Wilderness Toka Leya

Highlights

• Tranquil safari camp on the mighty Zambezi River, optimally situated to explore Victoria Falls and the adrenaline-activity hub of Livingstone. 
• Explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park from boat cruises and game drives; go catch-and-release fishing; take a fascinating back-of-house tour to find out more about our pioneering sustainability initiatives; indulge in a sublime relaxation treatment at the camp's scenic riverside spa.
• Tracking white rhinos on foot is an unforgettable wildlife encounter in this, Zambia’s smallest national park.
• Spot hippos, crocodiles, elephants and buffalos, and a dazzling array of birds, including specials like the African finfoot and African skimmer. 

Destination: Wilderness Toka Leya is an elegant riverside camp that invites total relaxation, and adventure, in equal measure. Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands, it is a serene wildlife sanctuary and a superb base for guests to explore the rich wildlife in and on the water, and on land. It’s also just a short drive from one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World – the Victoria Falls.
At almost 2 kilometres wide, the Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The river plunges dramatically more than 100 metres into the Batoka Gorge, raising an iridescent mist that can be seen from as far as 20 kilometres away – hence its local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya – The Smoke that Thunders.

Place: Overlooking the mighty Zambezi River and some of its islands, Wilderness Toka Leya is the ideal combination of relaxation and adventure. Game drives and river cruises can be followed by a therapeutic treatment at our spa; tours of Victoria Falls, a nearby rural village and Livingstone town add cultural and historical diversity. Fishing, rhino tracking and plenty of adrenaline-filled activities add excitement to the experience.

Experience: Guests are spoilt for choice at this delightful safari camp. A day could start with an early morning game drive with one of our knowledgeable guides, spotting elephants, buffalo and a dazzling number of birds. Head back to camp for a glorious swim in the infinity pool overlooking the river, relax over a delicious riverside lunch followed by an afternoon siesta or a therapeutic treatment at the spa. Later, embark on an afternoon river cruise scouting for hippos and crocodiles, and a superb array of birdlife.  

A back-of-house tour is a must-do – visit the tree nursery and wormery, then plant a tree to contribute to Toka Leya’s impactful reforestation initiative.

Tracking white rhinos* of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and catch-and-release fishing* for thrilling tigerfish and other Zambezi specials are also just two more of the in-camp activities on offer.

Day tour to the majestic Victoria Falls, as well as an introduction to Zambian culture through a rural village visit and exploration of Livingstone area. Bungee jumping, white-water rafting, ziplining, and helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls round out these unforgettable Zambezi experiences.

* Please note these activities are at an additional cost.

Purpose: Thanks to our tree-planting project, pioneering energy-saving systems and recycling initiatives, this formerly degraded site has been rehabilitated to become a lush riverine woodland once more. We (guests too) continue to plant trees, including donating saplings to renew other sites in Zambia. We take enormous pride in the community partnerships we have created here.

Wildlife: Wilderness Toka Leya overlooks the mighty Zambezi River, where hippos, crocodiles, and elephants are regularly seen, as well as an impressive diversity of birdlife. As it is centrally located in Mosi-oa-Tunya Park, guests can look forward to spotting iconic African animals such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and white rhino. The occasional small predator may be seen as well. Several sought-after bird species are found, including African finfoot, half-collared kingfisher, African skimmer (seasonal), Schalow's turaco, and rock pratincole (seasonal).

Wlderness Toka Leya: The camp is the perfect place to start, or end, your African safari. The interior design draws inspiration from the waters, wildlife and tranquillity of the Zambezi, as reflected in the design and furnishings. The colour palette and numerous décor pieces were chosen specifically to embrace Wilderness Toka Leya’s natural and cultural heritage.

Bespoke décor pieces influenced by the natural beauty of the Zambezi can be found throughout the camp, paying homage to the local community. These include Zambian basket light fittings boldly featured in the serene lounge and dining areas. The bar is clad in vibrant fabric featuring a bespoke Zambezi fish design, and is the ideal setting for watching the sun set in a glorious blaze reflected in the river.

Beanbags add a splash of colour and fun on the riverside beach, and offer the ultimate spot to unwind, right on the water’s edge.

Toka Leya’s sparkling infinity pool invites deep relaxation, while the spacious sundeck doubles as a romantic private dining venue. The convivial fire deck for night-time gatherings completes a well-rounded guest experience.