(42 dorm beds, 13 rooms, camping) 216 Mosi-oa-Tunya Rd, PO Box 61170, Livingstone; tel/fax: 03 323432; email: ahorizon@zamnet.zm
Just south of the turn-off to Nakatindi/Kazungula Rd, you can't miss this popular international backpackers' place. Look for the colourful wrought-iron burglar bars shaped like rising suns. Enter through the large gates covered by straw mats, and you come to the reception and lounge with satellite TV and internet facilities (Kw18,000 per hour, residents only). Upstairs, in the main building, are four dorms sleeping six, one sleeping four, a triple room and a separate double room, all sharing toilets and showers. There's also a reading lounge, self-catering kitchen and dining room serving a full English breakfast for less than US$3.50. Behind the main building, you'll find a spacious private garden area shaded by mango trees and coloured with bougainvillea where you can relax in the hammock or go for a dip in the inviting swimming pool surrounded by lawns. Campers on the lawns share toilets and showers, all clean with hot and cold running water. Also in the garden area are eight double en-suite rooms, three twins, a new dormitory wing with two four-bedded rooms and yet another dorm – this one with AC – sleeping six. There is a second communal kitchen (all accessories provided) and shared showers and toilets. Everything is neat and clean, all rooms come with mossie nets, desk fans and bed linen, and showers have both hot and cold running water. Barbecue lunches (US$4 or less) are served poolside daily. Dinner is available at the popular Hippo's restaurant and bar with direct access from the garden. Fawlty Towers is quiet, secure, well run and tremendously convenient for the centre of Livingstone. They offer free transfers to and from Victoria Falls border post and you can avoid paying Zambian entry visas if you book 24 hours in advance.