The Radisson Hotel group has opened its first safari resort in Africa, Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort.

This is a key step toward the group’s goal of reaching 150 properties in operation and under development in Africa by 2025, according to Tim Cordon, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group.

“Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia represents a unique destination for our guests to discover and explore. This hotel is our second property in Zambia following the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, with a third hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres, due to open this year,” he said.

The 200-room resort is near the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, two kilometres south of the historic city of Livingstone, and four kilometres northwest of the famous Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a celebrated Unesco World Heritage Site.

Cordon said the resort would operate with the greatest respect to one of the world’s largest waterfalls and habitat for several unique species of plants and animals.

The building has obtained a prestigious EDGE green building certification because of the hotel’s 20% increase in energy efficiency, water reduction and use of sustainable building materials compared with other similar properties in the region.

The resort has signed the Unesco Sustainable Tourism Pledge, aligned with Radisson Hotel Group’s award-winning and globally recognised Responsible Business programme.

Facilities include an all-day-dining restaurant, the Shungu Bar and Lounge, the viewing deck and the pool bar overlooking the Zambezi River.

The resort also offers a fitness centre, spa and swimming pools as well as an outdoor boma and fire pit. A ballroom of over 500sqm, boardrooms, and meeting rooms add to the leisure and business offering.

Activities include a river cruise and off-the-river adventure excursions, from Victoria Falls Bridge activities to helicopter rides, water rafting, canoeing, game drives, and many more.

Resort GM, Shaun Wheeler, said: “I am thrilled to lead the team after opening this magnificent property, which allows us to offer visitors memorable moments and exciting experiences such as discovering one of the Seven Wonders of the World (The Victoria Falls), which is a short distance from the hotel.”