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.
angala Private House is a luxurious family home on the banks of the Zambezi River that has been tastefully designed and furnished in true Tongabezi style.
It lies close to the main lodge at Tongabezi while still being secluded enough to ensure a private and safe environment for your family holiday. Tangala has four bedrooms, three of which have en-suite bathrooms. The fourth room has twin beds, is ideal for children and there is a bathroom across the hallway. The house also comes with two gorgeous, family-friendly dogs.
The rooms are enclosed with wide windows that provide magnificent views across the Zambezi. The living room has a large sofa and two armchairs and leads onto a 'snuggery' with satellite TV, video, hi-fi and fireplace. The kitchen and dining room are open plan and spacious to suit the comings and goings of all family members.
An open-thatch veranda easily seats 10 and steps lead out onto the garden that has 250m of private river frontage. The 13-metre swimming pool has a shallow area with bench seating for the little ones and the terrace has an eight-seat railway sleeper picnic table. Tangala also has its own well-equipped gym.
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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
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 11
Special Interests: Adventure, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, History & Culture, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife
Zarafa Camp | Selinda Reserve
Zarafa Camp is an intimate, four room exquisite tented suite camp located on the130,000-hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana, an area linking the Okavango Delta and the Chobe/Savute corridors. Its villa, the Dhow Suite at Zarafa, consist of two tented suites and private main area and operates entirely independently of main camp. Few camps rival the location of this little gem, Botswana’s first and only Relais & Chateaux property. Overlooking the crystal waters Zibadianja Lagoon, the source of the famous Savute Channel, every area of camp has a magnificent view. The lagoon is also the water source for a tremendous population of wildlife – dry season sightings boast buffalo and elephant by the hundreds. Zarafa Camp and The Dhow Suite at Zarafa are the brainchild of the founders of Great Plains Conservation, who pooled their collective experience on safari to create what they deemed to be the best and most environmentally innovative camp. Zarafa has succeeded in successfully in retaining a clearly African feel, while balancing that delicate relationship between personal and informal and romance and adventure. Zarafa Camp has no equal in terms of its environmental credentials and its careful appointments.
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Suites
Zarafa Camp is designed with exclusivity and privacy at its core. Each suite is positioned on the forest's edge, rimming the shores of the floodplains and far from a neighbour. The 305 square metre marquis style' canvas guest suites are expansive and open-air without exposing guests to the elements. Each of the three spaces of the suite is decorated with custom-made furniture, handcrafted from recycled ancient hardwoods. The raised decks, constructed of recycled African railroad sleepers, form the tent's foundation.
Upon entry is a large lounge appointed with a leather sofa, armchairs, personal bar and writing desk. Adjoining the lounge is the main bedroom and dressing area. Exiting the bedroom, a beautiful copper gas fireplace is strategically placed between the bathroom and the bedroom to allay the chill of the winter months. The main bathroom is comprised of a copper bath and shower, double sinks and private toilet. Off the bathroom, the raised walkway leads to the outdoor shower, complete with wrap around showerheads! The private verandah, running the length of the front of the suite, offers a private plunge pool, outdoor lounge and sweeping view of Zibadianja Lagoon's waters.
Each tent comes with its own professional camera body and zoom lenses for use during a stay. Photos are then downloaded as a souvenir at the end of your stay.
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa
The Dhow Suite at Zarafa, an immense 210 square metres (2,260 sq ft) in extent, is under beige, flowing canvas, with canopy ceilings and completely open (yet netted) sides. Entering through the heavy wood Lamu door transports guests to a lavish space of deep reds, browns, brass and copper, evoking richness and beauty. Central to The Dhow Suites are a full lounge and dining area fitted dining table, coffee table with cappuccino machine and a full-length leather couch and chairs. Two large bedrooms are connected to either side of the main area designed with an open layout bathroom with impressive copper claw foot bath, indoor shower, separate loo and double basins and even an open fire, with copper flue, to heat the room in winter. A large decking area fronts onto the suites with a 5 x 2.5 metre swimming pool, exercise bike and outdoor showers for each room, all with views of pristine Botswana wilderness. The adjoining main camp has a curio shop for those who need retail therapy and an in-room massage is also available.
