Tongabezi: Information from the owner

Bird House

Perched on a large, suspended deck on a cliff overlooking the Zambezi River, the Bird House is an intimate and secluded retreat that celebrates the romance of the wilderness. The Bird House features a king size four poster bed, draped in mosquito netting and has an exquisite bird themed headboard, designed by Lightfoot Zambia. There is a small indoor lounge, with wooden and glass folding doors opening onto a private terrace and plunge pool. Unwind outdoors beside the river from the claw-footed, open-air bathtub covered in bubbles and with a cool, tall drink in hand as the sun sets over the Zambezi. Dine privately by the warm glow of lanterns, before sitting back to stargaze under the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.

Dog House

The Dog House occupies its own private world at the edge of the Tongabezi garden. Elevated walkways connect the three separate decks that make up your immense Dog House home with the rest of Tongabezi. The house is made up of two bedrooms with a central indoor and outdoor lounge, private plunge pool, dining area and bar. The mighty Zambezi River flows beneath the sustainable pine decking during high water, as the house is raised off the ground to guarantee spectacular views from each window, sofa, bed and bath. The Dog House is a wonderful escape for families and friends who love travel and appreciate being together in nature, but who also want a little space for privacy.

Garden House

Set back from the Zambezi River, the Garden House offers a different perspective to the sweeping river views that can still be enjoyed from any of the main lodge decks. This is a secluded home for families and friends that appreciate privacy and space, allowing all members of the group to spread out a little within a safe environment. Rich, earthy-toned textiles and wooden furnishings create inviting shared spaces in the dining room and lounge as well as the private bedrooms, both fully en-suite. Stepping outdoors, a large, covered lounge opens out onto your own garden and plunge pool.

Honeymoon House

A boho-chic retreat with all the indulgence and privacy needed to celebrate romance, the Honeymoon House is the original blueprint for laidback luxury Tongabezi accommodation. Blue and white textiles combine with wooden furnishings and a thatched roof to create an intimate space in which to unwind together. The private wooden deck with plunge pool and dining area overlooks the river, making for unforgettable alfresco living. The en-suite bathroom has an indoor shower and open-air bathtub that is made utterly unforgettable by the canopy of stars above and the Zambezi lapping gently below.

River Cottages

Redefining life on the banks of the Zambezi River, Tongabezi's signature African-fusion style has been distilled in our five River Cottages. The Cottages feature high ceilings, giant bespoke wood and glass windows, and doors leading onto expansive sustainable pine decks. The best of 'Made in Zambia' is carried throughout both the interior and outdoor spaces in the most elegant ways. The River Cottages are perfect for the couple dreaming of a romantic and secluded retreat. They can also be booked out by a group that wants to connect with each other, while still enjoying downtime in private.

Tree House

Set against the basalt rock bed with a sustainable pine deck entwined amid the branches of three ebonies, the secluded Tree House offers effortless immersion into its riverfront surrounds. A hidden path winds away from the main lodge and along the cliff face to the Tongabezi Tree House. From the Anatolian carpets to the Asian chests and West African artwork, the Tree House enchants the imagination and invokes colourful daydreams. Stunning views of the Zambezi River roll out from every part of this airy, open plan space. The king size bed is enveloped in a large, canopied mosquito net and shares this extensive space with areas for private dining and lounging. The bathroom's crowning glory is the claw-footed bath complemented by riverfront views and the sounds of nature.

Explore the Mosi oa Tunya National Park

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.

Introduction to Simonga village

Enjoy a short cycle to meet the friendly people from the Simonga village

Livingstone Island Experience

See one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World with a trip to Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. Enjoy a guided swim in Devil's or Angel's Pools (water level dependant). You can also experience lunar rainbows, depending on the time of your visit (full moon). Complete your experience with a private moonbow dining experience (upon request) and island lunch (included).

Livingstone Museum

A place to learn about Zambia's culture and natural heritage.

Maramba and Mukuni 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.

Onsite Organic Garden Tour

Experience a guided tour with one of our amazing chefs and partake in our Pick Your Plate activity

Sampan Dining

Can you imagine a dining experience more private than having the entire Zambezi River to yourself whilst your food is paddled out to you, one course at a time? The sampan dinner or early morning breakfast is available throughout the year, apart from during the highest river levels, which are usually from March to June.

Sunrise and Sunset Cruises

A boat cruise at sunset or sunrise is a superb way to relax and enjoy the immersive beauty of the Zambezi, whilst keeping an eye out for wildlife on the river banks.

The Sand Bar

This is one of our signature Tongabezi experiences, and for guests who haven't spent much time researching us online, we keep the Sandbar as a marvellous surprise. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of watching two sunsets -- above and within the water -- with sand in your toes and a drink in your hand.

The Tongabezi Gym & Lap Pool

Safaris can be quite sedentary, so we like to give our guests spaces where they can get moving and keep their energy levels high for their daily adventures. We have a personal trainer onsite daily.

The Tongabezi Pools

Sit in the shallows of the Tongabezi Rock Pool with a cocktail in hand and the Zambezi River flowing before you, or spend some quality sunshine time by the Tongabezi Lap Pool a little further back from the river.

Tujatane School

All guests are invited to visit, engage with, and learn from the Tongabezi Trust School’s 280 bright, talented students, all of who receive free education and nutritious meals at Tujatane. In fact, if you are only going to do one happy thing during your stay at Tongabezi, we’d suggest it is a tour of this school.

Visit the Mukuni Community Farm

Come and explore some of our 1,200 hectares of sweet veld, which is rapidly becoming a fully sustainable, organic community-run farm. You can personally compare our sustainable farming techniques with nearby traditional farming methods.