Chiawa Camp | Lower Zambezi National Park
One of Africa's premier and most renowned safari camps, now completely solar. On the banks of the Zambezi River, under the largest grove of Mahogany trees on the Lower Zambezi, the multi-award winning "Best in Africa" Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. A stunning thatched lounge/bar area with an upstairs viewing deck provides one of the best views of the Zambezi.
Indulge in attentive yet unpretentious, personalised service, fabulous cuisine and fantastic "tents" with spectacular views of the Zambezi and its resident wildlife. This family owned and operated camp, the pioneer of tourism in the Lower Zambezi NP, offers unusually varied activities with a choice of game drives, walking, canoeing, boating and angling in the company of Africa's finest guides.
There is also plenty to do and wildlife to see if you just wish to relax in camp with two viewing platforms, two viewing hides, a beautiful pool and sundeck overlooking the Zambezi and for the more energetic, a well equipped functional fitness shack.
Winner - BEST IN AFRICA - Safari Property; Guiding Team;
Winner - BEST IN ZAMBIA - Cuisine; Guiding Team, Location; Romance, Family Safari; Ecologically Responsible
- Information
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
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: 9
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
8 Superior Safari Tents, each with a choice of one king bed or two large single beds with mosquito net/s. Inviso-screening insect-proof safari tents on wooden decks raised above the ground.
- outdoor "bench wallow" plunge pool and waterfall shower
- wifi in all tents but not social areas
- En-suite facilities including roll top ball & claw slipper bath, indoor & outdoor shower and his & hers washbasins.
- 2 x ceiling fans in each and 24/7 lighting/charging (220v with multinational plug points).
- Easy chairs and a dining table on verandas provide the opportunity to enjoy the pristine surroundings.
Chiawa Camp also has a gorgeous pool and fitness shack both overlooking the Zambezi, 2 viewing hides and 2 viewing platforms for the use of all guests.
For more detail & images of the rooms go to Unit / Villa Types.
Tent IX, the Safari Suite, now with air-conditioning, and is ideal for honeymooners, young families or any couple looking for more space, luxury and privacy.
Slightly removed and secluded from the rest of camp with a king bedroom including over-bed air-conditioner, a lounge (that converts attractively into a second bedroom for families), interleading bathroom with ball & claw bath, his and hers washbasins, loo, walk-in shower, all opening onto a massive deck with private dining facilities, more lounge furniture, private pool and gazebo with outdoor shower.
Zambia's most romantic and luxurious sleep out. New in 2023, Chiawa Camp's Star Bed tower takes luxury and romance to new heights, at least 4m anyway.
Bookable in advance for a $400 Rack surcharge..
Combine with a floating dinner for the Star Drift experience for the ultimate special occasion and the most romantic night of your life.
The star bed tower has a sumptuous Queen size bed under mosquito netting, a bath tub, loo, wash basin and mirror. The side tables have red-filtered flashlights to see what's around and a 2-way radio for just in case.
Top tip: the ground floor boasts a superb photographic hide, perfect to just sit and watch whatever wildlife comes down for a drink.
These 6 tents were demolished completely rebuilt for 2020; they have been enlarged, reprinted and spread further apart by moving two rooms, T1 & T2, downstream below the swimming pool area. This has achieved much improved levels of privacy and luxury.
The tents all face the Zambezi River directly and are exceptionally well laid out, they have now been increased in side, have been turned sideways and now have the bathrooms on the side; and a new "bench-wallow" which serves as a refreshing plunge pool in the hotter months and a relaxing area in the cooler months. Each has a super king bed that can be split into two x large singles, all under mosquito nets. They have loo, shower, ball & claw bath and his & hers washbasins, plus a veranda with day bed, arm chairs and outdoor waterfall shower.
Can be configured for 3rd bed or a bunk bed for younger families.
These two tents were rebuilt in 2016 & 2015 respectively, are identical in layout and interior although the design of their outdoor bathrooms differ, TVII's being made of cement and stone at ground level and TVIII's made of timber at deck level.
Both feature king size beds with loo, bath and shower on the side, behind the bed is a changing and luggage area plus his & hers washbasins with through-room views looking at fantastic views.
