Tongabezi Lodge

The Tongabezi Lodge is a winning eco-lodge in Zambia leans into the tranquillity of its hidden location on the banks of the Zambezi River. Combine romance and luxury with a hint of adventure as you relax just 12km upstream of Victoria Falls.

Our joyous team welcome guests to a selection of Houses and Cottages, each embellished with interiors lovingly chosen from around Africa. Immerse yourself in nature and experience unique dining and river activities.

Tongabezi combines romance and exclusivity with warm and attentive service to make your love story with Africa come true on the Zambezi River.

COTTAGES & HOUSES
The four River Cottages and seven Houses are individually styled and cater for two to five guests. Unique touches and charming character are at the heart of the Tongabezi design aesthetic.

Indulge in lavish luxury at the Honeymoon House, wake up amongst the birds in the Tree House or enjoy an alfresco dinner from the private deck of your River Cottage.

Spend quality time together with family and friends high above the river at the Dog House or in your own private garden and plunge pool at the Garden House. Each house and cottage has its own valet who acts as a private concierge and takes care of you throughout your stay.

TANGALA PRIVATE HOUSE
Tangala 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 comfortably sleeps six people in four bedrooms, three with en-suite bathrooms and raised king-sized beds, along with a lovely children’s playroom. 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 with large glass windows for you to enjoy the peaceful river view while working out.

THE TREE HOUSE
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.

THE HONEYMOON HOUSE
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.

ACTIVITIES
In keeping with our individual approach to hospitality, there is no set itinerary so you are free to do as much or as little as you wish. You can book every inclusive excursion at a time that fits perfectly with your idea of the ideal holiday. External activities will depend on availability.

A wide range of activities are on offer during your stay at Tongabezi. Marvel at the mighty Victoria Falls, take an early morning game drive around the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, drift down the Zambezi River on a sunset boat cruise, or indulge in a romantic sampan dinner floating out on the river.

SAMPAN DINNER
The sampan is another magical dining experience unique to Tongabezi. What better way to celebrate Zambezi living than to wine and dine on this magnificent river?

You can expect all senses to be tuned in – a delicious meal with a good bottle of wine, the sunset painting the sky oranges and purples, and the nocturnal sounds of the bush. The sampan dinner is available throughout the year, apart from during the highest river levels, which are usually from March to June.

SAND BAR
This is one of our signature Tongabezi experiences. It immerses you in the beauty of the Zambezi wilderness while you are treated to a delicious lunch spread or chilled drinks at sunset. One of our friendly team will be there to wait on you so can sit back, relax and enjoy each other’s company.

POOL
Our long swimming pool, laidback bar and lounge will beckon you to kick off your shoes and unwind during the warmer hours of the day. The bustle of birds in the surrounding trees and call of African fish eagles above is the soundtrack to your holiday on the Zambezi River. Take a splash on the wild side!

GYM
There is no excuse to miss your daily workout as you have full access to our boutique gym. It is kitted out with an extensive range of gym equipment, including a spin bike, aerobic steps and mats. Large glass windows open onto a shady garden space, making your time spent at the gym so much more enjoyable.

BOAT CRUISE
A boat cruise at sunset or sunrise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Zambezi River.

There are great photographic opportunities of the Zambian landscape and wildlife during the day’s golden hours. Flocks of birds skim the waterline to collect insects, hippos wallow about in the cool water and elephants come to drink along the riverbanks.

VICTORIA FALLS
Watching the Zambezi River plummet over the edge and into the Batoka Gorge is an amazing sight no matter the time of day.

The soft light at sunrise makes the early wake-up call absolutely worth it; a sundowner session is a different yet equally memorable experience as you marvel at the Zambezi plummeting over the edge. Watching a rainbow shift within the mist above Victoria Falls will remind you of the magic of nature.

MOSI-OA-TUNYA NATIONAL PARK
While Mosi-oa-Tunya might be Zambia’s smallest national park, it still makes for an exciting day in the bush. It is on an ancient migration route and river crossing point that is still frequented by elephants, especially during the drier months.

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.

FISHING
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.

MARAMBA & MUKUNI VILLAGE MARKETS
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.

LIVINGSTONE MUSEUM
During a tour of the museum, you will come across the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr David Livingstone, including authentic maps, personal effects and journals. There is a fascinating collection of artefacts as well as stories to hear about the natural history, anthropological, African culture and Zambian biodiversity.

NON-INCLUSIVE
Along with our complementary activities, you can choose from a host of non-inclusive activities to add to your itinerary while staying at Tongabezi.

Want to know our favourite? The Livingstone Island Tour, which includes a swim in Devil’s or Angel’s Pool (depending on the Zambezi water levels), and is a captivating experience you won’t soon forget!

LIVINGSTONE ISLAND TOUR
A superb vantage point from which to witness Victoria Falls is from Livingstone Island. Tongabezi offers five trips a day to Livingstone Island. A twin-engine boat will take you on a thrilling journey through the fast-moving channels of the Zambezi River.

Once on the island, you will be given a guided tour, learning about its history from ancient times when it served as a sacrificial site to the present day and its UNESCO World Heritage status. Tuck into some teatime treats, which are made and served to you on the island by the Tongabezi team.

DEVIL’S & ANGEL’S POOL
Devil’s Pool is famous for attracting thrill-seekers from around the world, offering daring swimmers the chance of a life-changing adventure that is completely safe. It is just a short swim from Livingstone Island and one of our guides will be with you at all times.

It features as part of the Livingstone Island tour. Devil’s Pool is usually open between mid-August and mid-January when the Zambezi water levels are low enough for swimmers to take the plunge.

