Reviews of Tongabezi
Wildlife sightings and reviews
65 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, 7 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Tongabezi.
Hippo
86% success
Elephant
71% success
Giraffe
67% success
Zebra
50% success
White Rhino
17% success
Buffalo
0% success
Dr & Mrs S
Northants
"Luxury on the Zambezi"
2 nights Arrived 3 Oct 2008
"Tongabezi`s reputation goes before it. We have known quite a few people who have stayed her over the years and it lived up to expectations.
We were warmly greeted and introduced to our personal valet who showed us to our cottage. Lovely rooms overlooking the mighty Zambezi with everything one could want. We were shown the central area offered drinks and lunch. The activities manager went through the list of possibilities with us and drew up a programme for our stay.
As it was very low water and we had seen the Falls many times before we decided to give that a miss. We had a game drive, had a sundowner cruise and a a picnic lunch on an island in the middle of the river. Once again we tried our luck with the elusive Tigers but not one bite did we have.
Tongabezi was a perfect end to our trip. Once again the staff were very attentive, the food was good and the company congenial. We were given the option to eat alone or on a guest table. After dinner one night the staff sang to us which was beautiful." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
We were warmly greeted and introduced to our personal valet who showed us to our cottage. Lovely rooms overlooking the mighty Zambezi with everything one could want. We were shown the central area offered drinks and lunch. The activities manager went through the list of possibilities with us and drew up a programme for our stay.
As it was very low water and we had seen the Falls many times before we decided to give that a miss. We had a game drive, had a sundowner cruise and a a picnic lunch on an island in the middle of the river. Once again we tried our luck with the elusive Tigers but not one bite did we have.
Tongabezi was a perfect end to our trip. Once again the staff were very attentive, the food was good and the company congenial. We were given the option to eat alone or on a guest table. After dinner one night the staff sang to us which was beautiful." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia; 2n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Scrub hares
London
"Ultimate luxury near Victoria Falls"
3 nights Arrived 26 Jul 2008
"A great end to our trip, after the exertions of the bush. Tongabezi offers a different kind of experience from the safari camps and lodges we visited previously. The accommodation is larger and even more luxurious, the food excellent, service just as good if a bit less personal (because there are many more staff, to look after many more visitors - and perhaps the fact that one doesn't get to mingle with the management in the same way.
We took a game drive and were able to see the remaining white rhino on foot, but the Vic Falls Park lacks the wilderness atmosphere of S Luangwa and Kafue. Our first visit to the Vic Falls was another overwhelming experience. A shame that they make a charge for the game drive." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
We took a game drive and were able to see the remaining white rhino on foot, but the Vic Falls Park lacks the wilderness atmosphere of S Luangwa and Kafue. Our first visit to the Vic Falls was another overwhelming experience. A shame that they make a charge for the game drive." See all these reviews: 12n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Woodpeckers
Kingston
"Tongabezi review"
2 nights Arrived 15 Jun 2008
"Tongabezi was somewhat different to the two previous camps as although it was in a Park and did have a few Hippos running around it felt less like being in the bush.
The meals here were superb and the quantity and quality of food excellent - full breakfasts with so much choice. We did feel it was more formal at this "camp" and we missed the atmosphere of being sat with other guests at lunch and dinner especially as we were all sat together for pre and post dinner drinks. A more formal choice of destination." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
The meals here were superb and the quantity and quality of food excellent - full breakfasts with so much choice. We did feel it was more formal at this "camp" and we missed the atmosphere of being sat with other guests at lunch and dinner especially as we were all sat together for pre and post dinner drinks. A more formal choice of destination." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Good
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mrs W
Bath
"Great end to the holiday at Tongabezi"
3 nights Arrived 29 May 2008
"We thought Tongabezi was fantastic. We were in one of the river cottages which was really lovely and the views of the Zambezi were incredible.
We thought the food here was extremely good. Service & friendliness of the staff excellent. We particularly enjoyed the boat trips - the sunrise & sunset cruises and would highly recommend the bird watching trip.
Our only annoyance was that we were overcharged for our helicopter ride. We requested a 22 minute flight but at the time of booking were told that the 15 minute or 30 minute durations were more popular and we might not find enough people wanting the 22 mins. We said that we would alternatively go for the 15 mins if necessary. Tongabezi weren't specific about the length of ride when they confirmed our booking but on my watch the actual trip was 24 mins.
When we check out we were charged for a 30 minute trip even though at no point had we said we would do the 30 mins. We did complain but we could not get the charge reduced." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
We thought the food here was extremely good. Service & friendliness of the staff excellent. We particularly enjoyed the boat trips - the sunrise & sunset cruises and would highly recommend the bird watching trip.
Our only annoyance was that we were overcharged for our helicopter ride. We requested a 22 minute flight but at the time of booking were told that the 15 minute or 30 minute durations were more popular and we might not find enough people wanting the 22 mins. We said that we would alternatively go for the 15 mins if necessary. Tongabezi weren't specific about the length of ride when they confirmed our booking but on my watch the actual trip was 24 mins.
