Tongabezi Lodge in Zambia
Tongabezi Lodge, a luxurious and unique romantic lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream of the Victoria Falls, was established in 1990 and is privately owned and run. The lodge is perfect for honeymoon couples, weddings or for the discerning traveller seeking an unforgettable African experience. The Lodge consists of 10 rooms, 4 open-fronted romantic thatched houses and 5 river cottages, all with stunning views over the river and a Garden Cottage set back from the river perfect for families. Each room has its own valet who will look after guests throughout their stay.
Tongabezi Lodge is he ultimate destination for romance and bespoke travel, the real beauty of the Tongabezi experience lies in its ability to set the scene and inspire a truly magical adventure. The lodge has an extensive variety of Cottages and Houses catering to all guests and groups. Sindabezi Island is a castaway dream on a white sand beach surrounded by the Zambezi a short boat ride from the main jetty. Tongabezi also offers thrilling boat trips to the incredible Livingstone Island in the middle of Victoria Falls.
Room Types
River Cottages
Because the River Cottages are close-fronted with bespoke wood windows, we find they are better suited to guests who feel nervous about sleeping in open fronted rooms, but still wish to reside on the very edge of the Zambezi River. Personal valet’s are assigned to every room at Tongabezi luxury lodge. A visit to Victoria Falls is only one of many activities that can be enjoyed in the area.
Nut House
A haven from the elements, it is entirely enclosed with light streaming in through every wall. Charming glass tiles reflect the sunrise in African patterns onto the wood and stone floors. Folding doors open into the private garden and infinity plunge pool. Spectacular views over the Zambezi are guaranteed from the elevated position on the river bank.
Tree House
At the end of the swimming pool a hidden path winds along the cliff face to our secluded Tree House. Set against the basalt rock bed, amongst the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, this house spreads out over a sustainable pine deck that guarantees incredible views of the Zambezi River. The king size bed has a large, canopied mosquito net with air conditioning and the extensive space can also be used for private dining and lounging. The bathroom’s crowning glory is a perfectly positioned claw footed bath and from the Anatolian carpets to the Asian chests and West African artwork the Tree House invokes exotic day dreams. All the inclusive Tongabezi activities are available… but this house is so much part of the surroundings that you can experience the beauty and majesty of Zambia without setting a foot outside.
Bird House
The Bird House features an open-air claw footed bath and a private terrace for dining under the stars. Guests can go canoeing on the river, join game drives, bush walks and enjoy sunset boat trips. Luxury camps such as Tongabezi provide a perfect base to explore Victoria Falls and the stunning African bush surrounding it.
Honeymoon House
Built with the perfect view, indulgence and privacy in mind the Honeymoon House is the original blueprint for luxury Tongabezi accommodation. The private balcony overlooks the river, providing a perfect setting for a secluded candlelit dinner beneath the stars. Alternatively, you can choose to dine with our other guests on one of the river decks.
Dog House
The Dog House personifies the Tonga ethos of exclusivity, romance and luxury with a twist of quirkiness. Located at the very end of the elevated garden path, guests enter this private haven through a heavy wooden door. The house hugs the Zambezi River along a private deck that sits low across the water. Recently extensively refurbished, the house remains magnificently proportioned. The sprawling space presents a number of loosely designated chill zones – each one meticulously designed to fulfill function, comfort and unapologetic beauty. Whether you manage to venture out to enjoy the inclusive activities, dabble in serious adventure – or simply elect to order the massages in – the brand new Dog House is so much more than a beautiful, African Fusion style accommodation choice… it is the experience of a life time.
Garden House
The result of a number of years of energy, imagination and many conversations with top travel specialists and our guests the Garden House perfectly fills the family travel niche at Tongabezi. Set back from the river, seclusion and shelter are a happy swop for the sweeping Zambezi views that can still be enjoyed from any of the decks of the main lodge. It is a very private, very safe space where all the members of the family can spread out a little and indulge in an exclusive dining room, large lounge, two double en-suite bedrooms and of course run around the garden and cool off in the private plunge pool. Tongabezi is proud of our crazily indulgent reputation and the Garden House is no compromise: Whether you are a wide eyed bush baby or parents who believe romance should always be a priority.
Sindabezi Chalet
Sindabezi Chalets have solar heated showers, and distinctive ‘loos with a view’ set along private wooden walkways. At night-time, a trail of hurricane lamps light your way back to the chalet across the soft sand. A luxuriously inviting, canopied bed ensures a wonderful night’s sleep as the Zambezi winds its way downstream to the Falls far below. Although the chalets are perfectly secluded, the island is also ideal for families or groups who would like to consider a private booking.
Sindabezi Honeymoon Chalet
Chalet Five is our ‘Honeymoon’ chalet and is situated on a secluded sandy shore at the end of the island. The brand new, old-fashioned claw footed bath is perfect for two. Thanks to our solar panelling, hot water and ambient bedside lighting is assured, The entire Sindabezi Island is also romantically lit with traditional hurricane lamps and candles.
