Information
Tongabezi Lodge located on the banks of the Zambezi River, it’s hidden amongst trees just beyond the gates of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Reserve. Tongabezi is the epitome of luxury safari romance. The lodge is a rich blend of wilderness and opulence, sprinkled with Zambian fairy dust, and it begs to be shared with a very special someone.
There is no set pattern to days at Tongabezi. Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Tongabezi Lodge is nestled on the Zambezi River. While the lodge is remote, there are a couple of easy travel options. Tongabezi also offers thrilling boat trips to the incredible Livingstone Island in the middle of Victoria Falls. You can fly into the new Victoria Falls International Airport which is just an hour’s drive from the lodge.
Guests do as much or as little as they wish, with game drives, bush walks and boating trips all included in the price. Take a short guided tour of the majestic Victoria Falls. You can also enjoy the Falls from inside the gorge, from Livingstone Island and from the air.
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.
Rooms
The Garden House perfectly fills the family travel niche at Tongabezi. Set back from the river, it is a very private, very safe space where all the members of the family can spread out a little.
The result of a number of years of wild imaginings as well as many conversations with top travel specialists and our guest, the Garden House perfectly fills the family travel niche at Tongabezi. Set back from the river, seclusion and shelter offer a happy alternative to the sweeping Zambezi views that can still be enjoyed from any of the main lodge decks.
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.
All Houses feature king-size beds, complete with luxurious down pillows and duvet, and a magnificent, airy mosquito net with temperature control so your sleeping comfort is assured. Every House (except the Tree House) has wood and glass folding doors that can fully enclose the bedroom if guests wish. Stunning views over the Zambezi River are guaranteed and attention has been paid to the bathroom areas with luxurious baths where guests can unwind after a day’s activities to the serenades of an African evening.
Each house has a private balcony or deck overlooking the river (the Garden House faces onto its own private walled garden) creating the perfect setting for a candlelit dinner under the stars. Every room at Tongabezi has a valet assigned to it who will look after our guests throughout their stay (the Dog House also has a private guide, boat and vehicle).
A wonderful way to see the famous friendly Zambian character in action they also have in-depth knowledge of Tongabezi and the surrounding area and are an indispensable source of information.
Facilities
Room Facilities & Amenities
- Aircon – Enjoy aircon in all rooms
- Safe – Lock your valuables away in a secure digital safe
- Private Deck – Gaze out over the Zambezi River
- Private Dining – Opt to have your lunch or dinner on your deck
- Swimming Pool – Private plunge pool
- Laundry – Same-day laundry service is complimentary
- Double/Extra Bed – There is space for an extra single bed beside the double bed.
- Boat & Vehicle – Access to private boat and vehicle
- Fireplace – Double-sided fireplace faces onto lounge and dining room
- Central Deck – Relax and play on the large, open plan deck
- Private Valet – Your own private valet provides attentive service
Tongabezi Lodge facilities include a dining, bar and lounge area under thatch, several lounge areas for relaxing, two swimming pools, and a gym. An Air-Conditioned raised Dining Room with spectacular river views.
All rooms have river views with one exception: the Garden House faces onto a private walled garden
and plunge pool
Activities
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.
- INCLUSIVE
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.
Please note that all park and museum entrance fees are extra.
Explore all the options below.
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
Did you know the famous Victoria Falls are locally known as ‘the Smoke that Thunders’?
Recognized as a World Heritage site with a width of 1,708 metres (5,604ft) and a height of 108 metres (354ft) the spectacular cascade is considered the largest body of falling water on earth and is among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer, is believed to have been the first European to discover the falls. He named them Victoria Falls in honour of his Queen. In turn Queen Victoria named the island from where Livingstone first viewed the falls Livingstone Island. It is the only accessible land in the middle of the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
- 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!
Take a look at all the options below.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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’.
ELEPHANT INTERACTION
This is an encounter unlike any other. Insightful and educational, this is an unobtrusive way to interact with orphaned elephants that have found sanctuary in a pristine wilderness environment. It is an inspiring opportunity to connect with elephants in a positive, natural and ethical way, while also learning about other wildlife conservation efforts in the area.
DEVIL’S & ANGEL’S POOL
Here’s an infinity pool like no other! One of the most astounding natural pools to be found anywhere, Devil’s Pool has a reputation for attracting thrill-seekers from the far corners of the earth. It offers daring swimmers the chance to experience the ultimate delight: peering over the brim of the largest curtain of falling water in the world. What is less well known is how effortless this life-changing adventure is. Just a short swim from Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool is thrilling but completely safe. Guided tours to Livingstone Island have a 100% safety record and our guides will be with you at all times to offer a hand, share fun facts, or simply take photographic evidence to bring home to the family.
Devil’s Pool is open during the drier months of the year, usually between mid August and mid January, when the Zambezi water levels are low enough for swimmers to take the plunge.
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.
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.