These tents share similar size and luxe as Tents I-VI however TVII & VIII are further away from the social area of camp making them more private and quiet. For guests with limited mobility or children we recommend TI-VI.
With the most commanding & expansive views of any room in the Lower Zambezi, Chiawa Camp's gorgeous 220 sq meter Safari Suite is for those guests looking for more luxury, space and exclusivity. It has a thatched roof, canvas walls with screen windows (similar in design to our new T7 & T8), a king bedroom, a lounge area (with guest bathroom for families and dinner guests) which will convert easily and attractively into a second bedroom for families, an inter-leading bathroom with indoor shower, indoor loo, his & hers washbasins and bath all with stunning views. These three rooms all open onto a shaded, timber veranda via folding/sliding screen doors to an 18 sq meter swimming pool, outdoor lounge, outdoor dining, gazebo, outdoor shower and private fireplace. The Safari Suite has its own minibar, tea/coffee facilities and of course free wifi. It will be off-grid in that it will be powered entirely by solar although it will have genset back up if needs be. The Safari Suite is available at a 15% supplement although for existing bookings there will be no additional charge. It will also have its own road access, convenient for privately guided game drives. Please note that the minimum age for the Safari Suite has been reduced to 5 years old although, because the minimum age for children at Chiawa Camp remains at 8 years, children younger than 8 years will kindly be refrained from the social areas of camp except when camp is booked on an exclusive use basis.
Property Facilities
Bar, Barbeque Facilities, Battery Charging Facilities, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Library, Pool, Restaurant, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Laundry Service (Complimentary), Meal on Request, Private Vehicle (Available), Room Service
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing Hide, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Gourmet Picnic, High Tea, Kayaking, Natural History Tours, Night Drives, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Child Friendly Activities, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Health and Fitness Centre, Hiking, Historical Tours, Kayaking / Paddling, Natural History Tours, River Cruises, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
This is the safest and most effective way to view big game. Drives are conducted in open 4wd vehicles that have been specially adapted for safari use with comfy seats, pockets to stow your gear and bean bags to steady your camera for those all important photos. Usually departing in the early morning, drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what's seen and the requirements of the guests. In the late afternoon drives set off for an hour or so before stopping at a scenic point for sundowners.
Once the sun has set, night drives commence. Zambia is one of the few countries that permit night drives, perhaps the most interesting of all safari activities.
Using filtered spotlights, which do not interfere with the wellbeing and behaviour of the subject and which make it much easier on your eyes too, this is an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, genet, and also to see some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill or a leopard stalking through the bush. These drives last as long as they need to.
Pioneered in Zambia, bush walks are essentially a "micro-safari". An armed ranger and qualified and experienced pro guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. However elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats, so expect anything at anytime. The pace is leisurely and the duration is determined by guests' requirements – and what is seen on the walk. Typically, a few hours are sufficient.
One of the great aspects of a visit to Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro is the variety of activities offered by virtue of our presence on the Zambezi river.
These are two of the few camps permitted to conduct waterborne safaris within the National Park, and our custom built, motorized pontoons are ideal to take advantage of this.
Enjoy morning or afternoon cruises exploring numerous channels, viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life.
Also on offer are sunset and sundowner cruises, often completed with a night drive back to camp.
Although the Zambezi offers many activities, perhaps it is best known for canoeing.
No where else is there such a combination of breathtaking scenery, varied wildlife and such interesting channels to paddle through.
Six meter long Canadian canoes are used and these trips may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day.
Our most popular canoe safari is 90 minutes long where guests paddle (always downstream!) from the lodge to "Sunset Strip" for sundowners and then a night drive back to Chiawa Camp.
Tranquil yet exciting, these trips can be longer and may drift through the likes of the Waterbuck Island and Chifungulu Channels, an excellent way to enjoy another aspect of the Zambezi River.
Chiawa Camp is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s leading fishing destinations. Recommended by authoritative anglers and in publications such as The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy and Forbes Traveler, expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish (camp record 10.1kg, average 2kg) which are caught on fly or conventional tackle.
Dining at Chiawa Camp
Dining at Chiawa Camp is a culinary experience not to be missed - the varied menus, the paired wines, the presentation, the great company and of course the location. All this changes all the time so prepare to be surprised as well as delighted.
