Waterberry Zambezi Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Waterberry’s scenic position on the banks of the Zambezi, with excellent accommodation and outstanding service, makes it the perfect base for a visit to Victoria Falls while escaping the busy town.
Guests can choose between three different accommodation options – bright, individual rooms in the 7-room lodge, a private safari house or a luxury tented woodland site.
Waterberry Lodge on the Zambezi riverbank has spacious sun and dining terraces, a lounge to enjoy the panoramic views, and magnificent gardens with individual cottages dotted around the lawns and along the river. An inviting swimming pool is surrounded by rockery gardens.
The River Farmhouse is a private riverside safari house sleeping up to 10, with magnificent views across the infinity pool to the Zambezi and the national park opposite.
The Woodlands Forest Tents set in the shady woods of the conservation area are perfect for birdwatching and relaxing in the peaceful wild.
An international Zambian, German and British team run this independently owned lodge and Waterberry is a proud community partner. Guests are able to witness rural Zambian life first hand, and see how tourism is genuinely giving back with schools, a farming cooperative and adult skills centre.
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Rooms
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Facilities
Activities and Services
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge seen from the riverAlmost hidden amongst the trees, the beautiful riverside setting for Waterberry Lodge
Waterberry - the restaurant deck overlooking the ZambeziWaterberry - Informal lunchtime on the restaurant deck overlooking the Zambezi.
Waterberry dining terraceWaterberry - Good food is so important, all special diet requests are discussed on booking and on arrival.
Waterberry Lodge swimming poolWaterberry - The pool set amongst the lawns and beautiful gardens surrounded by sun loungers
Waterberry - lounge/dining terrace and upstairs viewing loungeWaterberry - Dine, lounge or rest overlooking the Zambezi
Waterberry Rooms Heron and JacanaWaterberry - Cottages surrounded by lawns and gardens overlooking the private dam
Waterberry Upstairs Viewing LoungeWaterberry - The upstairs viewing lounge with fantastic views over the Zambezi
Waterberry - Wagtail and Sunbird Cottages Waterberry rooms surrounded by trees and lawns and overlooking the private dam
Waterberry lawnsThe lodge lawn overlooks the Zambezi and the national park beyond
Inside the Woodlands tents at WaterberryLuxury safari tents in the Waterberry private conservation area. Superking bed, seating area with sofa and desk, bar fridge and tea and coffee station, thatched shower room extension with shower, basin, dressing area, storage.
The Woodlands tents in the Waterberry conservation areaThe Woodlands - Luxurious classic safari tent in the beautiful gardens and conservation area at Waterberry.
The Woodlands LoungeExclusively for Woodlanders and friends - lounge and dining area
The Waterberry cottages are set around lawns, gardens and the Zambezi riverbank. Named after birds found around the lodge, these are lovely cool rooms open to the high thatch. All have private terraces and are en-suite with air conditioning, ceiling fan, mosquito nets, private terrace, inside and outside lounge seating, wifi, toiletries, hairdryer, gowns, water, hand sanitiser. Private dining on the terrace is available on request.
The versatile cottages are doubles, twins or triples with one two-storey family house that is particularly good for families.
Originally set up for birders, The Woodlands proved so popular that the tents are now available to those wanting to be in the wild without sacrificing comfort and luxury.
The three 40m2 safari tents are furnished as doubles or twins, with lounge seating inside and out, plenty of space for clothes and luggage, a private veranda garden, a separate dressing room with hanging and shelves, and en suite shower room.
Guests enjoy breakfast at The Woodlands either at their tent or on the central dining veranda. Other meals are served in the Waterberry restaurant, a couple of hundred metres walk away along sandy paths round the private dam, the swimming pool and other lodge facilities are also for Woodlanders. Private dining can be arranged at The Woodlsnds on request.
There is a permanent waiter/groundsman/guard in attendance.
The Woodland is also available for exclusive use for a minimum of 4 guests.
A private, fully serviced house for exclusive use by groups of family or friends, River Farmhouse has three ensuite bedrooms and one two-bedrooms suite.
