Tongabezi Lodge

The River Cottages

Positioned right along the river’s edge, Tongabezi’s River Cottages are a wonderful example of the camp’s long-standing commitment to style, individuality and a strong sense of place.

There are five River Cottages in total, each one spacious and thoughtfully designed, with high ceilings and large wood and glass windows that allow in plenty of natural light while making the most of the views across the Zambezi. Wide doors open out onto expansive pine decks, creating an easy indoor-outdoor flow and providing the perfect spot to sit back and watch the river drift by.

As with much of Tongabezi, there is a real emphasis on local craftsmanship, with “Made in Zambia” pieces featured throughout. The result is a space that feels both elegant and relaxed, without ever losing touch with its surroundings.

The River Cottages are particularly well suited to couples looking for a quiet and romantic retreat, offering a good level of privacy while still being within easy reach of the main areas of camp. At the same time, when taken together, they work very well for small groups travelling as friends or family, allowing everyone to be close by while still having their own space to unwind.

In keeping with the overall feel of Tongabezi, the focus here is not on over-the-top luxury, but rather on comfort, character and a genuine connection to the river and the environment around it.

The Honeymoon House

The Honeymoon House is one of Tongabezi’s most iconic rooms and in many ways set the tone for the camp’s now well-known approach to relaxed, romantic luxury.

Designed very much with couples in mind, the house has a laidback, boho-chic feel, combining soft blue and white fabrics with warm wooden furnishings under a traditional thatched roof. The result is an intimate and comfortable space that feels both stylish and completely unpretentious.

The main living area opens out onto a private wooden deck overlooking the river, complete with a plunge pool and dining space. It is an ideal setting for long, unhurried afternoons or private meals, with the Zambezi providing a constant and calming backdrop.

The en-suite bathroom continues the theme, with an indoor shower as well as an open-air bathtub positioned to make the most of the surroundings. Bathing here, under a canopy of stars with the sound of the river just below, is one of those simple but memorable experiences that tends to define a stay at Tongabezi.

As with much of the camp, the emphasis is less on formality and more on creating a space where guests can truly switch off, slow down and enjoy time together in complete privacy.

The Nut House

The Nut House is one of Tongabezi’s more private and self-contained options, set within the riverine vegetation but still enjoying clear views out across the Zambezi.

The space is fully enclosed, giving it a slightly different feel to some of the more open-fronted houses, while still maintaining a strong connection to the surroundings through large openings and an elevated position above the river. The design is open-plan and split across two levels, with the four-poster bed on the upper level and a small step down into the lounge and dining area below.

The interiors are soft and understated, with a warm colour palette and subtle Moroccan-inspired lighting that creates a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere. The en-suite bathroom is separate and includes a claw-foot bathtub.

Folding doors open out onto a private deck with an infinity plunge pool, positioned to make the most of the river views. Meals can be taken here in complete privacy, making the Nut House particularly well suited to couples looking for a quiet and self-contained stay.

As with the rest of Tongabezi, the emphasis is on comfort, privacy and a natural connection to the environment, rather than overly formal luxury.

The Tree House

The Tree House is one of Tongabezi’s most unique and well-known rooms, set at the end of a path along the cliff and built into the natural rock and surrounding trees.

The design is completely open to the front, with no walls separating the space from the Zambezi below. This creates a very strong connection to the environment, with uninterrupted river views and constant background sounds from the surrounding bush and water.

The layout is open-plan, with a king-size bed under a large mosquito net at the centre, along with a lounge area and a private dining space. While the structure is open and exposed to the elements, there are practical touches in place, including discreet air conditioning, to ensure comfort throughout the stay.

The bathroom follows the same open-plan approach and includes a freestanding claw-foot bathtub positioned to make the most of the river outlook.

Décor is simple but well put together, with a mix of natural materials and curated pieces that add character without taking away from the setting.

The Tree House works particularly well for couples looking for something different from a more conventional safari room. It is less about traditional luxury and more about the experience of being fully immersed in the surroundings, while still maintaining a good level of comfort and privacy.

The Dog House

The Dog House is Tongabezi’s largest and most private accommodation option, set slightly apart from the main camp within its own section of the gardens and connected by raised walkways.