Old Mondoro | Lower Zambezi National Park
Old Mondoro, now completely solar, is set in a grove of Acacia trees that tower above the massive elephant bulls that seem to be constantly feeding on them. On the banks of the Zambezi River in the Lower Zambezi National Park some 35 km downstream from Chiawa Camp this is a beautiful and remote site overlooking a maze of hippo-inhabited islands and channels. With only 5 rooms, 10 beds, Old Mondoro is the Lower Zambezi’s most intimate and private safari camp.
Old Mondoro's setting is exquisite, one of the few safari camps with views in all directions, from one's chair - to the south the spectacular Zambezi river and its islands sprinkled with wildlife, swivel around to face north and see beautiful woodland full of towering trees dwarfing the impalas, waterbuck, buffalo and elephants. A fun addition is Old Mondoro's outdoor "loo with a view" overlooking the Zambezi and its wildlife.
If you wish to be truly immersed in nature but with all the comforts then look no further than Old Mondoro.
- Information
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
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: 5
Special Interests: Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Star Gazing, Wildlife
5 screened-in reed chalets with canvas roofs, left open during the day, and canvas blinds with window screens that are lowered for privacy and security at night. King size beds and mosquito nets facing out onto the Zambezi River. All chalets have 220v lighting power point.
There is a large outdoor stone splash tub and shower, open to the stars overlooking the Zambezi River with hot water 24/7 as well as indoor flushing loos & twin sinks.
Huge private deck enables expansive views and there is a comfortable relaxing area with day beds under the shade to watch the elephants pass only meters from the chalets.
There is also a 6th chalet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms ideal for families and which can also be used for pilots and tour leaders.
A two bedroom suite with two bathrooms and its own camp fire making for an ideal family escape in this, the best of all bush camps, Old Mondoro.
Decorated and equipped identically to the other 5 bush chalets, the two bedroom suite was originally the owners house but after its makeover in 2022 is available for families upon special request.
Chalet 1 looks directly over the Zambezi and is closest to the social area of camp.
Chalet 2 looks over the Zambezi and the mouth of the Old Mondoro lagoon.
Chalets 3 & 4 look over the lagoon with quartering further views of the Zambezi. These two chalets generally see the most wildlife from their rooms as the lagoon attracts much wildlife however some guests prefer the rooms closer to the Zambezi. Others prefer these for the game.
All 4 chalets have a canvas roof, reed and canvas walls, cement floors and 24/7 power for lighting and charging. No WIFI! Each room has an electric fan, en suite indoor loo and washbasin both with views of the Zambezi, and an outdoor shower and outdoor "splash tub" which is a giant bath for two or in the hotter months providing a cooling wallow. Elephants have been known to drink from the bath whilst guests have been cooling off! Water is heated by solar.
This is the owners' house and is available for families.
Just as the other 4 chalets this has a canvas roof, reed and canvas walls, cement floors and 24/7 power for lighting and charging. No WIFI!
However this chalet has 2 bedrooms each with its own entrance and an interleading door.
One bedroom has an electric fan, en suite indoor loo and washbasin both with views of the Zambezi, and an outdoor shower and outdoor "splash tub" which is a giant bath for two or in the hotter months providing a cooling wallow.
The second bedroom has the above but no splash tub.
This room overlooks the Zambezi and is visited by elephants regularly although it is closer to the kitchen and managers' tent so sometimes this can be distracting however it is still a very popular room.
Property Facilities
Eco Friendly, Internet Access, Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Fan, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe
Available Services
Meal on Request
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, High Tea, Safaris
Activities Nearby
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boat Cruises, Boating, Canoeing, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fly Fishing, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, River Cruises, Safaris
This is the safest and most effective way to view big game. Drives are conducted in open 4wd vehicles that have been specially adapted for safari use with comfy seats, pockets to stow your gear and bean bags to steady your camera for those all important photos. Usually departing in the early morning, drives can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours depending on what's seen and the requirements of the guests. In the late afternoon drives set off for an hour or so before stopping at a scenic point for sundowners.