South and East doubles have a river view, French windows opening onto the terrace and en suite bath/shower rooms. North is a two-bedroom suite with views over the gardens, West is a double/twin overlooking the gardens, with an en suite shower room. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and air conditioning.
The lounge has comfortable sofas and chairs with amazing views over the terrace, pool and river to the game park beyond. There’s a fireplace for cold evenings and air conditioning for warm ones. In the kitchen off the lounge chef and kitchen team prepare meals to serve inside or outside depending on the weather and guest preference.
On the shady terrace guests can dine, relax and stay cool out of the hot sunshine or warm up with braziers on cold evenings.
The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond whre elephants and game often come to the river to drink.
And for people who just can’t bear to leave the world behind there’s wifi – for downloading great birding, stargazing and other apps to help you make the most of what you see.
With seven thatched cottages set in beautiful gardens or along the riverbank, Waterberry is famous for good service, great foot and the very best of Zambian hospitality.
Each thatched cottage is different. All are en suite with a private terrace and inside lounge seating. Furnished in clean colorful style, with huge comfortable beds made by our local craftsmen, each room has air conditioning, ceiling fan and electric blankets for cold nights and a safe for personal belongings.
The en suite shower rooms are stocked with toiletries, bathrobes and a hair dryer,
The rooms have a mix of double, twin and triple beds with one family unit (Owl House) having two en suite bedrooms and a lounge.
The central dining area has sundecks overlooking the Zambezi, and a shady upstairs lounge.
A swimming pool is in the middle of the beautiful gardens and guests can walk around the marked paths beside the private lake.
THE RIVER FARMHOUSE - 1 private safari house with 4 bedrooms sleeping 8-10
A private, fully serviced house for exclusive use by groups of family or friends, River Farmhouse has four bedrooms, two doubles and two doubles/twins with the option of extra guests in the lounge annexe.
South and East doubles have a river view, French windows opening onto the terrace and en suite bath/shower rooms. North and West doubles/twins have en suite shower rooms overlooking the gardens. All bedrooms have ceiling fans, mosquito nets and air conditioning.
The L-shaped lounge has comfortable sofas and chairs with amazing views over the terrace, pool and river to the game park beyond. There’s a fireplace for cold evenings and air conditioning for warm ones. In the kitchen off the lounge chef prepares meals to serve inside or outside depending on the weather and guest preference.
On the shady terrace guests can dine, relax and stay cool out of the hot sunshine or warm up with braziers on cold evenings.
The large infinity pool overlooks the Zambezi and the game park beyond.
And for people who just can’t bear to leave the world behind there’s wifi – for downloading great birding, stargazing and other apps to help you make the most of what you see.
THE WOODLANDS - A FOREST CAMP WITH 3 TENTS
The latest addition to the Waterberry accommodation. Originally set up for birders, The Woodlands proved so popular that the tents are now available to those wanting that special wilderness feeling without sacrificing comfort and luxury.
The three 40m2 safari tents are furnished as doubles or twins, with lounge seating inside and out, plenty of storage for clothes and luggage, a private veranda garden, and a fully en suite bathroom with basin, shower and toilet, a safe for personal belongings and a bar fridge.
Guests enjoy breakfast at The Woodlands either at their tent or on the central dining veranda. Other meals are served in the Waterberry restaurant, a couple of hundred metres walk away along sandy paths round the private dam, the swimming pool and other lodge facilities are also for Woodlanders.
The Woodland has a permanent waiter/groundsman/guard in attendance.
The Woodland is also available for exclusive use as a unit for family and friends wanting to holiday privately with exclusive service.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Disability Services, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Credit Card, Room Service
Nothing beats drifting down the Zambezi at sunset. Listen to the sound of the river settling in for the night. Baboons and monkeys climbing to safe-haven perches high in the trees, flocks of birds heading to their night-time roost. Herds of elephant and buffalo coming down for an evening drink, hippos grunting and splashing around, jostling for the best position in the water. This is what you'll do on your first night at Waterberry - sundowner in one hand, camera in the other. Bliss.
