Tongabezi Lodge | Victoria Falls (Zambia)
Welcome to Tongabezi Lodge, our beautiful riverside retreat just 14 km upstream from Victoria Falls. Guests can enjoy an inclusive Livingstone Island Experience, guided by our team, with safe swimming in the iconic Devil’s and Angel’s pools. Each stay features personalised service, including a dedicated butler, meals on a floating sampan, fishing excursions, spa days, and sunset cocktails on a solar-powered dhow. Our accommodations are uniquely designed, ranging from the Tree House with its semi-outdoor bathtub to the luxurious Dog House with a private plunge pool, alongside River Cottages and exclusive Houses. Amenities include two main swimming pools, a fully equipped gym, expansive lawns, an onsite community vegetable garden, and a curio shop. Unique dining experiences, such as private meals beneath lunar rainbows at the Falls, add to the magic, while our innovative bath menu allows guests to customise their soak with eco-friendly products. Guests can also engage in meaningful community and conservation activities, like village tours and rhino walks, because we believe that ethical equals unforgettable.
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Set against the basalt rock bed with a sustainable pine deck entwined amid the branches of three ebonies, the secluded Tree House offers effortless immersion into its riverfront surrounds. A hidden path winds away from the main lodge and along the cliff face to the Tongabezi Tree House. From the Anatolian carpets to the Asian chests and West African artwork, the Tree House enchants the imagination and invokes colourful daydreams. Stunning views of the Zambezi River roll out from every part of this airy, open plan space. The king size bed is enveloped in a large, canopied mosquito net and shares this extensive space with areas for private dining and lounging. The bathroom's crowning glory is the claw-footed bath complemented by riverfront views and the sounds of nature.
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Perched on a large, suspended deck on a cliff overlooking the Zambezi River, the Bird House is an intimate and secluded retreat that celebrates the romance of the wilderness. The Bird House features a king size four poster bed, draped in mosquito netting and has an exquisite bird themed headboard, designed by Lightfoot Zambia. There is a small indoor lounge, with wooden and glass folding doors opening onto a private terrace and plunge pool. Unwind outdoors beside the river from the claw-footed, open-air bathtub covered in bubbles and with a cool, tall drink in hand as the sun sets over the Zambezi. Dine privately by the warm glow of lanterns, before sitting back to stargaze under the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.
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Redefining life on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi's signature African-fusion style has been distilled in our five River Cottages. The Cottages feature high ceilings, giant bespoke wood and glass windows, and doors leading onto expansive sustainable pine decks. The best of 'Made in Zambia' is carried throughout both the interior and outdoor spaces in the most elegant ways. The River Cottages are perfect for the couple dreaming of a romantic and secluded retreat. They can also be booked out by a group that wants to connect with each other, while still enjoying downtime in private.
A boho-chic retreat with all the indulgence and privacy needed to celebrate romance, the Honeymoon House is the original blueprint for laidback luxury Tongabezi accommodation. Blue and white textiles combine with wooden furnishings and a thatched roof to create an intimate space in which to unwind together. The private wooden deck with plunge pool and dining area overlooks the river, making for unforgettable alfresco living. The en-suite bathroom has an indoor shower and open-air bathtub that is made utterly unforgettable by the canopy of stars above and the Zambezi lapping gently below.
The Dog House occupies its own private world at the edge of the Tongabezi garden. Elevated walkways connect the three separate decks that make up your immense Dog House home with the rest of Tongabezi. The house is made up of two bedrooms with a central indoor and outdoor lounge, private plunge pool, dining area and bar. The mighty Zambezi River flows beneath the sustainable pine decking during high water, as the house is raised off the ground to guarantee spectacular views from each window, sofa, bed and bath. The Dog House is a wonderful escape for families and friends who love travel and appreciate being together in nature, but who also want a little space for privacy.
