Reviews of Tongabezi
Wildlife sightings and reviews
64 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Tongabezi and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Aug-2018, 6 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Tongabezi.
Hippo
83% success
Elephant
67% success
Giraffe
60% success
Zebra
40% success
Buffalo
0% success
White Rhino
0% success
Mr & Mrs F
Salop
"Tongabezi review"
3 nights Arrived 24 Apr 2012
"Beautiful hotel. Would recommend the rooms without walls.
Great settings for dinner." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Great settings for dinner." See all these reviews: 12n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs G
Harrow
"Tongabezi review"
2 nights Arrived 9 Apr 2012
"Excellent accommodation and service. We had the honeymoon house ,which was interesting as it was our 34th wedding anniversary! My wife thought I had booked it purposely ,I didn't tell her it was the only room left!! It doesn't have the edginess of a bushcamp but the range of activities make up for it.
The breakfasts were superb, I thought the lunch where there was no choice could be improved by having simpler options presented on a buffet . Evening meals were very good though take a torch. I prefer not to be rotated round the various romantic options and outlooks for dinner ,missed the opportunity to socialise with other guests apart from the pre dinner drink round the fire.
Very good excursion to Vic Falls, the museum and local market. We only found out on our last day that historically there is some Jewish interest in LIvingstone (the facilities manager is an Israeli) it would have been useful to have known this in advance and organised a tour." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
The breakfasts were superb, I thought the lunch where there was no choice could be improved by having simpler options presented on a buffet . Evening meals were very good though take a torch. I prefer not to be rotated round the various romantic options and outlooks for dinner ,missed the opportunity to socialise with other guests apart from the pre dinner drink round the fire.
Very good excursion to Vic Falls, the museum and local market. We only found out on our last day that historically there is some Jewish interest in LIvingstone (the facilities manager is an Israeli) it would have been useful to have known this in advance and organised a tour." See all these reviews: 6n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mrs A x 5
Oxon
"Tongabezi was luxurious"
2 nights Arrived 22 Sep 2011
"After all the hastle of leaving and entering several countries, filling in arrival and departure forms. We were met at the ferry by a car that wasn't large enough for 6 of us each with 3 weeks luggage, so our journey to Tongabezi was not comfortable, so on arrival, Tongabezi was a haven!
Having left the houseboats we were all a little anxious that our final place would be an anti- climax, but luckily it wasn't. Our welcome, was excellent, we were introduced to our personal valets, Joe and Mr Forbes, both of whom could not have been more helpful.
Our cottages were beautiful, and very comfortable. The communal areas were excellent, we felt a lot of thought had been put intio all aspects. The sunset river trip, with our guide, Brian, was lovely, and to come back from the river to find our cottages prepared for us by our valets, was amazing, even the baths had been run for us!
Brian was our guide for the trip to Victoria Falls, he gave us lots of information about how they had formed, and historical facts about Livingstone. Brian also took us to the airport the following day, so the continuity was very good." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
Having left the houseboats we were all a little anxious that our final place would be an anti- climax, but luckily it wasn't. Our welcome, was excellent, we were introduced to our personal valets, Joe and Mr Forbes, both of whom could not have been more helpful.
Our cottages were beautiful, and very comfortable. The communal areas were excellent, we felt a lot of thought had been put intio all aspects. The sunset river trip, with our guide, Brian, was lovely, and to come back from the river to find our cottages prepared for us by our valets, was amazing, even the baths had been run for us!
Brian was our guide for the trip to Victoria Falls, he gave us lots of information about how they had formed, and historical facts about Livingstone. Brian also took us to the airport the following day, so the continuity was very good." See all these reviews: 20n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms W
Bedfordshire
"Understated but fabulous"
3 nights Arrived 1 Aug 2011
"We all loved Tongabezi. It is a place where you can bring the family and feel really at home and comfortable and there is so much to do. Everything we did exceeded our expectations, from the included visit to the falls, the sunset cruise, canooing etc to the other activities we paid extra for. We did the walking with lions and cheetah which my nieces and nephew were totally blown away with. The visit to Livingstone Island was also fantastic. Ideally, we would recommend a minimum of 4 nights here, as there is so much to do as well as just being a lovely place to relax.