Once the sun has set night drives commence. Zambia is one of the few countries that permit night drives, perhaps the most interesting of safari activities.
Using filtered spotlights, which do not interfere with the well being and behaviour of the subject and which make it much easier on your eyes too, this is an opportunity to see nocturnal creatures such as civet, porcupine, genet, and also to see some of the larger predators on the move. It is not uncommon to see a pride of lions on a kill or a leopard stalking through the bush. These drives last as long as they need to.
Pioneered in Zambia, bush walks are essentially a "micro-safari". An armed ranger with your qualified and experienced pro guide will guide you through the wilderness on foot, interpreting spoor, identifying the various flora and fauna, and highlighting conservation issues. However elephants and buffalo are seen on most walks and sometimes the big cats so expect anything at anytime. The pace is leisurely and the duration is determined by guests' requirements – and what is seen on the walk. Typically, a few hours are sufficient.
One of the great aspects of a visit to Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro is the variety of activities offered by virtue of our presence on the Zambezi river.
These are two of the few camps permitted to conduct waterborne safaris within the National Park, and our custom built, motorized pontoons are ideal to take advantage of this.
Enjoy morning or afternoon cruises exploring numerous channels, viewing hippo, buffalo, elephant and prolific bird life.
Also on offer are sunset and sundowner cruises, often completed with a night drive back to camp.
Although the Zambezi offers many activities, perhaps it is best known for canoeing.
No where else is there such a combination of breathtaking scenery, varied wildlife and such interesting channels to paddle through.
Six meter long Canadian canoes are used and these trips may last anywhere from 1 hour to 1 day.
Our most popular canoe safari is 90 minutes long where guests paddle (always downstream!) from the lodge to "Sunset Strip" for sundowners and then a night drive back to Chiawa Camp.
Tranquil yet exciting, these trips can be longer and may drift through the likes of the Waterbuck Island and Chifungulu Channels, which are an excellent way to enjoy another aspect of the Zambezi River.
Chiawa Camp is internationally acclaimed as one of the world’s leading fishing destinations. Recommended by authoritative anglers and in publications such as The Best Fly Fishing Trips Money Can Buy and Forbes Traveler, expert guides are on hand to assist you in finding the notorious tigerfish (camp record 10.1kg, average 2kg) which are caught on fly or conventional tackle and other species that abound in the Zambezi River.
The waters of the National Park are free from netting and are hence your best bet for lots of big fish. Naturally we enforce a strict catch & release policy. Best months for tigerfish are September - November.
Because of our privileged situation inside the National Park, we are restricted to operating two boats at any one time. Chiawa Camp can therefore only host a maximum of 4-6 fishing clients. Boats used are 6m pontoons. Guide, fuel and tackle are provided, however we recommend serious sport fishermen bring their own gear. Medium-heavy action 20lb spinning or bait casting rods/reels work best. Wire leader is essential, as are good quality sharp hooks attached to bright, shiny spinners and spoons.
Fishing is available at both Chiawa Camp and Old Mondoro, with a US$30/angler/day surcharge for National Park angling fees.
Options
Old Mondoro offers some of the finest simple bush cuisine with a variety of unique dining locations both at the camp as well as surprise bush locations. Enjoy braais (BBQ's) under the stars on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Meals are fresh, innovative, and always a delight.
Puku Ridge Camp | South Luangwa National Park
Puku Ridge Camp, 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.
- Information
- Rooms
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- 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 Star
Safari Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 8
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Flora, Gourmet, Hiking, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
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
24-hour Security, Bar, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, En-Suite, Fan, Hair Dryer, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities
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 ...
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.
- Information
- Rooms
- Units
- Facilities
- Activities and Services
- Restaurants
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
Redefining life on the banks of the Zambezi River the River Cottages feature high ceilings, giant bespoke wood and glass windows and doors leading onto expansive sustainable pine decks. The signature African fusion Tongabezi style has been distilled to the best of 'Made in Zambia' in both the interior and outdoor spaces.
We are famous for keeping the romance of travel alive and our Cottages were designed to provide a private haven where your every whim just happens to be attended to by your very own valet.
