Information
Capturing the authentic African bush camp experience in true Tongabezi luxury and style, Sindabezi Island is ‘nature therapy’ for the soul.
Named after the River Shinde where it meets the Zambezi River right near the location of the island.
Enjoy views of the Zambezi River floodplain and Victoria Falls National Park from your open-fronted Chalet, knowing your only neighbours are the resident wildlife. Quiet hang-out spots and the main camp beckon you to unwind amidst the tranquillity of this tiny isle, just 12km upstream from Victoria Falls.
With zero grid dependence, Sindabezi is one of Africa’s top 10 eco lodges according to Fodor’s. So the only footprints you will leave behind are in the island’s silky soft sand.
Rooms
Sindabezi has only five open-sided thatched cottages, allowing guests to soak up the sights and sounds of the African bush in the perfect, pristine setting. Views across the flood plains of the Zambezi and into the nearby National Park complete the experience. Sleeping only 10 guests in five open fronted thatched chalets on wooden decks overlooking the river Sindabezi is also the most environmentally friendly island in the river – with zero grid dependence.
Rooms are lit romantically with hurricane lamps, candles and starlight at night. Our island manager and team of staff will look after guest’s every need to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Sindabezi can be combined with Tongabezi or as a standalone stay from where you can enjoy all activities on offer at Tongabezi. The island can also be booked as a private experience when travelling in a group or as a family.
Honeymoon Chalet
Chalet Five is our ‘Honeymoon’ chalet and is situated on a secluded sandy shore at the end of the island. The brand new, old fashioned clawfoot bath is perfect for two. Thanks to our solar panelling, hot water and ambient bedside lighting is assured, The entire Sindabezi Island is also romantically lit with traditional hurricane lamps and candles.
Tucked away on the banks of the island all four Chalet’s have solar heated showers, and distinctive ‘loos with a view’ set along private wooden walkways. Although perfectly secluded, the island is also ideal for families or groups who would like to consider a private booking.
Room Facilities
Facilities
Property Facilities
Your stay at begins with either a short boat ride or a guided canoe trip down the Zambezi River to the island. Along the way there are opportunities for game viewing as we pass close to the shores where animals wander to drink at the river’s edge. The main camp area is set on the sand and is the perfect place to relax and take in the peace and tranquility of this tiny island.
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
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
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.