[Ed: These travellers organised the extra activities - including the 'walking with lions' - themselves, and paid for them locally, whilst they were staying at Tongabezi.]
Again the staff were brilliant and were all excellently briefed on what you were up to. We liked the effort they made to know you as individuals and do what they could do make your stay the best. You never felt hurried or that you had to fit into someone else's timetable. Only staff member who was not so good was our valet, but the others more than made up for it.
Minor point for furture reference, the Family Cottage double room is very open and we would only think it is suitable for families, two couples might not find it private enough.
River Cottage was lovely." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 3n in Tanzania
[Ed: These travellers organised the extra activities - including the 'walking with lions' - themselves, and paid for them locally, whilst they were staying at Tongabezi.]
Again the staff were brilliant and were all excellently briefed on what you were up to. We liked the effort they made to know you as individuals and do what they could do make your stay the best. You never felt hurried or that you had to fit into someone else's timetable. Only staff member who was not so good was our valet, but the others more than made up for it.
Minor point for furture reference, the Family Cottage double room is very open and we would only think it is suitable for families, two couples might not find it private enough.
River Cottage was lovely." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia; 3n in Tanzania
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Hants
"Tongabezi review"
2 nights Arrived 15 May 2011
"This was a beautifl lodge but there were one or two minor points that we would not expect: cracked toilet seat, no shower cap, no writing paper, pen or note pad. This may sound petty but was suprising.
My husband can't walk very far and there were a lot of steps to the reception but the staff were helpful and when we were out in a vechicle dropped us off nearer our cottage.
The menu, especially for lunch was restricted and if you didn't like Thai, this was a problem on one occasion." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
My husband can't walk very far and there were a lot of steps to the reception but the staff were helpful and when we were out in a vechicle dropped us off nearer our cottage.
The menu, especially for lunch was restricted and if you didn't like Thai, this was a problem on one occasion." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs G
Northants
"Lovely relaxing time at Tongebezi"
2 nights Arrived 21 Oct 2010
"Finally Tongebezi where we had a two nights r+r, and it really was – in an amazing position on the banks of the Zambezi - although the mosi net could have been more effective it was torn with holes in it – not so good, but apart from that small grumble the rest was great.
The highlight was the trip to Livingstone island and the devils pool a completely unique experience of the falls!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
The highlight was the trip to Livingstone island and the devils pool a completely unique experience of the falls!" See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mr C & Mrs A
UK
"Good location for relaxing end of trip"
3 nights Arrived 12 Oct 2010
"Was lovely being situated by Zambezi. Lodges in need of refurbishment as bit scruffy and gave the impression of being dirty as for example the bed cover where it should have been white was grey as old and the Mossy net was yellowed did not fit well and generally tatty.
We found it of no great benefit having our personal valet and felt that this job had been created so we would have to tip him generously. Pool needed refurbishing. Breakfast and dinner were good but lunch was outstanding" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 3n in South Africa
We found it of no great benefit having our personal valet and felt that this job had been created so we would have to tip him generously. Pool needed refurbishing. Breakfast and dinner were good but lunch was outstanding" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia; 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia; 3n in South Africa
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Average
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Average
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Average
Feedback Response
We were pleased that these travellers generally had a good stay at Tongabezi, however we were sorry that these travellers had a problem with the linen. Ben (the director of Tongabezi), has informed us that all their linen is going to be upgraded before the end of the year. Put this review into context by reading about their trip as a whole.
"Southern Africa Manager"
MrW & MsM
Seattle
"Romantic, riverside lodge"
2 nights Arrived 5 Oct 2010
"We had a lovely stay at Tongabezi as the first stop on our honeymoon. The staff really did a great job of making us feel welcome and organizing activities for us. The river cabins were small, yet very comfortable. The food was excellent for all meals, though breakfast tended to be served late and a little slow in coming which was problematic for early AM activities.
