THE famous American news magazine, Time, has featured one of the country’s most luxurious boutique hotels in Victoria Falls, Mbano Manor, on its prestigious ‘Annual List of The World’s Greatest Places 2025’.
An ecstatic Martha Nyazema, the founder and owner of Mbano, told the Daily News yesterday that this major recognition was a boon for the hotel, Vic Falls, the local tourism industry and the country.
“We are very excited about this accolade because Time magazine is one of the most recognised and respected news media in the world.
“For us to be considered in their annual list is a great honour. This is not just for us, but also for destinations like Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe as a whole. “And to think that we only opened five years ago, and during Covid-19, makes this honour extra special.
“The accolade is also a testimony to our team and to the market for having faith in us and for trusting in our story,” Nyazema said.
Mbano Manor Hotel employs 34 staff members from surrounding townships in Vic Falls, and offers internships to students at local hospitality and culinary schools. Its 18 elegant suites and one villa are harmoniously incorporated into the surrounding four-acre teak forest — with only two trees removed from the grounds during the construction process.
The hotel offers accommodation that is spacious, with hand-painted tiles, oversized bathtubs and teak furniture. At the hotel’s Terrace restaurant, regional specialties such as mazondo (cow heels) and chomolia (African kale) are prepared using ingredients from Mbano’s garden.
In 2025, Mbano is also slated to add a wellness centre, outdoor Boma dining experience and a viewing platform to soak in the sunrise over the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. The hotel is about 200 metres from Zambezi National Park, and less than a 10-minute drive to the mighty Victoria Falls — one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. — with Time Magazine