Tongabezi Lodge

Destination

Luangwa National Park

Tongabezi is a luxurious African lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, approximately 20km upstream from the Victoria Falls. A smooth 20 minute drive gets you there. Upon arrival you are taken down a set of stairs into the reception area where you sign in, and from there to your cottage or house. There are 4 beautiful open plan thatched houses and 5 tented river cottages overlooking the mighty river - each with its own unique sense of style and romance. The open fronted rooms are set low down on the riverbank, close to the edge of the water with spectacular views, especially during sunset. The architecture is dominated by nature and each room has its own interesting and attractive fittings. Double or king four poster beds and soft leather sofas add to the overall comfort you’ll experience in these rooms, while the open air baths lit by candlelight add that final touch to the romantic feel of the place. The rooms have been built in such a way that you feel like you’re right in the middle of nature, but with all the comforts of a five star hotel. It’s quite unique and truly bohemian. The owners have really done their homework and no detail has been overlooked – even the bathrooms have spectacular views. Each room has a look and feel that sets it apart from the others and we found it quite difficult to choose a favourite.

Directions To Tongabezi Lodge

Tongabezi is situated 20km upstream from the Victoria Falls on the northern bank of the Zambezi River. It is approximately 20 minutes away from Livingstone International. The nearest town to Tongabezi is Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe), followed by Livingstone.

Area Attractions

Accomodation at Tongabezi Lodge Visitors to Tongabezi have quite a few options of accommodation. At the top of the list are the four exclusive houses, each with its own private veranda overlooking the mighty Zambezi. They are the Honeymoon House (so named because it was the first house), the Bird House, The Tree House and the Dog House (named for the Wild Dog Foundation). Each is equipped with a huge, king-size bed with down pillows and a luxurious down duvet. They also come with magnificent, airy mosquito nets to ensure your nights are as comfortable as possible. Here you can enjoy bathing by candlelight in the big open air baths – truly decadent! There are also five River Cottages based along the river bank and overlooking the flow of the Zambezi. Doubles and twins are available and all rooms have mosquito nets, ensuite baths and showers. The cottages have their own lounge areas where you are welcome to enjoy a private dinner or tea and coffee if you so choose. They have beautiful French doors and sofa beds, and in winter you will be treated to a nice hot water bottle to warm your bed. One further option is the Garden Cottage with its own private walled garden. This option comes without the river views but is ideal for families or couples seeking a bit more privacy. It is similar in style to the houses and has a luxury king size bed and an open air sunken bath, but also a private living room with a fireplace and additional twin bedroom. All the rooms are equipped with unique ‘old fashioned’ telephone sets, safes, fans and mosquito nets. Some of the houses have beautiful open-sided bathrooms (the Tree House even has a private open-ended river facing toilet). When we visited they were in the process of installing high pressure showers in all the bathrooms, as well as a new sundeck and massage area near the poolside. African influenced décor features throughout the lodge and the attractive fabrics and flowing mosquito nets create a feeling of true luxury. Dining at Tongabezi Tongabezi offers various dining options. Because the hotel only sleeps a maximum of 18 people, the service is very focussed and tailor made. Intimate dinners can be enjoyed on the private verandas under a canopy of stars, while another jovial option is dining on the river decks with the other guests, or in just about any spot you find appealing. Room service is also available. If you’re after an even more exclusive and romantic setting, why not try their San Pan dinner option, presented on the Zambezi river bend? Dinner is paddled to your floating deck and table by canoe, where you and your partner can dine with the African sunset as backdrop. Another of Tongabezi’s speciality dining venues is the exclusive Livingston Island. Here you can enjoy brunch, a champagne lunch or high tea on the spot where David Livingstone first viewed the Victoria Falls. All meals and drinks are included (except champagne, premium wines and liqueurs). Full American breakfasts are available, including pancakes and syrup! Lunch is served buffet style. Everything is beautifully presented and the staff are very friendly. They have a well stocked bar near the swimming pool and this becomes a popular sundowner spot in the evenings. Amenities • Dining room • Sundeck • Swimming pool • Canoes • Reception • Lounge • Health and beauty treatments including: - Shiatsu, Reflexology and Reiki - Swedish, sports, Tonga traditional and Indian head massage - Aromatherapy - Manicures and pedicures Room facilities: • Bottled water in all the rooms • mosquito nets • Insect repellant, bug spray and citronella • en-suite baths and showers Activities: • The Lunar Rainbow - if you’re lucky enough to spend time at Tongabezi during the full moon you can experience this beautiful natural phenomenon. The resort organises special visits to the Victoria Falls on the day before, the day of and the day after the full moon. We highly recommend this activity. • Livingstone Island walks (from within the park at the Eastern Cataract to Livingstone Island). In low waters there will be the opportunity to swim in the Livingstone Island pool on the edge of the falls. Inclusive Activities • Sunrise and sunset boat trips on the Zambezi • Guided canoeing excursions • Lunch on Chunda Island with guided walks • Fishing (equipment provided) • Visits to Victoria Falls • Game drives in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park (park fees are extra) • Walks in the gorges below the falls (park fees are extra) • Cultural visits to the museums (museum entrance is extra) • Shopping trips to the Zambian side of the falls Exclusive Activities • Flights over the Falls • Mukuni Village visits • Elephant Back Safaris • Visit to Livingstone Island • Crocodile & snake park • White water rafting • River-boarding the rapids • The Gorge Swing • Bungee jumping • Golf at Elephant Hills (Zimbabwe side)