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Set back from the Zambezi River, the Garden House offers a different perspective to the sweeping river views that can still be enjoyed from any of the main lodge decks. This is a secluded home for families and friends that appreciate privacy and space, allowing all members of the group to spread out a little within a safe environment. Rich, earthy-toned textiles and wooden furnishings create inviting shared spaces in the dining room and lounge as well as the private bedrooms, both fully en-suite. Stepping outdoors, a large, covered lounge opens out onto your own garden and plunge pool.
Nut House
A sanctuary hidden within the natural riverine scenery, the Tongabezi Nut House is entirely enclosed yet offers expansive views of the Zambezi River and warm Moroccan lighting throughout. A soft colour palette flows throughout this intimate space, which is open-plan and divided into two levels. The four poster bed sits covered in mosquito netting on the top level, and steps down into an indoor lounge, dining area and separate en-suite bathroom with an inviting claw-foot tub. Folding doors open onto the elevated private river deck and infinity plunge pool, where you can choose to take your meals in complete privacy if you wish.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Airport Shuttle (Available), Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service, Travel Desk
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Viewing, Garden Tours, Gourmet Picnic, Massages, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Adrenaline Activities, Animal Encounters, Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Child Friendly Activities, Cultural Tours, Cycling, Elephant-back Safaris, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, General Sightseeing, Health and Fitness Centre, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Historical Tours, Kayaking / Paddling, Museums, Quad Biking, River Cruises, Safaris, Scenic Flights, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
See one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a trip to Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. Enjoy a guided swim in Devil's or Angel's Pools (water level dependant). You can also experience lunar rainbows, depending on the time of your visit (full moon). Complete your experience with a private moonbow dining experience (upon request) and island lunch (included).
Can you imagine a dining experience more private than having the entire Zambezi River to yourself whilst your food is paddled out to you, one course at a time?
The sampan dinner or early morning breakfast is available throughout the year, apart from during the highest river levels, which are usually from March to June.
A boat cruise at sunset or sunrise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the immersive beauty of the Zambezi, whilst keeping an eye out for wildlife on the river banks.
This is the only wildlife park in the area that provides refuge to white rhinos, which are closely protected by anti-poaching units. While on your game drive, keep an eye out for giraffe, buffalo, waterbuck, impala, wildebeest, zebra and diverse bird life.
All guests are invited to visit, engage with, and learn from the Tongabezi Trust School’s 280 bright, talented students, all of who receive free education and nutritious meals at Tujatane. In fact, if you are only going to do one happy thing during your stay at Tongabezi, we’d suggest it is a tour of this school.
This is one of our signature Tongabezi experiences, and for guests who haven't spent much time researching us online, we keep the Sandbar as a marvellous surprise. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of watching two sunsets -- above and within the water -- with sand in your toes and a drink in your hand.
Safaris can be quite sedentary, so we like to give our guests spaces where they can get moving and keep their energy levels high for their daily adventures. We have a personal trainer onsite daily.
Sit in the shallows of the Tongabezi Rock Pool with a cocktail in hand and the Zambezi River flowing before you, or spend some quality sunshine time by the Tongabezi Lap Pool a little further back from the river.
The Zambezi River, around Victoria Falls, is an excellent spot for both pole and fly fishing. There are over 75 species of freshwater fish in these warm, nutrient-rich waters, although it is usually one specific species that draws fishermen here – the tiger. Revered for their power and fierce set of teeth, landing a tiger fish is no easy task, even for a seasoned angler. Even an unsuccessful fishing outing on the Zambezi is still enjoyable if just for the beautiful scenery and tranquility.
Experience a guided tour with one of our amazing chefs and partake in our Pick Your Plate activity
Come and explore some of our 1,200 hectares of sweet veld, which is rapidly becoming a fully sustainable, organic community-run farm. You can personally compare our sustainable farming techniques with nearby traditional farming methods.
Enjoy a short cycle to meet the friendly people from the Simonga village
A place to learn about Zambia's culture and natural heritage.
The Maramba and Mukuni markets are visited daily by hundreds of people from Livingstone and surrounding areas. They come to buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to chitenge, the bright patterned fabric characteristic of Southern and East African fashion. One of our team will be there to guide you through the marketplace and will be there to help you with buying from vendors if you need.
We have an Air-Conditioned Dining Room with spectacular river views. Choose to sit inside or out (there is ample seating on the deck).
Tongabezi Lodge is the only property in Livingstone that can, and does, offer every guest the opportunity to dine privately. Guests can dine in-room (indoors or out on private decks), on the sampan, on an e-dhow, on a sandbank island, in the hangout, and even at Victoria Falls, under lunar rainbows, as well as enjoy a Livingstone Island lunch when visiting the falls during an inclusive experience. Plus much more...
Your Stay
2 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Wilderness Shumba | Northern Kafue
Kafue is vast, remote and utterly wild – with Wilderness Shumba as the perfect camp from which to explore it. Several overlapping pride territories meet here at the "lion’s camp". Panoramic floodplain views are dotted with herds of puku and lechwe, and occasional stands of fig and palm trees. The lions themselves sometimes use these trees as vantage points.
The most luxurious accommodation in Kafue, Wilderness Shumba is open during the dry season each year. It comprises six luxury guest tents (including a family room). Game drives are perfectly complemented by seasonal boating.
INSIDER'S TIP: One of the wildest, most pristine places on Earth. For the abundance and diversity of wildlife, renowned as "the Plains of Plenty".
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Each large and well-appointed en-suite tent features an inviting separate seating area, and an outdoor shower, open to the sky, all offering spectacular views of the surrounding plains.
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There is one spacious family room which sleeps four comfortably. Consisting of one large room separated by a screen to make a main and a second bedroom, each has two three-quarter beds. The shared en-suite facilities include indoor and outdoor showers, and a double basin vanity, as well as separate toilet.
Property Facilities
Bar, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Game Drives, Massages, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
On game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guests may catch sight of the celebrated lion prides of the Busanga Plains, including other predators such as cheetah and wild dogs – plus scores of plains game such as puku, red lechwe, buffalo and wildebeest; perhaps even the rare roan antelope feeding on the fertile grasses.
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Led by a knowledgeable guide, interpretive night drives offer a glimpse into Busanga Plains’ unique, nocturnal world. A diverse range of species may be seen at night, including genet, civet, owls and occasionally the elusive leopard.
Early on in the season, the Busanga Plains are still largely covered by water allowing for exploration of the channels and their life by boat.
* Water levels permitting and mostly at the beginning of the season.
Boasting hundreds of species, including the range restricted Fülleborn's Longclaw, birding enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice on a specialist birding safari. The area is alive with rollers, bee-eaters, kingfishers, herons and large flocks of storks, to name a few.
* Seasonal Activity
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 6
Chiawa Safaris - Puku Ridge | South Luangwa National Park
Puku Ridge is named after the Puku antelope that graze the floodplains in its view, is perched on a ridge in a remote part of the South Luangwa National Park at one of its most beautiful locations. The camp was rebuilt completely in 2019 in an African canvas/chic style that blends in completely with its gorgeous environment. This is a luxury camp with every comfort yet is intimate and friendly with just eight tents, offering the authentic safari experience that many people long for.
The Park is abundant with elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, wild dogs, buffalos, zebras and various antelope species – many of which will be easily spotted as you lounge on your balcony or eat dinner. This stunning area can also be explored on foot with park rangers and tracking guides, and at night offering a chance to see some of the more elusive animals, such as leopards, genets, and honey badgers. Sunset is a perfect time to enjoy a cocktail in the bush, or on the banks of the Luangwa River in the company of one of Africa's largest hippo populations.
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Puku Ridge Camp
Virtual Tour of Puku Ridge, South Luangwa National Park
Puku Ridge Rooms
8 identical rooms comprising of canvas, thatch and decking all overlooking the beautiful Puku Ridge floodplain and its seemingly endless parade of wildlife.