At dawn the Zambezi wakes - completely still with mist rising from the waters, this is a magical time to set out in a small boat with hot water bottle and blankets and hot coffee to see the sun rise as the birds setting out for their daytime feeding grounds.
Our village guide lives in the community and will show guests how rural Zambians lead their lives in this completely noncommercial setting. Followed by curious children guests will see our school and education areas, the village library and the community farm that are part funded by the village walks.
Waterberry's owners have built a school, library and adult education centre, and given land for a community farm opened during the pandemic to help provide food for the village. From a mud and stick classroom in 2009 to recognition of the school as a regional exam centre, the community projects programme is at the heart of Waterberry.
Victoria Falls never ceases to amaze. Flowing over 1.6km of sheer cliff between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the huge body of water changes with every season. High water in the early part of the year floods with absolutely astonishing force, shaking buildings miles away, releasing massive spray and vast double rainbows. In the dry season, from late October until early January, the huge 100m deep canyon is exposed with boiling rapids and views to the fast running cataract on the west side.
Walking the paths around the Falls is an unmatched, awe-inspiring experience. We think everyone should see the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides, because they are very different experiences.
Waterberry's expert bird guides take guests around the 1km Waterberry riverbank and through the wooded areas to see our amazing collection of birds. Keen birders can also visit Mosi O Tunya Park. A dawn cruise on the Zambezi reveals flocks of birds leaving their night time roost and heading for their daytime feeding grounds.
Livingstone was the capital of Zambia at the beginning of the 20th century, and some fascinating architecture remains. In the Museum guests can actually pull out and read David Livingstone's handwritten letters. At Maramba Market local Zambians shop for food, beautiful fabrics and literally everything!
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
4 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English, German
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, History & Culture, Indigenous Culture / Art, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Situated on the western edge of Chobe National Park, Muchenje offers unique, prolific game experiences within this quieter region of the Chobe. Muchenje Safari Lodge provides some of Botswana's finest safari accommodation and combined with unparalleled safari experiences it is ideal for both discerning safari goers and newcomers alike. Owner run, attention to detail is paramount with nothing being too much trouble at Muchenje Safari Lodge.
12 chalets overlook the Chobe Flood plains offering panoramic views of the wide open spaces, iconic in Botswana. An abundance of activities on hand offer guests an opportunity to explore the Chobe or relax and watch the world go by.
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Rooms
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Activities and Services
Restaurants
Sundowners at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordEnjoy Muchenje to yourself on long stay exclusive picnics on the banks of the Chobe.
Game Drives in Western Chobe - MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordEnjoy the quieter western Chobe on the morning and afternoon game drives.
Mokoro Trip - MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordEnjoy the tranquility of this traditional Botswana activity on the shallows of the Western Chobe
Chobe Boat Trip - MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordEnjoy a full day excursion into the Chobe including a boat safari with a picnic lunch.
View from the CottageCredit: James GiffordBeautiful Panoramic views from all the cottages
Muchenje Cottage - Credit: James GiffordStandard cottage with views overlooking the Chobe flood plain
11 Thatched ChaletsCredit: Paul Karnstedt11 Thatched chalets all enjoying panoramic views across the Chobe
Boat trip on the Chobe RiverEnjoy a full day activity which includes a memorable boat trip on the Chobe River with a picnic lunch.
Open DecksCredit: Paul KarnstedtStaggered down the escarpment are decks to relax and enjoy the endless vistas across the Caprivi Strip.
Muchenje LoungeCredit: Paul KarnstedtWith beautiful views across the flood plain through out the camp, the lounge is the perfect place to relax and soak up the Chobe.
Unbeatable game viewingCredit: Paul KarnstedtThe Chobe is popular for a reason - with a wonderful diversity of animals and amazing game concentrations. The Chobe offers an unbeatable game experience.