MICROLIGHT FLIGHTS
This is a breath-taking experience that opens up a different perspective of the Victoria Falls, Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River. Whether you choose the 15-minute or 30-minute flight, you can expect spectacular views from this completely open air aircraft that is able to fly fairly low over ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.

HELICOPTER FLIGHTS
The ‘Flight of Angels’ helicopter trip is the chance to see and appreciate the Zambian landscape in all its vast beauty.

The helicopter has specially designed bubble-shaped windows that allow for panoramic viewing and great photographic opportunities from all seats. It is an incredible angle from which to view the Victoria Falls and the winding Zambezi River.

WHITE WATER RAFTING
This one is for the daredevils! The incredible force of the Zambezi River crashing down Victoria Falls creates world-famous rapids in the gorge below.

With names like ‘Mother’s Revenge’ and ‘Devil’s Toilet Bowl’, you will understand why we say these rapids are not for the faint-hearted. If you get a kick out of extreme water sports, then these raging rapids will get your adrenaline pumping.

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s greatest concentration of elephants and it is amazing to see these iconic animals drinking, swimming and playing in the river while out on a boat safari.

It’s not just about elephants though, as hippo, buffalo, bushbuck and puku are regulars to the riverside as are various kingfisher species, saddle-billed stork and African darter. The park is on Botswana’s northern border with Zambia, which makes a day trip to see some amazing wildlife relatively easy.

ROYAL LIVINGSTONE EXPRESS
The Royal Livingstone Express is an exceptional nostalgic experience which combines the luxury and charm of five-star rail travel with the wild beauty of the Zambian bush.

The train is an all-inclusive leisurely journey starting just before sunset and taking you through Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. You can do this activity with a happy heart knowing about their reforestation carbon-offset programme!

RHINO WALK
You are completely immersed in the bush during this walking safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, as your knowledgeable guide leads you to where the rhinos have been spotted that day.

Once you have located the rhinos, you may be able to get quite close and it is difficult to not be humbled while in the presence of these tragically endangered animals. Along the way, your guide will talk about the surrounding ecosystem and animal spoor you come across.

GET INVOLVED
Tourism can be a driving force for real, positive, sustainable change, and this is never truer than in Southern Africa.

We invite you to make your luxury safari that much more unforgettable by getting stuck into some of our community and conservation projects! Leave more than footprints behind when you head home, and experience the real soul of Zambia and Malawi.

TONGABEZI TRUST SCHOOL
The Tongabezi Trust School’s other name, Tujatane means ‘let us all hold hands together’ and this little school, born in 1996, would not have been possible without supportive hands reaching out from all over the world to help.

The school is run entirely on donations, mostly from Tongabezi guests. All guests are invited to visit, engage with, and learn from our 280 bright, talented students, all who receive a 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.

HOW TO HELP NOW
The Tongabezi Trust School relies on the kindness of travellers. Head to their website if you want to know more about how to donate, and how to keep sending happier, more confident children to brighten Zambia’s future.

TWAABANE COMMUNITY CREATIVE CENTRE
The Twaabane Creative Centre is a brand-new project for the Tongabezi Trust School Team, and they’d love the chance to show you what it is all about. This colourful, happy space is designed to share creative, artisanal, and practical skills to not only the children but also the adults in our Simonga Community.

If you are new to sewing or sustainable farming, come and join a class! If you have skills of your own to impart, let us know in advance if you’d like to hold a lesson.

HOW TO HELP NOW
Get in touch with Emma, the school’s Fundraising and Administration Manager, if you would like to donate funds, art supplies, or your expertise to bringing creative productivity, and new employment opportunities, to our Simonga Village neighbours young and old.

MUKUNI ORGANIC COMMUNITY FARM
Come and explore some of our 1,200 hectares of sweetveld, which is rapidly becoming a fully sustainable, organic community-run farm.

Our team absolutely loves to teach travellers about their sustainable farming techniques, from alley cropping to grazing rotation and even to the home-made fertiliser and pesticide they use.

You can personally compare their farming techniques with nearby traditional farming methods. See as the community begins to adopt methods that are not only cheaper and better for the environment, but also provide more growth.

HOW TO HELP NOW
Donate via the Green Safaris Foundation Fund. If you want us to use the funds for something specific (seeds, gardening utensils, training days for the community) then be sure to mention this and we will keep you updated.

TONGABEZI REFORESTATION PROJECT
Reforestation is vital in Southern Africa where so many people depend on coal to cook, clean and keep warm. Whilst we are working to replace coal stoves with sustainable grass and stick-fuelled ones, our Green Team is also hard at work replacing the trees that have been cut down.

Come and visit our nursery and see all of the indigenous and fruit-bearing trees getting ready to create shade, nutrition, and be a wonderful carbon-offset for our community.

HOW TO HELP NOW
Donate via the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation. If you want us to use the funds for something specific, like seeds, plant food or fuel to drive the saplings to their new homes, then be sure to mention this and we will keep you updated.

SIMONGA VILLAGE
The tours within Simonga Village provide a joyous opportunity for guests to learn, engage and share stories with our wonderful community. One of our local team will lead the tour, which is conducted in a respectful manner, and will introduce you to people who they know are happy to chat with the group.

We encourage you to take the time to get to know the people you meet and to listen to the stories that they have to tell. This is an unforgettable way to experience a small slice of local Zambian life.

HOW TO HELP NOW
Sponsor our Tongabezi Trust School to continue to uplift this joyful but vulnerable community.

Rooms: 11

Price: from 1.310 EUR per night

Source: www.greensafaris.com