Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi is a luxury lodge with a beautiful location on a sweeping bend of the Zambezi River about 20km’s upstream from Victoria Falls.

Tongabezi is a privately owned and run lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River which combines romance and exclusivity with warm and attentive service. Opened in 1990 it has set the standard for innovative and safari-chic camp design ever since.

The main area of the lodge is a lovely riverside thatched boma, shaded by ebony trees, where there is a bar, dining room and spacious lounge with fireplace and small library. There is also a campfire set up where guests tend to gather for sundowners – it is a perfect vantage point for the sunset.

The swimming pool is set against a rock wall, under a tumbling waterfall, with sunloungers on a large deck, all overlooking the river. The lodge will also arrange a special dinner on the lodges floating “sampan” which is moored offshore and every course is hand delivered by canoe.

The lodge offers five beautiful thatched cottages all overlooking the river. Each has a large double bed or two singles, plus a mosquito net and ensuite bath and shower, along with indoor and outdoor areas where you can dine “under the stars” or simply sit and enjoy the ever-changing river views.

There is a “garden” cottage which is very good for families being hidden behind a private walled garden and set back from the river. Beautifully designed and furnished using local materials, it is fitted with a luxury king-size bed and has a private living room with fireplace, an open-air sunken bath and an additional twin bedroom.

Tongabezi has four stunning open-fronted houses – Honeymoon House, Bird House, Tree House and Dog House – all with private terraces overlooking the river. Each is individually designed, with king sized double beds, impressive ensuite bathrooms with free standing baths.

There is no set pattern to days at Tongabezi. Guests can do as much or as little as they wish, with game drives, bush walks and boating trips all included in the price. The majestic Victoria Falls can be viewed either by boat or helicopter.

Many guests combine Tongabezi with a stay at it’s sister property, Sindabezi Island, a short boat ride away.