Toka Leya Camp

Highlights

• Game drives in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• Rhino tracking on foot with armed rangers to find white rhino
• Sunrise and sunset cruises on the Zambezi
• Guided visit to Victoria Falls, about 12km downstream
• Catch-and-release tiger fishing
• Infinity pool, spa and gym, all facing the river
• Three family suites with a second bedroom

Information

• Lodge type: Classic Safari Lodge
• Location: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Livingstone
• Lodge size: 12 tented suites (3 family suites)
• Recommended stay: 2–5 nights
• Malaria risk: Yes — Livingstone and Mosi-oa-Tunya lie in a malaria area; take prophylaxis on your doctor's advice
• Getting there: 20–30 minutes by road from Livingstone's Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport; 12km upstream of Victoria Falls

With Only 12 Tented Suites, Toka Leya Is That Perfect Zambezi River Camp

Toka Leya Camp is Wilderness's tented camp on the Zambian bank of the Zambezi River, in the western sector of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, about 12km upstream of Victoria Falls and 20–30 minutes by road from Livingstone's airport. The camp is inside the park, with Victoria Falls and Livingstone town a short drive away, so even a two-night stay covers game viewing, the Falls and the town. Hippo grunt in the shallows below the decks, elephant and buffalo come down to drink, and the river birding is superb.

The camp looks across a braided stretch of the Zambezi, where rocky rapids, wooded islands and the main channel all sit in one sweeping view. The eastern side, including the main guest area, lies in the deep shade of jackalberry, knobthorn and waterberry trees. The western side is more open, anchored by an ancient baobab with long, uninterrupted river views.

Raised wooden walkways link the suites to the main area, keeping the camp's footprint light on a fragile riverbank. It is classic Wilderness: understated, beautifully run and built entirely around the river.

Rooms and Suites

Toka Leya has 12 tented suites, including three family units with a second bedroom, all raised on wooden decks facing the Zambezi. Interiors are cool and uncluttered, with wooden floors and African décor in earthy tones. The en-suite bathrooms have double basins and both indoor and outdoor showers, and every private deck has an outdoor bathtub.

Birdlife visits the decks constantly, and elephant and hippo occasionally pass close to the tents.

Cuisine and Wine

All meals are included and served in the dining area, on the sundeck or on the pool deck, every one of them overlooking the Zambezi. The lounge and bar open straight onto the river, and evenings move from sundowners to dinner to the fire pit.

Local drinks are included in the rate, while premium imported brands and champagne are charged extra. Drinks are also served on board the included sunset cruise on the Zambezi.

Facilities

Every facility at the camp faces the Zambezi:

• Infinity pool and pool deck above the river
• Spa offering massages and treatments
• Air-conditioned gym with river views
• Lounge, bar and dining area
• Sundeck and evening fire pit
• Wi-Fi

The infinity pool at Toka Leya Camp overlooks the Zambezi and is the place to cool off on hot Livingstone afternoons, especially from September to November.

Activities

Twice-daily activities are included, and the range is outstanding for a camp so close to town. Wilderness's fully inclusive rate covers:

• Game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• Guided walks in the park, subject to guide availability
• Rhino tracking: a drive, then a short walk on foot with armed rangers to find white rhino
• Sunrise and sunset cruises on the Zambezi
• Catch-and-release tiger fishing
• A guided visit to Victoria Falls (Zambian side; Zimbabwean side from December to March)
• Tours of Livingstone and visits to local communities

Victoria Falls is the obvious headline. Seeing both sides is well worth it if time allows, so keep your passport handy for the crossing into Zimbabwe. For adrenaline, helicopter flights over the Falls, white-water rafting below them and the bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge can all be arranged at extra cost.

Child Friendly

Families are well catered for, thanks to three family suites, each with a second bedroom so parents and children share a tent without sharing a room. Victoria Falls, boat cruises and game drives in a small, easily explored park make it a good option for a first family safari.

Livingstone's tours and community visits add a cultural dimension that older children tend to remember long after the trip.

Spa and Wellness

The spa offers massages and treatments with the Zambezi as the backdrop, which is an excellent way to recover after a morning on the river or a day at the Falls. Next door, the air-conditioned gym keeps the energetic on track with views over the river.

Toka Leya Camp FAQs

Where is Toka Leya Camp and how far is it from Victoria Falls?

Toka Leya is a Wilderness tented camp on the Zambian bank of the Zambezi River, inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone. It lies about 12km upstream of Victoria Falls, close enough for a guided Falls visit included in the rate. The camp overlooks wooded islands and rapids on a braided stretch of the river, where hippo, elephant and buffalo come down to drink.

How do I get to Toka Leya Camp?

Most guests fly into Livingstone's Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, which has direct flights from Johannesburg. From there, Toka Leya is 20–30 minutes by road. Wilderness Air can also fly guests between Wilderness camps, making it easy to combine Livingstone with Botswana or other parts of Zambia on one itinerary.

Is there malaria at Toka Leya Camp?

Yes. Toka Leya, in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone, lies in a malaria area, as does all of Zambia. Speak to your doctor or a travel clinic about prophylaxis before you leave. Suites have mosquito protection, and long sleeves and repellent in the evenings help.

What activities are included at Toka Leya Camp?

Toka Leya's fully inclusive rate covers game drives and walks in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, rhino tracking on foot with armed rangers, sunrise and sunset Zambezi cruises, and catch-and-release tiger fishing. It also includes a guided visit to Victoria Falls and tours of Livingstone and local communities. Helicopter flights, white-water rafting and bungee jumping cost extra.

Is Toka Leya Camp good for families?

Yes. Toka Leya has three family suites with a second bedroom, so families can stay together in one tented suite. Victoria Falls, river cruises and short game drives in compact Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park suit children well. Cultural visits around Livingstone add variety. Check the camp's minimum age policy when you book, as some guided activities have their own age limits.

Conclusion

Toka Leya Camp combines Victoria Falls, a game-viewing national park and a Wilderness-run river camp in a single stay, just 20–30 minutes from Livingstone's airport. Two or three nights allows time to explore the Falls and enjoy the camp's activities, and the camp pairs well with a longer Zambia or Botswana safari.

Timing changes the experience. March to May is generally the peak-flow period, with the Falls at full force, drenching spray and huge rainbows. From roughly late August to January, lower water opens up the rocks and, water levels permitting, Devil's Pool. June to October is the dry season, with the best game viewing in the park.

Uyaphi.com has been planning African safaris since 1999 — 27 years of matching the right camp to the right traveller, season and budget. Tell us when you'd like to travel and what you'd love to see, and we'll build Toka Leya into a safari designed entirely around you, with no booking fees and no credit card surcharges.