Tongabezi
Livingstone, Zambia
At a Glance
Visit the mighty Victoria Falls, just 20 kilometres away and take some spectacular photographs of one of the natural wonders of the world
Take a dip in Tongabezi's "rock pool" complete with high diving board
Enjoy a "floating dinner" on Tongabezi's private pontoon - have your food brought to you by canoe
Visit the Livingstone Island and take a dip in Devil's Pool, 167 metres high and on the edge of the Falls
Enjoy a bit of haggling as you shop for wooden carvings by the edge of the falls
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
There are two very distinct seasons at the Victoria Falls, the wet/flood season and the dry season. These seasons do not reflect the quantity of rain, rather reflect the volume of flow of the Zambezi River. From around March through to July the river surges in size as the rainfall in Angola and Zambia from months before swells the current. The falls are at their most dramatic at this time of year with huge columns of spray. The nights are cold and the days warm at this time of year. From around September to January the water levels drop, the falls are more accessible and views are clearer as the flow can drop in volume by 90%. It is worth noting that the rains come from late October through to February, this combined with high heat, 40 celsius or more, in October and November, causes high levels of humidity.The drier months from October to February offer different activities during the lower water level season, such as swimming in the natural rockpool at Livingstone Island, right on the edge of the falls. Whatever the time of year there is plenty to do here and the views from a helicopter or microlight are spectacular whatever the water levels!
Insider's View
Have a San Pan dinner on the Zambezi River.
This really is heaven on earth!
Have a tour of Tujatane school which is on site. It was set up 21 years ago with only 15 children, now it caters for over 250!
Try one of their 'not for the faint hearted breakfasts' made with the freshest ingredients from their garden with really inventive recipes
Call us on 020 3993 5269 to start planning your holiday to Tongabezi or take a look at our itineraries to Zambia
Description
Tongabezi is a stunningly stylish and luxurious lodge, with individually and stylishly designed Houses and Cottages situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and just 11 miles upstream of the falls themselves.
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, boating, fishing and game drives. Located upstream of the Victoria Falls, this is an ideal place to unwind at the start or end of a safari.
Accommodation is either in one of five 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. All apart from the Tree House have folding doors allowing you to sleep enclosed, or with the cool breeze, depending on your preferences. The River Cottages are smaller but beautifully furnished, each with a lovely deck that stretches out over the river. Personal valets are assigned to every room at Tongabezi ensuring the very best in 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. The Hangout is located adjacent to the Lookout and offers the perfect location for total relaxation, private dinning or simply kicking back with a book while enjoying the wonderful views out over the river.
The lunar rainbow is an amazing spectacle that can be experienced by guests visiting during the three nights around the full moon. Guests interested in witnessing the lunar rainbow over the Victoria Falls will receive full moon dates including one day prior, on and one day after the full moon. The best months for viewing moonbows are just after the rains from around April through to August / September depending on cloud levels.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Tongabezi is stylishly luxurious with five houses and five River Cottages plus the 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 houses, with the exception of the Tree House, has folding doors which you can close at night if you prefer, or leave open to hear the night time sounds and feel the cool breeze as you sleep.
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 Garden House is an ideal option for families or groups, set back from the river in the pretty gardens, with its own garden and private pool area. There are two double ensuite bedrooms here, a large lounge and a private dining room, and plenty space for kids to run around and for the whole family to relax together.
| River Cottage | These spacious suites have large double beds (twin on request) and are built at the edge of the River Zambezi. Each bedroom has a stunning en-suite bathroom with a bath looking out over the river. |
| Tongabezi Houses | There are 5 different houses to chose from each is very different and unique in design. Garden House offers two bedrooms and is perfect for families. Dog House also has two bedrooms and is well suited to couples or friends travelling together. The other houses have just one but with space for extra child beds on request. |
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. The Garden House is the ideal option for families, but extra beds can be accommodated in other room types on request and depending on the age of the children.
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.
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, trips to Livingstone Island, trips to Livingstone Museum, micro light flights, fishing, abseiling, bungee jumping and tours to Mosi O Tunya National Park and Chobe National Park.
Reviews
Sian Frost (Staff)
I love Tongabezi! Take an afternoon to visit the school they set up right next door to the lodge, visit the gardens which provides nearly everything they need to produce the delicious food or just relax in one of the many areas close to the waters edge and look out for hippos. The rooms are spacious, private and beautifully decorated.
Rose Gemmell (Staff)
Heaven on earth! This lodge is positioned just 30 minutes from the falls on one of the most beautiful spots on the Zambezi and looking out onto the Zimbabwe National Reserve. Everything about Tongabezi is totally flawless from the beautifully designed river rooms to the river house where you can relax in the afternoon and watch the world go by. The Garden House room is so ideal for families and offers a real escape for kids with its own private dining area and swimming pool. Tongabezi is the ideal options for anyone looking for a bit of relaxation before heading off on safari and also the perfect place to unwind after.
(Press)
A romantic hideaway along the Zambezi riverfront, where guests stay in rustic chalets overlooking the river. If you are looking for privacy, the hotel has its own island, Sindabezi. Each house and cottage has its own valet to help with the stay, and guests can do as little or as much as they wish. Game drives, bush walks, and boating trips are included in the price.
Experiences
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Chief Mukuni's Village
Gain an insight into the fascinating culture of the Leya people in this 2-hour tour of Chief Mukuni village.
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Dinner on the Livingstone Express
Dine onboard the Livingstone Express, a vintage train, offering guests the chance to travel in style, discover the mighty Victoria Falls at sunset and enjoy fine dining with a difference.
Holiday Ideas
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Epic Africa
Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, Kigali, Volcanoes National Park
from £16000 pp inc flights & transfers for 13 nights
- An incredible variety of safari experiences, from game drives, walking safaris, boat safaris and even canoeing and mokoro trips
- Visit the raging Victoria Falls, a UNESCO world heritage site
- Enjoy a sunset boat cruise on the mighty Zambezi
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Highlights of Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique
Victoria Falls, Sabi Sands and Bazaruto Archipelago
from £8100 pp inc flights & transfers for 10 nights
- Safari in one of the most wildlife-rich parts of Africa, the Sabi Sands
- Search for leopards on night game-drives
- View the Victoria Falls from a helicopter for the ultimate thrill
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Ultimate Zambia
Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa and Lake Malawi
from £12700 pp inc flights & transfers for 14 nights
- Begin your trip with a bang at Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world which is also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “Smoke that Thunders”.
- Escape to a luxury hideaway along the banks of the Zambezi River and enjoy a myriad of activities around Victoria Falls.
- Venture out into the wilderness in the Lower Zambezi National Park, which has just a handful of luxury camps and very few tourists.
Location & 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.
- 100% financial protection
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator