falls.
LIVINGSTONE LIFE
“I tell everyone to spend some time in Livingstone,” says Edward Minyoyi. “It is peaceful there.” A 15-minute drive from The Royal Livingstone and 40 minutes from Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls Hotel, the city provides a bustling urban contrast to the natural splendour of Victoria Falls. The first stop on Minyoyi’s must- visit list is the Mukuni Park Curio Market. From there, it’s a short stroll to the Livingstone Museum and Limpo’s Pub & Grill for a drink. “You can walk everywhere and no one will hassle you,” says Minyoyi. The perfect place for a day trip.
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A Legacy of Luxury
A quarter century ago, Anantara Hotels & Resorts began its journey with the opening of its first resort on the shores of Hua Hin, Thailand. Today, its unique brand of authentic luxury can be experienced around the world.
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