When we check out we were charged for a 30 minute trip even though at no point had we said we would do the 30 mins. We did complain but we could not get the charge reduced." See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs H
Hampshire
"Relax at Tongabezi"
4 nights Arrived 17 May 2008
"Not a lot to say, everything except for lunch was excellent, lunch was exceptional.
Our whole stay from beginning to end was exactly what we were after and that was total relaxation.
Did not want to leave." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 4n in Zambia
Our whole stay from beginning to end was exactly what we were after and that was total relaxation.
Did not want to leave." See all these reviews: 9n in Botswana; 4n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mrs C
W Sussex
"Tongabezi review"
3 nights Arrived 9 May 2008
"Fabulous setting right on the banks of the Zambezi. The cottages are lovely with good views, set next to the river and far enough apart to give absolute privacy. The sounds of hippo calling to each other accross the river was wonderful. The highlight of our stay was finding a hippo on the lawn in front of our cottage leisurely chomping the grass until, having caught sight of us, it slunk quietly away and slipped back inot the river with a grunt of "goodbye".
Tongabezi facilities were good with private dinning on a wooden deck with unforgettable views of the river. Staff were friendly and attentive.
Activities were very good and staff were amenable to requests. We went to Victoria Falls twice - it was just mesmerising. We also got to visit the Royal Livingstone Hotel en route and had the opportunity to savout the ameneties there and see the mist rising from the falls accross the river!
We enjoyed Tongabezi.
We would like to just make mention here of the second stage of our trip which was overland from Tongabezi to the border with Botswana. This was another terrific experience. The Zambezi is the border and having had our passports stamped at the border post, we had to carry our luggage to the water's edge and wait for a little steel boat to take us accross the mighty Zambezi. Halfway accross, the boatman stopped the boat and gave us a lecture on the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers and the countries bordering - meanwhile the little boat bobbed up and down in this vast expanse of water and the huge lorry ferry ploughed passed us. Slightly surreal!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Mozambique; 3n in Zambia
Tongabezi facilities were good with private dinning on a wooden deck with unforgettable views of the river. Staff were friendly and attentive.
Activities were very good and staff were amenable to requests. We went to Victoria Falls twice - it was just mesmerising. We also got to visit the Royal Livingstone Hotel en route and had the opportunity to savout the ameneties there and see the mist rising from the falls accross the river!
We enjoyed Tongabezi.
We would like to just make mention here of the second stage of our trip which was overland from Tongabezi to the border with Botswana. This was another terrific experience. The Zambezi is the border and having had our passports stamped at the border post, we had to carry our luggage to the water's edge and wait for a little steel boat to take us accross the mighty Zambezi. Halfway accross, the boatman stopped the boat and gave us a lecture on the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers and the countries bordering - meanwhile the little boat bobbed up and down in this vast expanse of water and the huge lorry ferry ploughed passed us. Slightly surreal!" See all these reviews: 6n in Botswana; 5n in Mozambique; 3n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Good
Mrs M Glasgow
UK
"Tongabezi review"
2 nights Arrived 7 Nov 2007
"The service at Tongabezi was excellent and our room had real wow factor. Perfect for our Honeymoon. We found Tongabezi a really relaxing place. The food was lovely and the staff arranged for us to have a floating san pan dinner which was really romantic.
There was a large range of activities and we chose to pay for some additional activites. A trip to Livingston Island and a helicopter flight. Although Tongaezi seemed bigger than the other camps we had stayed in staff were very friendly and seemed to take a genuine interest in our stay." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
There was a large range of activities and we chose to pay for some additional activites. A trip to Livingston Island and a helicopter flight. Although Tongaezi seemed bigger than the other camps we had stayed in staff were very friendly and seemed to take a genuine interest in our stay." See all these reviews: 10n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr B Dorset
UK
"Avery pleasany relaxing stay"
2 nights Arrived 29 Oct 2007
"A very good idea after 6 days safari. We particularly enjoyed the early morning and evening river cruises. We were the only ones to make the early trip - good for us- but they did miss a beautiful hour or so! They were very mean with the mosquito spray!"
See all these reviews: 4n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
Mrs C & Family
Herts
"Tongabezi"
2 nights Arrived 23 Oct 2007
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Average
Facilities:
Excellent
Ms N London
UK
"Tongabezi review"
3 nights Arrived 29 Sep 2007
"Comments on previous page"
See all these reviews: 9n in Zambia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Feedback Response
This client commented: "My husband and I started our Zambian adventure at Victoria Falls staying at Tongabezi. We had a wonderful first wedding anniversay staying in the Bird House with our wonderful valet Alvin. The Falls were amazing and a trip to Livingstone Island well worth albeit it could be a bit longer. The sunset boat cruises are a must especially for the elephant watching!"
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.