Boma Dinner at MuchenjeCredit: Paul KarnstedtEnjoying a meal under the African sky is often a magical highlight for our guests
Main Area - Swimming poolCredit: Paul Karnstedt Cool off in the swimming pool overlooking the Chobe Flood Plains
Chobe to yourselfCredit: Paul KarnstedtChobe sundowner
Chalet at nightCredit: Paul KarnsedtChalet at night
Walkways between the roomsCredit: Paul KarnsedtSmooth cement walkways provide ease of access to all chalets
Chalet deck overlooking the Chobe Flood PlainsCredit: Gerben van der Waals Relax on your deck and enjoy the vistas and wildlife on the flood plains below.
Game Drive on the Western AreaCredit: Gerben van der Waals Enjoy the excusive game drive along the western Waterfront
Boat Safari at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordEnjoy the Chobe by boat
Boat Safari at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordWatching the hippo watching you
Enjoy the picnic lunch on the Chobe RiverCredit: James GiffordEnjoy the picnic lunch on the tranquil Chobe
Boat Safari at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordCruising the Chobe waterways looking for birds and animals
Boat Safari at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordWatching whatever animals come to the river to drive
Aerial View of Muchenje and Flood PLainsCredit: James GiffordExpanses of Africa from Muchenje Lodge
Morning coffee at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordEnjoy the view from your private deck as you enjoy a morning coffee
Aerial View of Flood Plains from MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordVIew across the flood waters at Muchenje
Muchenje BathroomCredit: James GiffordBathrooms at Muchenje
Bathrooms at MuchenjeCredit: James GiffordBathroom at Muchenje
2 Beds which can be made up as a Twin or Kingsize , with en-suite bathroom, housing a large walk-in shower, double wash basins, WC. Each room has their own incredible double aspect views of the Chobe River, with private veranda.
Open room, housing a master bedroom, with an upper mezzanine deck that can accommodate two. Walk-in shower with double wash basins, along with a separate bathroom with a bath with bi-fold doors which open out to a private veranda with amazing views.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Library, Meal on Request, Pool, Private Vehicle Available, Restaurant, Secure Parking
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
After breakfast the drive will leave from Muchenje and drive to the Jetty on the Eastern side of the park. Our small private boat will depart at approximately 11.30 and spend 2,5 hours exploring the river. The guides know where the elephants prefer to congregate, drink and cross to Sedudu island, so they are making their way to those areas, but on the way they will explore the banks, trees and pools to show the guests the other wonderful wildlife that frequent the Chobe River. Once the boat finds a suitable crossing or drinking area, the boat rests and the guests enjoy a delicious picnic whilst witnessing the elephants gathering on the banks. Watching these magnificent animals drinking as the boat gently drifts in the currents is something awe inspiring.
The activity returns to the vehicles later and enjoys a slow drive through the park along the river back to the quieter western banks.
Although the full day out is long and dusty, the guests have an amazing opportunity to break the usual safari cycle and get to enjoy a more holistic experience within this amazing region.
Muchenje is a 5 minutes drive from the Ngoma Gate of the Chobe National Park. Game Drives use this gate to enter and explore the Western side of the Chobe River. The drives explore the river road and woodland areas that are adjacent to the river, which host a myriad of species. The Chobe flood plains provide an important food source for thousands of animals during the winter (June - November) and witnessing this prolific wildlife is a safari goers dream!
Along with the immense diversity of species of plains game, is an impressive number of predators that also rely on this prolific game activity. Game Drives along the Chobe are rarely uneventful, and during our winter months is a wildlife extravaganza!
Even if you have witnessed a thousand elephants, there is nothing like seeing them on foot. Morning walks within the Forest Reserve is wonderfully rewarding. in the early mornings, before the African heat arrives, the guides explore the river frontage and open pans within easy reach of the lodge.
An opportunity to be totally aware of what is around you and the great African outdoors.
As we have to leave the Chobe National Park at sunset, we therefore offer fascinating drives after dinner each night. Leaving the lodge at about 9pm the drives venture onto the river road in front of the lodge. Without fences between the park and forest reserve, there is the full array of species to find. But for the hour or so that the night drive is out, the smaller nocturnal animals are often enjoyed - such as porcupine, genet, civet etc.