Property Facilities
Bar, Battery Charging Facilities, Communal Dining, Eco Friendly, Internet Access (Complimentary), Kiddies Club, Library, Pool, Restaurant, Spa, Vegetarian
Room Facilities
Balcony / Deck, Bath, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Dressing Gowns, Fan, Fireplace, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar (Complimentary), Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Pure Cotton Linen, Safe, Shower, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
24-hour Security, Credit Card Facilities, Laundry Service (Complimentary), Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Big 5, Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Fine Dining, Game Drives, Game Viewing, Game Walks, Helicopter Scenic Flights, Massages, Night Drives, Practice Green, Safaris, Walks (Guided), Wildlife Tours
Activities Nearby
Helicopter Rides
With a maximum of just eight guests, Zarafa Camp offers complete flexibility. Drives do focus on the most comfortable and productive times of day, early morning and late afternoon, but full day drives are also quite common at a guest’s request. Picnic brunch can be delivered, and the vehicles are stocked with cold drinks. The camp has two custom built Land Cruisers specially designed for our conditions and photography (fold-down screens, raised roofs, photographic bars, multi-plug invertors) with seven individual bucket seats.
Another huge benefit of staying within the conservancies is the ability to appreciate the stunning landscape on foot, peacefully, without the noise of engines. We highly recommend this unforgettable experience. Talk to the managers to arrange a good time and location for a walk. Usually early morning or evening is the best time, as the middle of the day is too hot to venture out of the shade. Wear good
walking shoes, a hat, and neutral coloured clothing so as not to alarm the wildlife, and take binoculars. Your guide will have water for you. Walks are led by licensed guides with firearm training.
The HES Zib, Zarafa’s special pontoon boat, is an utterly unique experience. The 275 sq. foot deck is complete with couches, a dining area and bar where guests can comfortably enjoy floating brunch or sundowners while watching hippos and elephants in the water. It is also an exceptional platform for birding.
Each of Zarafa’s guest suites has a professional camera set, including a camera body and lenses. Photos will be downloaded to a DVD on guest’s departure. Each suite comes with a pair of high-quality binoculars for guest use as well. For stargazers, each room comes with its own telescope for use on each suite's private deck.
A full syllabus of bush craft skills for our young explorers. This is a complimentary program that follows in the footsteps of National Geographic Explorers-in-Residence, Dereck and Beverly Joubert. An extensive pack will be provided to eager children on arrival, so they can learn about animal calls, how to track wildlife, and other facts and figures about the wild. At the end of a child’s stay, he/she will become a Young Explorer and Conservation Ambassador - ready to go out and tell the world about what they have learned and what they too can do to help protect this beautiful environment.
Fly-fishing and rod/reel kit is available for those who want to try their cast at the local fish (except January and February when there is a moratorium on fishing).
Explore the lagoon and channels around the area by flat-bottomed power boat.
The Spa at Zarafa is located between suite 4 and the Dhow Suite. The Spa offers guests two treatment
areas and with a range of treatments available. Spa treatments are at an additional cost.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
5 Star
Other
Spoken Languages: English
No. Rooms: 4
Special Interests: Adventure, Big 5, Birding, Fishing, Flora, Gourmet, Leisure, Nature, Relaxation, Star Gazing, Wildlife, Wine
Wilderness Vumbura Plains | Kwedi Concession
A modern-style safari camp that wouldn’t look out of place in an architecture magazine, Wilderness Vumbura Plains is designed and operated in total empathy with its diverse surroundings. Partnerships with local communities in this region of the Okavango Delta have created empowerment opportunities while allowing guests access to its many treasures.
Fourteen light, airy guest suites feature designer fittings and touches of unabashed luxury, including private plunge pools and salas, as well as indoor and outdoor showers. Safari activities focus on day and night game drives through a variety of game-rich terrains. Seasonal water activities can be very rewarding.
INSIDER'S TIP: Enjoy the use of the spotting scope for exceptional viewing of birds and wildlife. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the resident otter family!
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The formation of the Okavango Delta, and the life it supports, is brought to life in the camp’s thoughtful artwork, screens, maps, woven basket patterning and dyes. The rich colour palette of turquoise, purples and natural tones pays homage to the Delta wilderness.
The wardrobe doors and shower screens are clad in large, striking underwater photographs, while charcoal-coloured mosquito nets and black sanitaryware add to the contemporary feel.
Each suite is designed to maximise the magical views of the Delta and bring nature inside, while the artwork and bespoke design pieces tell the stories of the land, the people and the place they call home.