The Nut House is a haven from the elements. It is entirely enclosed but has light streaming in through every wall. The best art, textiles, and textures have been collected and combined from all around the African continent - from Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and South Africa just to start. This creates a lusciously romantic setting for relaxation, without losing an inch of the incredible river-view.
The palette is easy on the eyes, seamlessly blending the house into Zambia's natural scenery. Folding doors open onto the elevated private garden and infinity plunge pool. Spectacular views over the Zambezi are guaranteed.
At the end of the swimming pool, a hidden path winds along the cliff face to our secluded Tree House. Set against the basalt rock bed, amongst the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, this house spreads out over a sustainable pine deck that guarantees incredible views of the Zambezi River.
The king size bed has a large, canopied mosquito net with air conditioning and the extensive space can also be used for private dining and lounging. The bathroom’s crowning glory is a perfectly positioned claw footed bath and from the Anatolian carpets to the Asian chests and West African artwork the Tree House invokes exotic day dreams.
All the inclusive Tongabezi activities are available... but this house is so much part of the surroundings that you can experience the beauty and majesty of Zambia without setting a foot outside.
The Bird House features an open-air claw footed bath and a private terrace for dining under the stars. Guests can go canoeing on the river, join game drives, bush walks and enjoy sunset boat trips. Luxury camps such as Tongabezi provide a perfect base to explore Victoria Falls and the stunning African bush surrounding it.
Built with the perfect view, indulgence and privacy in mind the Honeymoon House is the original blueprint for luxury Tongabezi accommodation. The private balcony overlooks the river, providing a perfect setting for a secluded candlelit dinner beneath the stars. Alternatively, you can choose to dine with our other guests on one of the river decks.
The Dog House personifies the Tonga ethos of exclusivity, romance and luxury with a twist of quirkiness. Located at the very end of the elevated garden path, this private haven sits on three large wooden decks over the Zambezi river. Recently extensively refurbished, the house remains magnificently proportioned and now has two beautiful bedrooms to accommodate small groups and families. The sprawling space includes a central designated chill zone with an infinity pool, extended deck, large lounge and cozy dining room. Whether you manage to venture out to enjoy the inclusive activities, dabble in serious adventure – or simply elect to order the massages in - the brand new Dog House is so much more than a beautiful, African Fusion style accommodation choice... it is the experience of a life time.
The result of a number of years of energy, imagination and many conversations with top travel specialists and our guests, the Garden House perfectly fills the family travel niche at Tongabezi. Set back from the river, seclusion and shelter are a happy swop for the sweeping Zambezi views that can still be enjoyed from any of the decks of the main lodge. It is a very private, very safe space where all the members of the family can spread out a little and indulge in an exclusive dining room, large lounge, two en-suite bedrooms and of course run around the garden and cool off in the private plunge pool. Tongabezi is proud of our crazily indulgent reputation and the Garden House is no compromise: Whether you are a wide eyed bush baby or parents who believe romance should always be a priority.
Tangala House
Tangala House is a luxurious family home on the banks of the Zambezi River, close to Tongabezi it lies 15km upstream of Victoria Falls. The house has four bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms, and a 12m private swimming pool. Stylishly designed and furnished, it has featured in House and Garden magazine in the UK and comes with a vehicle and boat, chef, waiters and private guide all courtesy of Tongabezi.
Ideal for a Zambia family safari, Tangala House sleeps up to 8 and has a children’s playroom and a spacious kitchen-dining room. The rooms are enclosed, with large glass fitted windows to keep out the insects and allow guests to enjoy magnificent views across the Zambezi. Over 145 species of birds have been spotted from the kitchen window and elephant herds can often be seen drinking on the opposite bank.
Property Facilities
24-hour Security, Activity Desk, Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Gym, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Mobile Connectivity, Pool, Private Vehicle (Available), Restaurant, Secure Parking, TV Room
Room Facilities
Air Conditioning, Balcony / Deck, Bath, Dressing Gowns, Electrical Outlets, En-Suite, Fan, Fireplace, Fridge, Hair Dryer, Heater, Laundry Service (Available), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Airport Shuttle (Available), Babysitting Service, Chauffer Service, Credit Card Facilities, Foreign Exchange, Room Service, Room Service (24 hours), 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, Tree-top Canopy Tours, 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...