On a 3 night stay we are able to invite our guests to visit the local village of Muchenje. Here they are introduced to Esther a local granny, who looks after her grandchildren at her homestead. A wonderful opportunity to be introduced to the real heart of Botswana, the rural community that support this peaceful and beautiful country. Esther like many women, look after the children, whilst her children work away from home. Her humble home is an authentically Motswanan, where you are welcome to see what duties are being seen to on the day you visit. Maybe the clay bricks for the new room are drying in the sun, or the older girls are doing the laundry.
The drive then stops off at the local Mabele Primary School (at break time) to visit the inaugural Pack for a Purpose project. Supporting 160 children is a big job, but Muchenje has been proud of its association and important role that it has been dedicated to for the decades that we have been operational.
Available when the flood waters arrive on the Western Floodplains - usually April - December. The mokoro trips depart from infront of Muchenje and explore the shallow channels and plains. A wonderful Botswana expereience, especially if only visiting the Chobe Region and not continuing onto the Okavango
A private and excluisive activity that is vailable for guests during their stay - particularly wonderful if you are staying a many nights and want to arrange the pace of your stay to for a slightly leisurely day - or if you arrive later at Muchenje and still want to explore the area before dinner.
Muchenje
Muchenje Safari Lodge invites their guests to enjoy wholesome healthy home cooked food. Tasty, healthy meals with the freshest ingredients available are enjoyed at Muchenje. To complement the safari experience a hearty breakfast after the early morning game drive. A light but tasty lunch during the course of the day and a delicious dinner on the deck under the African skies!
During a full day out in the Chobe National Park the kitchen prepares a delicious picnic - an unparalleled experience whilst watching hundreds of animals coming to the river to bathe & drink.
Most dietary requirements happily accommodated.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
All Local Brands (excl Spirits) Included
Your Rooms
1x Double Room
Fast Facts
4 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: Afrikaans, Dutch, English
No. Rooms: 12
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Flora, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
RAW Botswana Motswiri Camp | Selinda Reserve
Motswiri Camp, enviably located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway in northern Botswana, offers horseback safaris, walking trails, boating, mekoro, canoeing, fishing and game drive experiences in one of the country’s most exquisite wildlife areas. It is a small, environmentally sustainable camp with five tented suites overlooking the spillway.
The camp is largely solar-powered, and promotes low impact living in this unique and fragile ecosystem supporting an untamed extravagance of animal and birdlife. Each of the timber and canvas tents has en suite bathrooms, comfortable bedrooms, and individual decks with a view.
The team at Motswiri shares many decades of experience running adventurous and eco-friendly safaris with superior attention to detail, friendly service, wholesome and delicious cooking, and expert guiding and wildlife knowledge. Embrace the phenomenal surroundings as you indulge in unforgettable experiences.
The camp operates exclusively on 120 000 acres of this magnificent and world-renowned tract of land. Guests can fly in to Motswiri’s adjacent airstrip from Maun and Kasane, which of course, is an experience in itself. The view from the air during the 40-minute light air transfer is of the scenic jewel-toned Delta waterways.
***Please note that water based activities are seasonal and dependent on water levels***
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Rooms
Facilities
Romantic dining with a viewCredit: Daniel DugmoreRomantic dining with a view
Main Area with Boma Overlooking the Selinda ReserveCredit: Em GatlandMain Area with Boma Overlooking the Selinda Reserve
Tented Camp in the EveningCredit: Em GatlandTented Camp in the Evening
Swimming pool at MotswiriCredit: Daniel DugmoreSwimming pool at Motswiri
The Boma and Campfire AreaCredit: Em GatlandThe Boma and Campfire Area
Swimming Pool at Motswiri CampCredit: Em GatlandSwimming Pool at Motswiri Camp
Has its own self-contained shower, loo and large decked veranda, and can be configured for double bed or twin accommodation. Specially designed family tents.
Five tents are airy, spaced well apart and each has its own self-contained shower, loo and large decked veranda, and can be configured for double bed or twin accommodation.
Has its own self-contained shower, loo and large decked veranda, and can be configured for double bed accommodation.
Property Facilities
Eco Friendly, Laundry Service (Available), Pool, Restaurant