The house is designed as a spacious, multi-level unit made up of two separate bedrooms, with a central indoor and outdoor lounge area that brings the space together. There is also a private plunge pool, dining area and bar, making it very much a self-contained option for guests who prefer to spend time in their own space.

Positioned on elevated decking, the house makes the most of its outlook over the Zambezi, with good views from all main areas. During higher water levels, the river flows directly below the structure, further adding to the overall setting.

The layout works particularly well for families or small groups travelling together, offering a shared central area alongside two private bedrooms, allowing for both social time and personal space.

Overall, the Dog House is a strong option for those looking for a more private, villa-style stay, with plenty of space and flexibility, while still having access to all the facilities and activities of Tongabezi.

The Bird House

The Bird House is one of Tongabezi’s more unique accommodation options, set on a raised deck overlooking the Zambezi and offering a good level of privacy.

The room is centred around a king-size four-poster bed with mosquito netting, along with a distinctive bird-themed headboard designed by Lightfoot Zambia. A small indoor lounge sits just behind, with wooden and glass folding doors that open out onto the main deck, creating a light and open feel.

The outdoor area is a key feature, with a private terrace and plunge pool positioned to take advantage of the river views. There is also an open-air claw-foot bathtub, which adds to the overall experience of staying close to the elements without compromising on comfort.

Private dining can be arranged on the deck, making the most of the setting, particularly in the evenings.

Overall, the Bird House works well for couples looking for a private and slightly different option, with a strong emphasis on outdoor living and a clear connection to the river below.

The Garden House

The Garden House is set slightly back from the river within the Tongabezi grounds, offering a more secluded and sheltered alternative to the river-facing rooms, while still being within easy reach of the main lodge areas and views.

The house is designed as a comfortable, private space for families or small groups, with two en-suite bedrooms and shared indoor living areas including a lounge and dining room. The layout allows guests to spread out and relax, making it particularly well suited to those travelling with children or as a group of friends.

Interiors are warm and understated, with earthy tones, wooden furnishings and a relaxed, homely feel throughout.

Outside, a large covered veranda opens onto a private garden and plunge pool, providing a secure and contained space to spend time during the day.

Overall, the Garden House works well for guests prioritising space and privacy over direct river frontage, while still enjoying full access to the Tongabezi experience.

Set on a sweeping bend in the Zambezi about 10 miles upstream from the Victoria Falls, Tongabezi is Livingstone’s “original” private camp.

It was back in 1990 that Ben Parker, who still lives on the adjacent plot, built Tongabezi and for a number of years it was one of only a very few luxury options on the Zambian side of the river. In recent years competition has sprung up in all directions but Tongabezi has maintained its high standards and the emphasis remains on exclusivity and romance.

Tongabezi offers a variety of accommodation styles, there are 4 river cottages, although these are the standard accommodation units they are quite stunning, each with it’s own private verandah and great views across the Zambezi River. The Garden Cottage is set away from the river, it has been recently renovated and with 2 rooms and it’s own plunge pool it is ideal for families. For those in search of something a little special there are 4 individually named and designed open-fronted houses and finally the Dog House is a very luxurious family unit comprising 2 large bedrooms a separate living area with extensive deck and private pool overlooking the river.

Each house and cottage at Tongabezi has its own valet who will attend to you throughout your stay to ensure that you make the most of all that is on offer around the camp.

The swimming pool at Tongabezi is landscaped into a natural cliff and meals are usually served on the deck overlooking the river or in the “boat House”, a stunning addition to camp which over-hangs the river.

Days at Tongabezi have no set pattern and can be spent exactly as you wish. Choose simply to relax at the lodge or make the most of the wealth of activities on offer in and around the Victoria Falls area. Options include river boat trips, picnic lunches on islands, visits to Livingstone and both sides of the Falls, birding, white water rafting, bungee jumping, horse riding, or, my favorite, a visit to the stunning Livingstone Island which hangs seemingly suspended in mid stream half way across the falls themselves.

Perhaps because of its long standing in the Zambian tourism industry and certainly because it has maintained the highest standards of operation, Tongabezi remains a personal favorite of mine in the Livingstone area.