Welcome to the magical world of the Victoria Falls, the amazing Zambezi River and the magical Tongabezi Lodge
If you live in Africa, a weekend getaway in the bush on one of Africa's greatest rivers is something that is part of your culture, essentially something you can relate to. If you live elsewhere in the developed world, it is one of the most exotic things you can imagine. .
Located twenty kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls, you will find a retreat that is simply out of this world, in terms of views, comforts and luxuries. Situated along the bank of the Zambezi River, there are eleven different cottages of varying sizes and luxury. What unites them is a sense of tranquillity and warm intimacy. The local Tonga staff are more than welcoming and greet you by your name as soon as you arrive. With the luxury of a butler who brings you whatever you require and sits down and explains to you all the activities, you have already a feeling of the place.
What struck our own Nicky Searle on a recent honeymoon stay was the pervasive air of being in your own private kingdom. Even if Tongabezi Lodge is fully booked, there are so many different spaces to retreat to that you hardly see anyone else at all.
The decor is a relaxed mixture of African influences and materials, with Colonial and Zanzibari being the dominant themes. Nearly all the cottages are completely open with no windows yet are completely exclusive, with no one overlooking anybody else. There are separate lounges or nooks where you can sit or lie. They have a rather special sanpan or floating deck anchored to the river floor, which has as its furniture a table for two where a silver service dinner is rowed out to you.
As for activities, the whole point is that you can do as little or as much as you want. In this relaxed environment (apologies for using the word relaxed again, it is a dominant theme!), you could be excused for being a lotus eater. There are however numerous excursions which you can do. Paddling out in canoes to the nearby islands, mountain biking to the village, lunching on Livingstone Island, going for game drives to the national park, guided bush walks, visiting the Falls by foot, vehicle, helicopter or even a bungee jump over the railway bridge!
Tongabezi is not a game lodge. It is a retreat, a rather special place on the banks of one of the worlds most beautiful and romantic rivers. It is perfect for couples or those who want to refill their tired urban batteries.
Writing now from Cape Town, where snow has just fallen, I am falling in love with my own picture. I think a plane flight is calling!
Tongabezi Lodge Victoria Falls by Uyaphi.com
- Kakuli Bush Camp
Kakuli Bush Camp stands out as one of the select few Zambian and South Luangwa National Park bush camps that welcome visitors during the months of January and November. During this period, the river reaches high levels, necessitating access by boat.
The safari activities (walking safaris and game drives) offered revolve around exploring the river or the nearby dry, sandy terrains that encompass the camp, all while surrounded by exceptional wildlife and birdlife.
- Fig Tree Bush Camp
Fig Tree Bush Camp is located in a wild region of the Kafue National Park surrounded by exceptional wildlife including lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena and occasionally wild dog.
A small and intimate camp that offers up only 4 tented suites is the perfect destination for wildlife and birdlife enthusiasts and is perfectly positioned on the Kafue River.
- Flatdogs Camp
Explore Zambia's captivating wilderness at Flatdogs Camp, where an unforgettable adventure awaits. This sanctuary goes beyond accommodation to offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Open to nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, Flatdogs Camp embodies the African safari spirit with a warm, welcoming vibe akin to home.
Whether relaxing in a chalet, up in the Jackalberry Treehouse, or surrounded by nature's sounds in a tented suite, Flatdogs Camp encourages you to embrace the wild, connect with nature, and forge everlasting memories.
- Luwi Bush Camp
Due to its remote location, nestled deep within the South Luangwa National Park, Luwi Bush Camp offers a unique escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With limited roads in the area, the camp's focus on walking safaris allows guests to immerse themselves in the untouched wilderness of Zambia.
The abundant wildlife and birdlife in the park provides an awe-inspiring backdrop for daily walking safaris, creating unforgettable memories that will be cherished for years to come.
- Mukambi Safari Lodge
Mukambi Safari Lodge offers guests a safari experience in the Kafue National Park's central region, a region famed for excellent wildlife and birdlife.
Located on the banks of the Kafue River, Mukambi offers game drives, walking safaris, fishing excursions, boat and sunset cruises.
- Chikunto Safari Lodge
Chikunto Safari Lodge combines luxury with wilderness, offering a unique safari experience in South Luangwa National Park. Guests enjoy nature alongside modern comforts, with a focus on eco-friendly practices for minimal environmental impact.
The lodge's limited suites ensure an intimate safari experience with close wildlife encounters. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, and bird watching to explore Zambia's untouched wilderness.