Families have complete privacy in Vumbura Plains’ spacious family units.
Vumbura Plains North offers six suites, and two family units (Vumbura Plains South consists of six suites, but has no family accommodation).
The two family units each accommodate four guests in two spacious en-suite bedrooms.
The main bedroom has a large sunken indoor lounge, with spacious indoor and outdoor showers, while the second bedroom is smaller and has an indoor shower.
Both bedrooms have separate entrances and share an outdoor deck and private plunge pool with seating area.
We recommended families with younger children choose the family unit with the interleading, shaded lounge area, as it is semi-outdoor and features canvas blinds which may be rolled up and down to provide cover for all weather conditions.
Property Facilities
Bar, Library, Pool
Room Facilities
Electrical Outlets, Fan, Internet Access (Complimentary), Laundry Service (Complimentary), Lounge Area, Mini Bar, Mosquito Nets, Outside Shower, Plunge Pool, Safe, Tea / Coffee, Verandah
Available Services
Credit Card Facilities, Private Vehicle (Available)
Activities on Site
Bird Watching, Boating, Catch-and-release Fishing, Game Drives, Massages, Mokoro Excursion, Night Drives, Walks (Guided)
Activities Nearby
Cultural Tours, Helicopter Scenic Flights
Morning and afternoon game drives are offered in open 4x4 vehicles. Bringing you closer to many thrilling interactions being played out in the wild, our knowledgeable guides are the vital link between guests and the intricacies of the natural world.
Wilderness Vumbura Plains’ unique community concession agreement means that many of the professional guides here grew up in this area, adding an extra layer of authenticity and cultural relevance to their expert tracking and identification skills. Swap your game drive for a nature walk, and marvel at the smaller things you may miss when travelling by vehicle.
* Seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.
After dark game viewing with filtered spotlights allow you to find intriguing nocturnal animals.
Wilderness Vumbura Plains truly an Okavango experience, and there is no better way of viewing game and exploring the channels than by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe). The wondrous wetland habitats result in a multitude of aquatic life, and these excursions reveal the fascinating smaller creatures of the Delta including colourful frogs and lively waterbirds.
* Water levels permitting.
Excursions by boat are another idyllic form of water wildlife exploration in the amazing paradise of the Okavango Delta.
* Water levels permitting.
Fishing is on a catch and release basis, and the Vumbura Private Wilderness Area, is considered one of our best fishing areas as there is permanent water all year round. A limited supply of basic equipment is available at camp, whereas all fly fishing equipment is to be supplied by guests if required.
* Note that fishing is seasonal as it is prohibited by Botswana law in January and February due to breeding purposes.
The birding at Wilderness Vumbura Plains is as varied as it is exceptional all year round. Search for some of the the hundreds of bird species, from lilac-breasted rollers, to carmine bee-eaters, and secretary birds. Or even the Pel's fishing owl! In the summer months many migrant species are present, while other specials which are regularly seen include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola, fan-tailed widowbird, pink-backed pelican and possibly rosy-throated longclaw for the dedicated birders.
As part of this unique collaboration, lightweight and compact OM-D photography equipment has been provided for guests to try out a number of the impressive features offered by Olympus. The picturesque vistas at Wilderness Vumbura Plains will amaze even the most seasoned safari explorers, and we hope that you will enjoy learning more about wildlife photography with our passionate guides.
* Olympus Photo Hub experience dependent on camera availability.
Children in the Wilderness (CITW) is a non-profit organisation supported by ecotourism company Wilderness Safaris, which aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of children in Africa.
Insight, care and commitment are required to conserve Africa’s pristine wilderness and wildlife areas. If we are to ensure that these places continue to exist – in this generation and those to come – we need the rural children of Africa to understand the importance of conservation and its relevance in their lives. Hence, our Children in the Wilderness programme: an environmental and life skills educational programme for children, focusing on the next generation of decision-makers; inspiring them to care for their natural heritage and to become the custodians of these areas in the future.
This is achieved in a variety of ways – from hosting Eco-Club programmes at local schools, to running camps at Wilderness Safaris and partner camps, for the children within the rural communities that live on the edges of the wild areas of Africa.
Your Stay
3 Nights
Fully Inclusive - Bed, All Meals, Fees and Activities
Fast Facts
Lodge
No. Rooms: 14
Special Interests: Birding, Nature, Wildlife