Insects are a big issue due to it's location. The staff kept the cabins sprayed, and made sure that the curtains were shut in the evening which really helped keep the bugs out. They offered a "sanpan" dinner, where they bring your dinner out to a raft in the river. This was wonderful, except for the bugs.
While Tongabezi's location is very tranquil, it is about a 30 minute drive to the falls and all activities there. So, if your goal is to maximize your exposure to the falls themselves, stay closer to town." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Insects are a big issue due to it's location. The staff kept the cabins sprayed, and made sure that the curtains were shut in the evening which really helped keep the bugs out. They offered a "sanpan" dinner, where they bring your dinner out to a raft in the river. This was wonderful, except for the bugs.
While Tongabezi's location is very tranquil, it is about a 30 minute drive to the falls and all activities there. So, if your goal is to maximize your exposure to the falls themselves, stay closer to town." See all these reviews: 4n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
The H Family
Swanmore
"Tongabezi review"
1 night Arrived 5 Oct 2010
"Fabulous lodges with superb food and excellent activities included.I can fully recommend the Sindabezi and Tongabezi lodges; they are safari luxury personified. The food, service and accommodation were fabulous and offered us a wonderful rest with a touch of excitement, hippos and elephants in camp at night, along with an opportunity to canoe down the Zambezi ( avoiding hippos, crocs and whirlpools! ) and even a trip into Livingstone resulted in us witnessing the birth of a baby elephant on the road side. The inclusive trips on the river in early morning & at sundown were especially appreciated as was the trip into the market."
See all these reviews: 8n in Zimbabwe; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs T
Ireland
"Great bubble bath at Tongabezi"
2 nights Arrived 22 Aug 2010
"This was a great place to end our holiday.
The room, the view and service were great, as were the activities. We even went on a helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls, paid for by us, but arranged by the lodge and taken to the airport and waited for.
The laundry service was also very good.
My only criticism was that the mats in the room needed a good clean to remove stains." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
The room, the view and service were great, as were the activities. We even went on a helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls, paid for by us, but arranged by the lodge and taken to the airport and waited for.
The laundry service was also very good.
My only criticism was that the mats in the room needed a good clean to remove stains." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia; 2n in Botswana; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Holiday styles & special interests in Zambia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Zambia.
Other lodges in Livingstone & Victoria Falls
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Avani Victoria Falls
Just a few minutes' walk from the Victoria Falls, with access for guests included, the Avani features good facilities in peaceful grounds at a modest price.
Royal Livingstone Hotel
Conveniently located just a short walk from the Zambia. side of the Victoria Falls, the colonial-style Royal Livingstone has beautiful grounds and small but quite luxurious rooms.
Waterberry Lodge
Offering great value for money and within easy reach of the Victoria Falls, Waterberry is a small, family-friendly lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River.
Islands of Siankaba
In a lovely location on the Zambezi upriver of the Victoria Falls, Islands of Siankaba provides a tranquil setting to relax at the start or end of a safari to Botswana or Zambia.
Toka Leya Camp
The new Toka Leya Camp stands beside the Zambezi inside Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park – so wildlife often passes through. It's a comfortable tented camp which has great service and includes a range of activities.
Stanley Safari Lodge
Stanley Safari Lodge has views of Victoria Falls spray from all the rooms, and is a convenient base for exploring the Zambezi River area.
The River Club
The River Club, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, overlooks the Zambezi River.
Sindabezi
Sindabezi, near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls, is an island in the middle of the Zambezi River
Thorntree River Lodge
Rebuilt in 2017, Thorntree River Lodge is one of the best riverside lodges in Livingstone, with a strong sense of the environment and straightforward access to the Falls.
David Livingstone Lodge
The four-star David Livingstone Safari Lodge is in a lovely spot on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zambia, close to the Victoria Falls.
Tangala House
Tangala House, the family home near Zambia's town of Livingstone and the Victoria Falls
Sussi & Chuma
Sussi & Chuma combines a luxurious, laid-back camp with a good location on the Zambezi River, with quick access to the Victoria Falls.