All rooms have super-king beds draped in mosquito nets that can be separated into generous 3/4 single beds, lounge area, tea/coffee/minibar, air conditioning, overhead fans, bath, his & hers washbasins, his & hers wardrobes, indoor & outdoor shower, plunge pool, sweeping, curved decks and star/day bed tower.
Property Facilities
Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Safaris
Lions and leopards are often seen in the area around the camp, as are buffalo, giraffe, zebra and elephant. For big game like this, guests really need a vehicle to get up close and here in the South Luangwa, travellers have the privilege of going on game drives at night. Guests are always amazed how much can be seen when they go down to the river for sundowner cocktails before leisurely driving back to camp. Bush babies in the trees stand out with their enormous eyes, puku and impala scarcely notice as vehicles pass by. Guests often see hyena and leopard in the early evenings and are able to get very close in Puku Ridges' specially designed 4 x 4 vehicles. On the open plains below the camp there are always grazing herds of antelope and of course they attract the predators that every guest wants to see.
Also available are night drives which employ Chiawa Safaris' unique, award-nominated spotlight protocol, where a red filtered spotlight is used to find and watch the nocturnal action, and a diffuse filtered spotlight is used to help with the photography, ensuring that night drives are low impact on the wildlife which rewards our guests with more natural behavior and better wildlife sightings.
Walking is the best way to see the bush around Puku Ridge Camp. The South Luangwa is home of the walking safari and it remains the best way to experience the sights and sounds of the bush. Puku Ridge's experienced guides love showing guests the indicators of the wild, 'rewinding' the action of the last few hours from just a few small give away signs. See where an elephant stopped to browse, where a leopard scratched a tree or a pangolin rolled into a ball. Accompanied by an armed game scout and taking careful note of the wind to mask any scent. There's nothing like seeing lion tracks or the giant footprint of an elephant to make guests relish the comforts of camp. The area is home to 60 mammals and over 400 bird species, making it one of the top birding destinations in the world.
Puku Ridge Dining
Although not yet operational for even a season Puku Ridge has quickly earned its reputation for some of the best dining in the entire South Luangwa, if not in Zambia. Some guests have remarked that the meals are better than they have received in Michelin starred restaurants ...
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
5 Stars
Camp
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
African Bush Camps Lolebezi | Lower Zambezi
Lolebezi is on the banks of the Zambezi River within Zambia's Lower Zambezi National Park. Canoeing, fishing, game drives, & walking safaris. Known for elephant herds, wild dogs, & leopards.
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There are four luxury signature suites available. Each suite has a private plunge pool, perfect for whiling away the hot African afternoons, G&T in hand, watching the great river flow slowly past.
There are two double luxury family suites available. Each suite has a private plunge pool, perfect for whiling away the hot African afternoons, G&T in hand, watching the great river flow slowly past.
Every private suite is complete with a sumptuous bathtub and a serene plunge pool, each offering breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. With marble vanities, indoor and outdoor showers, and lavish Kingsize beds, the blend of comfort and luxury is unparalleled.
Two bedrooms with adjoining walkway and private plunge pool. With marble vanities, indoor and outdoor showers, and lavish Kingsize beds, the blend of comfort and luxury is unparalleled.
Exclusive use of the villa with a private lounge, Tsala and deck area. A private vehicle and guide are included. Every private suite is complete with a sumptuous bathtub and a serene plunge pool, each offering breathtaking views of the Zambezi River. With marble vanities, indoor and outdoor showers, and lavish Kingsize beds, the blend of comfort and luxury is unparalleled.
Property Facilities
Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Pool, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Clothes Press, Detached Private Bathroom, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mini Bar, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Private Pool / Jacuzzi, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Massages, Practice Green, Safaris, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Your Stay
3 Nights
Full Board Plus - Dinner, Bed, Breakfast, Lunch and Activities
All Local Brands (Spirits, Wine and Beers) Included
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 6
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Wildlife, Wine
