Description
At Tongabezi, the emphasis is on exclusivity and romance with days spent relaxing in natural surroundings or enjoying the numerous activities on offer, including white water rafting, canoeing, boating, fishing and game drives. Accommodation is either in one of 5 individually designed open-fronted houses with huge open-air bathrooms affording panoramic vistas across the river to the wilderness beyond, or in a stylishly decorated river cottages, each with a large double bed, and en-suite bathroom as well as areas for relaxing, dining and enjoying the expansive river views. As the River Cottages are close-fronted with gauze netting in the windows, they are better suited to guests who feel nervous about sleeping in the open fronted houses, but still wish to listen to the sounds of the bush at night. Personal valet’s are assigned to every room at Tongabezi ensuring the very best in personal service at all times.
The Lookout was conceived as the ultimate chill out zone next to the existing Tonga Lounge, dining and cocktail decks. With its feet planted firmly in the Zambezi, the Lookout offers guests the chance to feel at one with the great river and the separate levels ensure extra privacy.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Tongabezi is stylishly luxurious with 5 houses and 5 River Cottages plus Garden Cottage which is suitable for families. All the houses are unique in design and are individually named enjoying stunning views over the Zambezi River. The bathroom areas are huge with open-air sunken baths where guests can unwind after a day’s activities to the serenades of an African evening. Each house has a private balcony or deck overlooking the river, creating the perfect setting for a candlelit dinner under the stars.
Each of the River Cottages has a large double bed or two singles. All cottages have an en-suite
bathroom with separate bath and shower, indoor and outdoor areas for relaxing, dining and
enjoying the expansive river views. The cottages are closed fronted with gauze netting in the windows so perfect for those guests slightly nervous of the open aspect of the Tongabezi houses but still wanting to enjoy the sounds of the African night.
Childcare
There is a minimum age of 7 years but children over this age are very welcome and Tongabezi offers a dedicated children’s menu and or chef is happy to accommodate special requests, preferred meal times and separate hosted meals for the children – allowing the adults to enjoy extended excursions and some grown up time by themselves. There are plenty of specially designed activities for children including drumming lessons, a visit to nearby village and school to interact with children their own age, tracking, tiger fishing and a quiz night - all these activities can be with or without parents.
Facilities
There are plenty of private chill out areas including the new Lookout with it's incredible decking and views over the Zambezi River. The lodge has a lovely swimming pool for guests to enjoy at any stage during their day.
Activities
Most of the activities revolve around the Victoria Falls and there are also opportunities to go game viewing in the Victoria Falls National Park. Guests can tailor their activities to their own requirements, there are guided fishing trips, cultural village walks and sunset river cruises. From Livingstone the options include: Helicopter flights over Victoria Falls, white water rafting, elephant back safaris, trips to Livingstone Island, trips to Livingstone Museum, micro light flights, fishing, abseiling, bunji jumping and tours to Mosi O Tunya National Park and Chobe National Park.
Services
Specially trained valets are on hand to ensure children enjoy a safe introduction to the African way of life. Every room at Tongabezi has a valet assigned to them who will look after guests throughout
their stay. With his in-depth knowledge of Tongabezi and the surrounding area, he can become an indispensable source of information.
When to travel
There are three seasons: the dry season (mid-April to August), when temperatures drop at night, but the landscape is green and lush; the hot season (September to mid-November), the best time to see wildlife as flora is sparse; and, the wet season (mid-November to mid-April), ideal for bird-watching.
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Best time to visit
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Average time to visit
Not applicable
Location and directions
Livingstone, Zambia
Zambia’s Tongabezi Lodge is an exclusive lodge located on the banks of the Zambezi River, 15km upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls. Tongabezi is set in a grove of African ebony trees on a sweeping bend of the Zambezi River.
How to get there
11 hour international flight to Johannesburg International Airport, followed by a 1 hour 45 minute flight to Livingstone. Tongabezi is a 25 minute road transfer from Livingstone airport. Alternatively, you can fly to Livingstone via Lusaka.
